CBD vs. THC: A Plain-English Guide for DC
Short answer: THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main intoxicating compound in cannabis. CBD (cannabidiol) is not intoxicating (NIDA). Both are cannabinoids. The plant contains at least 125 of them, according to NIDA, and "more than 100" besides THC and CBD, according to NIH's complementary health center (NCCIH). On a DC product label, THC and CBD content are the two numbers to read first. This guide explains what each one is. It doesn't recommend any product or claim any health effect.
Want to buy from a licensed DC store? Register first: start your ABCA registration.
What is THC?
NIDA describes delta-9 THC as the most abundant form of THC in the cannabis plant. It has intoxicating effects, meaning it can temporarily change mood, thoughts and perception (NIDA). THC acts on the body's cannabinoid receptors, mainly CB1 (Russo 2011). For background, see the endocannabinoid system explained.
Potency has gone up over time. NIDA reports that THC potency in illegal cannabis seized by law enforcement rose from 3.96% to 16.14%. It also notes that flower and concentrates in dispensaries can have THC concentrations above 40% (NIDA). NIDA says higher THC concentrations have been associated with a greater likelihood of cannabis use progressing to cannabis use disorder (NIDA).
NIDA also lists short-term effects that are more common at higher THC amounts or in people with little experience: anxiety, fear, distrust, panic and, at times, hallucinations (NIDA).
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It is marketed in supplements, foods, oils and lotions. NIDA says CBD "is not intoxicating like THC" but may have side effects including drowsiness, decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea (NIDA). NCCIH adds that some side effects, such as sleepiness, abnormal liver-function tests and drug interactions, appear to come from CBD itself. These were seen in some participants in the Epidiolex studies (NCCIH).
Labels aren't always accurate either. NIDA notes that some products have contained different amounts of CBD than their labels show, and some products sold as CBD have contained THC (NIDA). In DC, licensed products are lab-tested before sale (see how to read a cannabis COA).
What has the FDA approved?
According to NCCIH, the FDA has not approved the cannabis plant for any medical use. It has approved these specific drugs (NCCIH):
- Epidiolex (purified CBD), for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome.
- Marinol and Syndros (dronabinol, a synthetic THC), and Cesamet (nabilone, a synthetic substance similar to THC).
The FDA has also concluded that THC and CBD can't legally be added to food sold in interstate commerce or sold as dietary supplements (FDA). Dispensary products are not FDA-approved drugs.
CBD vs. THC at a glance
| THC (delta-9) | CBD | |
|---|---|---|
| Intoxicating? | Yes (NIDA) | No (NIDA) |
| FDA-approved drug forms | Synthetic versions only: dronabinol, nabilone | Epidiolex |
| Reported side effects | Anxiety, panic and impaired coordination, more likely at high THC (NIDA) | Drowsiness, appetite changes, GI effects, liver-test changes and drug interactions (NIDA, NCCIH) |
| Where it's listed on a DC label/COA | THC, THCA, total THC | CBD, CBDA, total CBD |
Reading THC and CBD on a DC label
Labels and lab reports often list both the acid form (THCA, CBDA) and the active form (THC, CBD). Heat converts THCA to THC. "Total THC" combines the two after adjusting for the weight lost in conversion. Our COA guide shows the math. For how strain names relate (or don't) to THC and CBD content, see indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid.
"Full-spectrum" usually means a product keeps several cannabinoids and terpenes. "Isolate" means a single purified compound. The "entourage effect," the idea that plant compounds work together, is a hypothesis. It hasn't been established in clinical trials (Russo 2011 presents it as a hypothesis).
Frequently asked questions
Does CBD get you high?
No. NIDA describes CBD as not intoxicating like THC. It can still have side effects, and products have sometimes been mislabeled (NIDA).
Is THC or CBD FDA-approved?
The cannabis plant isn't. The FDA has approved Epidiolex (CBD) and synthetic THC-type drugs (dronabinol, nabilone) for specific uses (NCCIH).
Can CBD interact with other medicines?
NCCIH lists drug interactions among the side effects seen with CBD itself. Ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist about your medicines (NCCIH).
Where can I buy THC or CBD products legally in DC?
From ABCA-licensed retailers, after you register with ABCA. See the licensed dispensary directory and how to check a license.
Keep reading
- Cannabis 101: THC, CBD and what labels mean
- Start-low dosing guide
- Your first time at a DC dispensary
Sources
- NIDA, "Cannabis (Marijuana)" research topic page: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-marijuana
- NCCIH, "Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know": https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
- FDA, "FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including CBD": https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
- Russo EB. Taming THC. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344–1364: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3165946/
Last updated: October 26, 2026. Educational information only, not medical advice. 21+.