How can you tell CBD apart from cannabis?
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CBD and cannabis come from the same plant. At first glance, it can be hard to tell the difference between CBD and cannabis. But since their potential effects, legal status and uses are completely different, it is best to know how to tell them apart Here are a few pointers.
Contents
It is not always clear what we mean when we use the word cannabis: a drug or a plant? Legal or illegal? It generally refers to a plant—or, more accurately, theCannabaceae family—which includesCannabis sativa,Cannabis indica andCannabis ruderalis. The plant containsmany cannabinoids, including CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
In practice, the word cannabis often refers torecreational cannabis (also known as hash, weed or marijuana), which is considered a drug because it contains high levels of THC. CBD is sometimes mistakenly associated with recreational cannabis and its psychoactive effects, so it is confused with THC.
However, there are fundamental differences between CBD and THC. In short:
CBD: non-psychoactive and used for wellness purposes
THC: psychoactive and subject to regulation.
The first difference lies in the chemical structures of CBD and THC. Both come from the same plant, hemp, but from different varieties. The difference in their chemical structures (the same atoms arranged differently) means that the two molecules act differently. THC primarily acts on receptors in the brain, while CBD interacts with receptors throughout the body.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from a low-THC strain. Cannabis, by contrast, comes from a hemp strain high in THC. This molecule is responsible for psychoactive effects, and its use is regulated.
You should know that cannabis strains high in THC are prohibited from sale in France. Growing and possessing cannabis is illegal. The law is different for CBD. CBD products sold in shops may contain THC, but under European law, the level must not exceed 0.3%.
The CBD flower and cannabis flowers are not easy to tell apart with the naked eye. Visually, CBD is lighter and resembles a pearly, light green or bright green resin.
Cannabis tends to look like a shiny, dark green or even brown resin. It is stickier to the touch than CBD, which tends to feel greasier and more “soapy.” Admittedly, the distinction is still fairly subjective.
It is possible to try to tell CBD and cannabis apart by smell or taste, but it remains difficult.
Cannabis has a strong smell, typically skunky, while CBD has a milder scent that may be herbal depending on the terpenes, but it has no truly distinctive smell. However, the carrier oil may have a scent of its own.
Please note: if you have Resina or unprocessed CBD flowers, they will smell similar to cannabis.
In terms of taste, CBD varies depending on the strain, but it is generally mild and herbal, while cannabis tends to have a strong, acrid, earthy taste. As you can see, the differences are subtle, and mistakes can happen!
To be sure you can distinguish CBD from cannabis, buy products with a certificate of analysis and verified origin information. In our view, this is the most important advice. Traceability, origin and cultivation methods will clear up any doubts by allowing you to verify the product's authenticity, whether in a shop or on a specialist website such as Cannabise.
Trying to tell CBD apart from cannabis by its smell, appearance, taste or texture remains highly unreliable and can easily lead to confusion.
CBD and THC are mainly distinguished by their effects, but testing them yourself to find out is obviously not the right approach.
To avoid any mistakes, we recommend buying your CBD from specialist shops, either in person or online. This gives you access to all the certificates needed to verify the products, along with reassurance about their quality.
Take a look at our online product pages, CBD flowers, resins, oils, vapes, Pre-Rollsare waiting for you!
For a trusted way to buy CBD online, Cannabise is your ideal partner.
Benjamin Poirel-Nadal
Passionate about alternative lifestyles and plants with natural properties, Benjamin Poirel-Nadal is a writer and creative specialist in CBD and well-being. Drawing on extensive experience in communications, he takes a close look at the uses of hemp, industry innovations and user experiences. His approach? A blend of expertise, clarity and curiosity that makes the world of cannabidiol easier to understand, more practical and more inspiring. His goal: to help you make informed use of CBD, simply and confidently 🌱
