THC vs CBD is one of the first comparisons on a cannabis listing. Knowing what each abbreviation means helps you read percentages, milligrams and ratios without treating unlike units as interchangeable.
THC vs CBD on product labels
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis — it is what produces the “high.” Flower and concentrates list THC as a percentage; edibles and tinctures list it in milligrams per serving.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-intoxicating. Products are often described by their THC:CBD ratio — for example 1:1 (balanced), or high-CBD blends with little THC.
Reading ratios and units
- Flower/concentrate: THC and CBD shown as a percentage of weight.
- Edibles/tinctures: THC and CBD shown in milligrams, which makes precise, consistent servings easy.
Compare like with like
Check whether the number applies to one piece, one millilitre, one gram or the whole package. Two labels can show the same number while referring to different amounts. Keep the unit attached when writing a shortlist or comparing the cart.
A THC:CBD ratio describes the relationship between the two listed amounts. It does not replace the actual quantity or serving information shown for the product.
For more on the wider family of cannabinoids, read our cannabinoids guide.