CBD vs. THC: Differences, Effects and Legal Situation in Germany

Cannabis has more than 100 different cannabinoids, two of which have special medical and social significance: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Although both originate from the same plant, they differ fundamentally in their effect on the human body.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. It binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and produces the typical state of noise. In medical terms, THC is used primarily for pain relief, appetite stimulation, and for uebelness.

CBD (Cannabidiol) does not work psychoactive, so does not make high. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a different way and has anti-release, anxious and cramping properties. CBD products are freely available in Germany under certain conditions.

THC is medically used at:

• Chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain
• Spastics in multiple sclerosis
• Uebelkeit and vomiting in chemotherapy
• Loss of appetite and cachex in severe diseases
• Certain sleeping diet forms

CBD is used for:

• Certain epilepsy forms (approved medicine Epidyolex)
• Anxieties and stress (as food supplements, not as medicines)
• Infinite diseases
• Accompanying pain therapy
• Sleep problems

Important: While there are extensive clinical trials for THC-containing Praeparate, the study situation for freely available CBD products is limited. The effectiveness promises of many CBD providers are not sufficiently scientifically proven. However, CBD is well researched as an approved drug (Epidyolex).

The legal situation concerning cannabis has significantly changed in Germany by the Cannabis Act (CanG) of April 2024:

THC: The possession of cannabis for adults is no longer punishable in limited quantities (up to 25 grams in the openness, up to 50 grams at home). For medical use, an additional prescription is required. Medical cannabis has been prescribed on a normal recipe since 2024, no longer on a BtM recipe.

CBD: CBD products with a THC content below 0.2 percent are freely available in Germany as nutritional agents or cosmetics. You don't need a prescription. However, they should not be advertised with promises of salvation. The prescription CBD medicine Epidyolex requires a prescription.

Important notice: The self-building of up to three cannabis plants is allowed for adult use. For medical use with defined quality and dosage, however, pharmacy products should be used exclusively because the active substance content can vary greatly in the case of self-producing.