What Is the Difference Between CBD and THC
- Pure Natural Vibes Health and Wellness
- Nov 26, 2025
- 3 min read
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are both compounds that come from the ancient plant Cannabis sativa and can be found in cannabis oil. THC is the compound in cannabis that produces intoxicating effects, while CBD is the major non-intoxicating component in the plant species.
Psychoactive Effects
One of the major differences between THC and CBD is its psychoactive effects. THC has what can be called “unwanted” psychoactive effects that give you that high, euphoric feeling, while CBD has non-intoxicating effects. So while THC contributes the most to cannabis psycho-activity among all cannabinoids, research shows that CBD has certain properties and positive effects against some negative psychological reactions caused by THC.
It’s important to note that CBD is often referred to as “non-psychoactive,” but it turns out that this is a misrepresentation of the cannabinoid. CBD is actually psychoactive. What does this mean? By definition, a psychoactive compound affects the mind and behavior. This means that it has the ability to affect brain function and outlook, perception, cognition, and behavior.
Because CBD works on the central nervous system, both directly and indirectly, it does have these effects. So yes, CBD is psychoactive, which is what is thought to also give it its benefits. In fact, all cannabinoids are psychoactive, in different ways and to different degrees.
Both CBD and THC are psychoactive, as they both affect the mind, but there is one major difference in the way they make you feel — unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating. Using THC may alter your senses and increase your hunger. With CBD, you will generally not experience noticeable changes, which is what makes it more appealing to so many people.
Are THC-Free CBD Products Safer?
CBD and THC are similar in some ways; however, many people choose to use CBD and avoid THC because they prefer not to feel any intoxicating effects. This THC drawback explains why CBD is gaining popularity among consumers who are looking to take advantage of the properties of cannabis, without feeling high for it.
While more research needs to be conducted, some research shows that CBD generally has a better safety profile than other cannabinoids, including THC. Higher doses seem to be well tolerated by consumers who are experienced users.
THC-free CBD products are often deemed safe and just as effective as those containing CBD with trace amounts of THC. But as more research is conducted, we are finding out that the two compounds actually have what’s called “complementary effects,” which means that when they are used in combination, it can compound their effects.
The beneficial properties of THC are often downplayed because of the compound’s controversial intoxicating effects. This, combined with the misrepresentation of CBD as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, tends to make people believe that THC is questionable. However, when trace amounts of THC are used in CBD products, the benefits are likely greater. Some research findings indicate that CBD isolates with no THC may not be as effective as full-spectrum products that contain high amounts of CBD and trace amounts of THC. These very small amounts of THC will not leave you feeling “high” or intoxicated but will work with CBD and other cannabinoid compounds in the product to have greater beneficial effects.
