THC vs CBD
THC is psychoactive and produces the classic high, CBD is not. CBD is calming, anti-inflammatory and freely sold in Switzerland; THC still requires authorisation.
Quick answer: THC is psychoactive and produces the classic high, CBD is not. CBD is calming, anti-inflammatory and freely sold in Switzerland; THC still requires authorisation.
Side by side
| THC | CBD | |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoactivity | Strongly psychoactive (partial CB1 agonist) | Non-psychoactive, negative allosteric modulator of CB1 |
| Main effect | Euphoria, appetite, altered perception | Relaxation, anxiolysis, no high |
| Medical use | Chronic pain, MS spasticity, chemo-induced nausea | Epilepsy (Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut), anxiety, sleep |
| Swiss legal status | > 1% THC: only via prescription or FOPH pilot trial | < 1% THC freely sold as CBD flowers (18+) |
| Where to find it | Mature cannabis flowers, THC extracts, full-spectrum oils | EU industrial hemp, CBD flowers, CBD oil, Charlotte's Web |
When to pick A: THC
Choose THC for severe pain, chemo side effects or MS spasticity, when you have access via prescription or pilot trial.
When to pick B: CBD
Choose CBD for relaxation, sleep or anxiety relief without a high — legal, no prescription, everyday use.
FAQ
Can CBD show up in a drug test?
Pure CBD no — drug tests screen for THC-COOH. Full-spectrum products with up to 1% THC can still leave residual THC traces with heavy use.
Can I combine THC and CBD?
Yes — CBD dampens the anxiety, tachycardia and paranoia often triggered by THC. A 1:1 CBD:THC ratio is highly tolerated and used in drugs like Sativex.
Is CBD freely sold in Switzerland?
Yes — CBD products with less than 1% THC are available without prescription, sold to buyers 18+.