CBD and THC are both phytocannabinoids, natural compounds that come from the cannabis genus of plants, but they differ in a few important ways. They have very different effects and vary in their level of legality.

We've put together an infographic below outlining some of the myths around CBD vs. THC.

What are the differences between CBD vs. THC?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol, THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, and both act on our body’s endocannabinoid system, which closely interacts with our immune and central nervous systems. Go in depth to learn what is CBD.

It’s important to note the legality of hemp versus marijuana. Currently, hemp plants are legal everywhere in the United States, while marijuana plants are legal in some states, but still illegal at the federal level.

THC vs. CBD and other CBD Myths Debunked

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How is CBD Made?

Charlotte’s Web uses two methods to make CBD extract from our proprietary hemp plants. The method we use the most often is a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction process. The second method, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) extraction, is reserved for our Original Formula full-spectrum CBD oil.

We use supercritical CO₂ extraction for all of our full-spectrum CBD products other than the Original Formula. Once our hemp plants have been harvested, they go into an extractor, which uses CO₂ to extract hemp compounds. This full-spectrum hemp extract is used in the majority of our hemp-derived CBD products such as oils, gummies, and balms.

Isopropyl alcohol extraction uses alcohol as a solvent to extract CBD from hemp plants in a process very similar to brewing tea. Once the alcohol is infused with CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids, we remove the alcohol from the solution, leaving a rich full-spectrum hemp extract containing many compounds like terpenes and other cannabinoids like CBN, CBC and CBG.

What are the Effects of CBD?

There are plenty of myths that CBD is just like THC or that it will get you high. These myths aren't true.

CBD is reported to produce feelings of calm and relaxation.* Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating. Like any dietary supplement,* you should ask your doctor if CBD would be beneficial in your wellness routine.

What are Some Conditions that CBD Can Help With?

An article from Harvard Health Publishing about what we know about CBD points to strong scientific evidence that CBD supports a sense of calm for focus, helps in managing everyday stresses and maintaining sleep cycles, and aids in recovery from exercise-induced inflammation.*

If you’re looking to add a sense of calm and relaxation to your life, CBD can be a great addition to any wellness routine. Charlotte's Web combines the benefits of CBD with ingredients known for their supportive qualities such as melatonin for sleep or turmeric for exercise recovery. We offer CBD gummies for sleep, capsules for general wellness, gummies for recovery, and more.

Is CBD Just for Humans?

CBD isn’t just for humans. Animal studies on CBD have shown that CBD can be beneficial for our older dogs who may be struggling, helping them stay more active. Charlotte’s Web offers different kinds of CBD for dogs including CBD oil for dogs, and CBD soft chews for dogs.

Does CBD Get You High?

Contrary to some myths, CBD does not have an intoxicating effect like THC has. CBD and THC both act on the endocannabinoid system, but CBD can’t get you high because CBD primarily interacts with different neural receptors than THC does.

Another common myth is that CBD can turn into THC in your stomach. A study performed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed that even high doses of CBD can’t cause intoxication or change into THC. Our CBD oils and gummies offer the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids with minimal levels of THC (less than 0.3%).† CBD extract from Charlotte’s Web is tested stringently to ensure it contains no more than 0.3%THC.

Can CBD Make You Fail a Drug Test?

All of the hemp products produced at Charlotte’s Web have less than 0.3% THC. So, does CBD show up on a drug test? It is possible to test positive on a THC drug test, so if that is a concern, we recommend using our THC-Free tinctures or gummies, which contain less than 0.01% THC.

While CBD production isn’t regulated by the FDA, it’s extremely important to buy CBD from a producer like Charlotte’s Web that follows the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This ensures that you’ll be getting the highest quality CBD with the lowest amounts of THC possible.†

If you’re worried about a standard drug screening, the safest option is to purchase a THC-free CBD extract.† For those who want to benefit from the properties of CBD* with less concern about a positive drug screen, Charlotte’s Web offers specific THC-free CBD oils and gummies.†

Do You Need to Smoke CBD to Benefit From It?*

Many people believe that CBD and THC both need to be smoked to feel any effects. This is not the case for either CBD or THC. CBD in particular is most commonly found in forms that are ingested rather than inhaled. You don’t need to smoke CBD to feel its benefits.*

Charlotte’s Web offers CBD in edible forms like CBD oils, capsules, and gummies, as well as topical forms like CBD creams, balms, and ointments. Our product finder can help to identify the best form of CBD for your wellness routine.

† “THC-Free” means trace amounts less than 0.01% or 100ppm.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.