Cannabis Education 101: CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever looked at a cannabis or hemp product label and wondered what all those milligrams, ratios, and cannabinoids actually mean, you’re definitely not alone. Two of the most recognizable cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Both come from the cannabis plant, and you’ll sometimes even find them together in the same product—but they aren’t the same thing. Understanding the difference between CBD and THC can make it much easier to read product labels, compare options, and know what you’re actually purchasing.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant.
CBD and THC are two of the best-known, but they’re far from the only ones. Cannabis contains many different cannabinoids, along with other naturally occurring compounds such as terpenes. Different products can contain different amounts and combinations of these cannabinoids, which is why reading the label is so important.
What Is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol.
CBD is a cannabinoid that can be derived from hemp or other cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD generally isn't considered intoxicating and does not produce the same “high” associated with THC. That difference is one of the biggest reasons CBD products have become their own distinct category.
One important thing to remember: “CBD product” doesn't automatically mean “THC-free.”
Depending on the formulation, a CBD product may still contain a small amount of THC. That's why the product label and cannabinoid information are more useful than simply looking for the word “CBD” on the front of the package.
CBD vs. THC at a Glance
The easiest way to think about the difference is this:
CBD
Generally isn't considered intoxicating
Can be derived from hemp or cannabis
May be sold in CBD-focused formulations
Can sometimes be combined with THC
THC
Produces the intoxicating effects commonly associated with cannabis
May appear on labels as an amount per serving and per package
Is regulated differently depending on the product and concentration
Both are cannabinoids. What changes are the cannabinoid itself, how much is present, the formulation, and how the finished product is regulated.
Can a Product Have Both CBD and THC?
Absolutely.
This is where you'll often see ratios on cannabis packaging.
For example, a product labeled 1:1 CBD to THC contains equal amounts of CBD and THC.
If one serving contained 10 mg of CBD and 10 mg of THC, that would be considered a 1:1 ratio.
Other products may contain significantly more CBD than THC or significantly more THC than CBD.
Rather than assuming what a product contains based on its name, look for the actual amount of each cannabinoid listed on the packaging.
Does CBD Mean Hemp?
Not necessarily.
“Hemp,” “CBD,” “cannabis,” and “THC” are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they don't all mean the same thing.
CBD is a specific cannabinoid. Hemp refers to cannabis that falls within particular legal definitions based largely on THC content and other requirements. And in Vermont, the distinction isn't simply about whether something originally came from hemp. Vermont has specific limits that determine when certain hemp-derived products are instead treated as cannabis products. Products that exceed those limits or products marketed for their intoxicating effects fall under Vermont's regulated cannabis framework.
For consumers, the easiest takeaway is this: Don't rely on words like “hemp” or “CBD” alone. Read the cannabinoid information on the actual product.
Why Milligrams Matter
When comparing CBD or THC products, pay attention to whether the number you're seeing represents:
The amount per serving or the amount in the entire package.
Those are very different things.
For example, a package containing 300 mg of CBD doesn't necessarily contain 300 mg in each serving. If that package contains 30 servings, each serving could contain 10 mg. The same principle applies when looking at THC.
This is one reason we believe clear cannabinoid labeling matters. A customer should be able to understand what is actually inside a product without having to decode the package.
What About Full-Spectrum CBD?
You may also come across terms like full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate while shopping.
Generally:
CBD isolate refers to CBD that has been isolated from other cannabinoids.
Broad-spectrum CBD typically contains CBD along with additional cannabis compounds while being formulated to remove or minimize THC.
Full-spectrum CBD can contain CBD along with other naturally occurring cannabinoids, including small amounts of THC.
Looking for Highly Rooted CBD Products?
At Highly Rooted, we've spent years creating thoughtfully made cannabinoid products here in Vermont. Check out our CBD locations for places that sell Highly Rooted in CBD products.
If you're looking for CBD products available for shipping, we encourage you to check out VT Hempicuran and explore their CBD selection.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Cannabis, hemp, and cannabinoid regulations can change. Always review current regulations and individual product labeling before purchasing or using cannabinoid products.