Cannabis 101: THC, CBD, the Endocannabinoid System and What Labels Mean

Short answer: Cannabis makes more than 100 cannabinoids. THC is the main intoxicating one, and CBD isn't intoxicating (Russo 2011). Both act on the body's endocannabinoid system. "Indica" and "sativa" labels don't consistently match a product's chemistry, so the lab results tell you more (Smith et al. 2022).

Need to buy legally in DC? Register first: start your ABCA registration.

The endocannabinoid system

The body makes its own cannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG, which act on two main receptors, CB1 and CB2 (Russo 2011). Plant cannabinoids act on the same system. More in the endocannabinoid system explained.

THC

THC is a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 and is the compound behind cannabis intoxication (Russo 2011). Potency is listed as a percentage by weight on the label and COA. For context, the average THC in DEA-seized cannabis in the U.S. rose from about 4% in 1995 to about 12% in 2014 (ElSohly et al. 2016). Licensed products vary, so read the label.

CBD

CBD isn't intoxicating. The FDA has approved one CBD drug, Epidiolex, for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome. It hasn't approved any other CBD products on the market (FDA). The FDA has also approved three synthetic cannabinoid drugs: Marinol, Syndros and Cesamet.

Other cannabinoids

CBG is the precursor compound. CBN forms as THC oxidizes in aging cannabis. THCV is a related compound that's still being researched (Russo 2011). We don't make effect claims for them. Delta-8 THC's legal status is a separate question, so check ABCA before assuming anything.

Indica, sativa, hybrid

These terms started out describing plant types. A 2022 study of commercial products in six states found the labels don't consistently align with cannabinoid and terpene content (Smith et al. 2022). See indica, sativa and hybrid: the real story and cannabis terpenes explained.

Reading a DC label and COA

Look for THC and CBD content, batch or lot number, test date and net weight. Ask for the COA to see full test results (how to read a COA). Buy only from ABCA-licensed stores (check a license). New to this? See the first-time dispensary guide and the start-low dosing guide.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between THC and CBD?

THC is the main intoxicating cannabinoid. CBD isn't intoxicating (Russo 2011). See CBD vs. THC.

Do indica and sativa labels tell you what's in a product?

Not reliably. A six-state study found commercial labels don't consistently align with measured cannabinoid and terpene content (Smith et al. 2022).

Has the FDA approved any cannabis products?

The FDA has approved one CBD drug, Epidiolex, and three synthetic cannabinoid drugs: Marinol, Syndros and Cesamet. It hasn't approved the cannabis plant itself (FDA).

What should I look for on a DC cannabis label?

Look for THC and CBD content, batch or lot number, test date and net weight. Then check the COA (how to read a COA).

Has cannabis gotten stronger?

Average THC in DEA-seized cannabis rose from about 4% in 1995 to about 12% in 2014 (ElSohly et al. 2016).

Where can I buy legally in DC?

From ABCA-licensed retailers, after registering. See the licensed dispensary directory and start your ABCA registration.

Sources

ABCA
Russo EB. Taming THC. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344–1364. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3165946/
Smith CJ et al. PLoS ONE. 2022;17(5):e0267498. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9119530/
ElSohly MA et al. Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):613–619. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4987131/
FDA, FDA and Cannabis: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-cannabis-research-and-drug-approval-process

Educational information only, not medical advice. 21+.