THC and CBD: What is the difference?

Two terms you will encounter again and again when looking at hemp products. Here you will find out what they mean and what to look for when comparing them.

Perhaps you are currently looking at a hemp oil. On the product page you read "CBD", "full spectrum" and a percentage. This raises an obvious question: Does it have anything to do with the well-known "high" feeling?

To be able to classify a product, it helps to distinguish between THC and CBD. As a partner of BergBlüten, we at Naturify would like to explain this knowledge to you in an easy-to-understand way.

Two components of the same plant

THC and CBD occur in the hemp plant. They belong to the so-called cannabinoids. Despite their common origin, they differ in their effects.

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is responsible for the intoxicating effect of cannabis and can influence, among other things, perception, memory and coordination.

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It does not cause an intoxication comparable to that of THC. If you want to know whether CBD makes you "high", the answer is therefore: CBD itself does not have this intoxicating effect.

What does that mean for a CBD product?

The designation "CBD" does not automatically mean that a product is completely free of THC. The decisive factors are the details provided about the specific product.

"Full spectrum" is also its own term: It describes an extract containing various components of the hemp plant. These can include different cannabinoids and natural flavor compounds.

A percentage on the bottle therefore does not yet answer all questions. Check what ingredient it refers to. A stated CBD concentration is different from the THC content.

What applies in Switzerland?

Cannabis products with a total THC content of under 1% are not subject to the Narcotics Act in Switzerland. However, this does not imply a general permission to sell.

In addition, the regulations of the respective product category apply. A cosmetic product, for example, must meet different requirements than a medicinal product. The THC content is therefore only one part of the legal classification.

What to look for when comparing

Take a moment to read the product description and the original label. These questions will help you:

What is contained?

Are the ingredients and their concentrations clearly stated?

What is the product intended for?

Note the declared intended use and the manufacturer's instructions.

What evidence is available?

Can laboratory analyses be linked to the product or the respective batch?

A higher percentage alone says little about the quality or personal suitability. More meaningful are verifiable details about raw materials, manufacturing and testing.

Naturify and BergBlüten: Knowledge that helps you

As a partner of BergBlüten, we would like to help you better understand product information. You do not have to work your way through all the technical terms. Often, an informed decision begins with a specific question about the label.

Your contact person at Naturify is Daniel Gwerder. If you have questions about THC, CBD or the information on our BergBlüten products, please feel free to contact us.

For medical questions or the treatment of symptoms, please contact a medical professional or a pharmacy.

This post is based on the guide by our partner BergBlüten on the difference between THC and CBD. The legal information was supplemented using information from the FOPH and Swissmedic.