The UK has had legal medical cannabis now for seven years. Although the law is becoming more widely acknowledged and understood, some things remain unclear to many people. One of those is the differences between Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the two main active compounds in the cannabis plant. But how do the two diverge?

The main difference is that THC is overtly psychoactive, meaning patients may feel a “high” or “stoned” after treating. CBD meanwhile is considered non-psychoactive under the law – so it is therefore legal – and doesn’t come with any kind of appreciable high when used medicinally. Although, as we’ll see later, it must be minimally active in some form to create the effects studies show it can have. This is the science behind each, how the law treats them and what you need to know about it. 

One Plant, Two Wildly Different Stories

CBD containing cannabis has a longer history in Britain than THC-dominant varieties of the plant. That is because of hemp, which mostly contains CBD. Hemp has been grown all over the world for thousands of years, for use in textiles due to its strong fibres. 

THC meanwhile arrived on British shores much later, around the 1600s. Although popular in Victorian Britain as a tincture medicine, by the 1920s THC containing cannabis was slowly become illegal all over the world. 

If you’re looking for the best CBD oil uk clinics offer in today’s market, you’ll want to research expert and patient submitted reviews of the top products. CBD isn’t licensed under medical regulations, so quality can vary widely – meaning you’ll want to access trusted ratings to ensure you get the top shelf goods.

Over the past decade or two the therapeutic effects of CBD have been more widely researched, and it is now available in all kinds of fully legal products such as:

• CBD oils and tinctures (drops under the tongue)
• Capsules or softgels
• Edibles (gummies, chocolates, drinks)
• Topicals (creams, balms, patches)
• Vapes and inhalers
• CBD isolates or crystals (pure powder form)

The Science Behind CBD and THC’s Effects 

As you might tell by their full names, both THC and CBD are cannabinoids. These compounds interact with the human body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is important in regulating many aspects of bodily function, cognition and behavioural motivations. 

THC binds strongly to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, nervous system, muscle fibres and even immune cells. This hijacks the ECS to overstimulate receptors, prompting the cannabis “high”.

Medically this can result in euphoria, relaxation, sleepiness and sedation and increased appetite. However, the higher the dosage, the more these effects can become overwhelming. Or, even transition into negative side effects like paranoia or anxiety. 

This is why clinically prescribed treatment courses with professional advice remains incredibly important for THC medication. 

CBD on other hand has a more broad interaction with the body’s ECS. It doesn’t directly bind to receptors, instead working across multiple systems and modulating release of different hormones and compounds in the body. This gives it is anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties that are among the most widely researched areas of medical cannabis.

In fact, there is increasing evidence that CBD modulates and can lessen the psychoactive effects of THC itself. UK clinics now often prescribe CBD flower, or hybrid medications containing balanced levels of both, to patients seeking medical cannabis for anxiety and other mental health issues. 

Legal Differences in the UK are Stark 

CBD is entirely legal to possess and use for whatever purposes a citizen sees fit. THC medications and cannabis flower are only legal via prescription. CBD flower is also available, but only through prescription. 

Legal CBD brands like Blessed CBD oil are available online and over the counter today without prescription. Although nothing is guaranteed, especially without clinical advice, expert reviews can help you determine if this is the product that could help with your medical condition. 

When it comes to cannabis flower bred to contain CBD only, things are even more complicated. Despite CBD being a legal substance, the UK government has said it considers all cannabis flower to be illegal to possess without a prescription – even if it has no illegal THC in it. 

However, you may see THC flower sold on the High Street. British companies are selling imported CBD flower and have taken the government to court (and won) over the confusing legislation. Nevertheless, even if available, no clinician would recommend smoking for medical treatment. Additionally, even if the law is unclear, Essex Police would at the very least have some questions if you were found smoking CBD flower in public. 

Outside of flower though, CBD can be possessed and used as wished. However, being legal, there are companies that take advantage. Many claimed CBD products have been found to actually have little or no real CBD in them after studies – so it is important to ensure you check trusted sources to understand what you’re buying is a quality, medical standard product.