THC and CBD: what are they? Here are all the differences

differences between thc and cbd

Modified on: 01/09/2023

What are THC and CBD and what are the differences between the two active ingredients of legal and not legal cannabis.


The compounds contained in CBD and psychotropic marijuana, are more than a hundred, but the main ones, as well as the best known, are the cannabinoids THC and CBD.

THC is the best known being the active ingredient that acts on psychic processes and which consequently makes cannabis illegal in many countries.

If we talk about CBD, however, the discourse is entirely different: it does not cause any psychoactive effect, much less it creates dependence among consumers.

Precisely for this reason, the amount of CBD of legal weed in Italy has no particular limits. At the same time, the allowed THC must be less than 0.2% ( the psychotropic effects are therefore non-existent ).

thc and cbd legal percentage

Are you curious to go into the topic and want to know the THC and CBD in detail?

Excellent: read on, and your curiosity will be satisfied.

Hey … Remember that even if CBD cannabis contains low amounts of THC, it would be better not to take it with you on air travel.

Do you want to know why?

Read also: CBD cannabis: can we bring legal weed on the plane?

THC: what it is, what its composition is, and what are the effects?

THC, more precisely tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive cannabinoid contained in marijuana inflorescences.

As you well know, it is loved by cannabis users since it is responsible for the “high” effects caused by the inhalation or ingestion of inflorescences.

The effects of this active ingredient may vary based on the concentration, but in reality, a low percentage is enough to notice alterations of the psyche.

Among the most common effects we can indeed find the following:

  • euphoria
  • relaxation
  • a sudden increase in appetite (called “chemical hunger” in family parlance)
  • THC chemical hunger

These properties have made it illegal, but at the same time, apply to the medical field. It seems that research has already made enormous progress in its different ways of use.

THC works effectively against chronic diseases or various ailments, bringing relief and reducing pain. So, this active ingredient brings numerous effects on our body, such as the antiemetic one calming the sense of nausea and vomiting.

An important discovery has also shown that the composition of this cannabinoid is useful for the neurological improvement of patients with Tourette’s syndrome, as well as being an effective remedy for anxiety problems.

More technically, THC stimulates the release of dopamine, that is, a neurotransmitter that modulates individual behaviour: mood, sleep/wakefulness, memory, attention and many other aspects.

It acts, in effect, like a neurotransmitter naturally produced by our body, known as anandamide, “the bliss molecule”.

It is why THC above all causes pleasant sensations in those who use it, altering their emotions.

However, one should not underestimate the doses to be taken: a high quantity could have undesirable effects on mood, causing depression, paranoia and even hallucinations.

cbd doesn't cause depression

CBD: properties and benefits.

After describing the properties of THC, it is easier to understand those of CBD and the differences between the two cannabinoids.

First of all, CBD is not a psychoactive compound; that is, it does not alter the mental state of those who use it. It is what made it “safe” and legal in Italy and other countries of the world.

This cannabidiol has also found its application in the medical field: in fact, it is used in treatments for schizophrenia, anxiety and other disorders in which relaxation is fundamental.

Those who use them, therefore, not only have the opportunity to counteract these problems but do not face any side effects potentially induced by THC.

Be careful though: although legal CBD weed and legal hash often contains very high percentages of CBD (e.g. the Sweet Berry variety, with CBD> 22.5%), it cannot be considered a medicine. You cannot, therefore, replace it with drugs prescribed by specialists, nor can you find it in a pharmacy – as opposed to therapeutic marijuana with a high THC content -.

CDB is also used to relieve pain caused by physical ailments: inflammation, migraines or muscle problems. Besides, cannabidiol, especially if in high doses, goes against the psychoactive effects of THC, moderating the stimuli that come from the psychotropic substance.

As for CBD and chemical hunger, we can say that the active ingredient does not cause an increase in appetite. On the contrary: it seems that, in addition to relaxing the limbs, it helps to speed up the metabolism and correctly assimilate the nutrients.

Read also: Hashish Charas: when hashish can be CBD without losing in quality.

CBD and THC together

Both the British and Europen legislation and that of other countries have led to the common belief that THC has only negative effects.

Instead, many studies have also ascertained how these two substances can act together. It is creating a sort of synergy of effects. It is the so-called “entourage effect “.

In these cases, we have CBD which mitigates the effects of THC and at the same time increases its beneficial efficacy.

It makes consumers understand that the action of the two cannabinoids present in the Cannabis plant is different than that of the components analyzed individually.

The European law on the allowed limit of THC

In 2016, the production and marketing of weakened cannabis Sativa, also called CBD weed, was declared legal.

In particular, marijuana is considered legal if it consists of a THC level of less than 0.2%.

Know that, in full compliance with law 242/2016, all lots and samples of CBD flower sold on justbob.shop are certified. It means that an in-depth analysis of THC and CBD (in the laboratory) is carried out: consequently, the products you buy on our shop are entirely legal.

It should also be made clear that personal use of CBD buds is not currently allowed. The law is not explicit in this regard, but to avoid problems, we advise you to stick to the uses set out on our packaging.

If you want to use it for recreational purposes, to relax, do not do it outside the home!