THC vs. CBD vs. Marijuana: What’s the difference?

A healthy living blog from Marshfield Clinic Health System

THC vs. CBD vs. Marijuana: What’s the difference?

Nov 13, 2023

THC and CBD are popular buzzwords linked to marijuana that can be used in oils, gummies and lotions. However, there is a lot of confusion surrounding these products.

graphic of a marijuana leaf depicting marijuana vs. THC vs. CBD “Before you consider buying any of these products, you should be careful because it can have legal implications, but also impact drug testing and ultimately your employment,” said Dr. Michael Curtis, a Marshfield Clinic Health System occupational medicine specialist.

Both THC and CBD are chemical compounds found in cannabis plants, the same plants used to make marijuana.

THC and CBD can also be found in similar forms that can be either ingested or inhaled. The most common forms are oils, gummies, lotions, sprays and vape pens. Additionally, CBD, THC and marijuana can be added to baked goods like brownies or cookies.

“CBD, THC and marijuana cause drug test results to be positive,” Dr. Curtis said. “Everyone should be wary when trying any product linked to marijuana, including THC or CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol and is also made from the Cannabis sativa (marijuana) plant.

CBD products, which are legal to purchase, generally contain THC. The Food and Drug Administration requires that these products not contain more than 0.3% THC. Unfortunately, due to lack of governmental regulation and oversight, many of them are believed to contain more than the allowed concentration of THC, perhaps a lot more.

CBD is not a controlled substance under federal law, but Dr. Curtis warns patients to be careful about purchasing CBD in any form.

“Even though CBD products are legal to buy in Wisconsin, they often contain enough THC to cause a positive urine drug screen. This can impact someone’s ability to find and keep good jobs,” said Dr. Curtis. “It’s a buyer beware market because the people who are selling this stuff don’t want you to know what the potential consequences are for you.”

Though not everyone is able to tolerate it, some side effects of CBD include nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness and lightheadedness.

What is marijuana?

Marijuana is made by drying the flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. The greenish-gray material that is left is then hand-rolled into a cigarette (commonly referred to as a joint) or can be placed into foods (commonly referred to as edibles). THC laden oil can be made from the marijuana plant and then used in baking for cookies and brownies.

Marijuana is commonly referred to as weed, herb, pot, grass, bud, ganja and Mary Jane.

NOTE: Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Learn more about marijuana and THC laws in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.

What is THC?

“THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is the active psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that gets you high,” Dr. Curtis said.

Both THC and marijuana are controlled substances under federal law.

Some side effects of THC and marijuana usage include apathy, dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness, balance issues and memory loss.

There are also two forms of synthetic THC approved by the FDA to help manage nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

NOTE: THC remains illegal at the federal level as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Learn more about marijuana and THC laws in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.