Strains & Products
CBD vs. THC: What's the Difference?
THC and CBD are the two most common cannabinoids in cannabis. The simplest difference: THC is intoxicating — it produces the 'high' — while CBD is non-intoxicating. On a New Jersey dispensary label you'll see both listed as a percentage or in milligrams, sometimes as a ratio. Here's what each one is and how to read them.
Two cannabinoids, one plant
Cannabis contains more than a hundred compounds called cannabinoids. Two of them show up on almost every label: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Both come from the same plant, but they behave very differently.
THC is the compound responsible for the intoxicating experience people describe as a 'high.' CBD is non-intoxicating — on its own, it does not produce that experience. Almost everything else you'll see on a label, from milligrams to terpenes, builds on this basic pair.
The main difference: intoxication
Here's the distinction in plain terms:
- THC is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid. Full-strength flower, vapes, and edibles are usually built around it.
- CBD is non-intoxicating. It's often included alongside THC in a product, or sold on its own in CBD-forward formats.
Because THC is intoxicating, New Jersey restricts it to adults 21 and older through licensed dispensaries. That's also why every legal product spells out its THC and CBD content — so you know exactly what's in your hand before you buy.
Reading ratios on a label
Many products list a CBD-to-THC ratio, such as 1:1 (equal parts), 2:1, or 20:1 (CBD-dominant). The first number is CBD and the second is THC, so a higher first number means more CBD relative to THC.
Potency itself is shown two ways: flower, vapes, and concentrates use a percentage, while edibles, tinctures, and beverages use milligrams per serving and per package. New to this? Our guide to reading a cannabis label breaks down every number, and start low, go slow covers how to approach a first serving.
Choosing between them at a NJ dispensary
There's no single 'better' cannabinoid — it comes down to the experience you're after. Some shoppers prefer THC-forward products; others look for balanced ratios or CBD-forward options that contain less THC. A budtender can point you toward either.
At Unity Rd in Somerset, every product on the menu lists its THC and CBD content, so you can compare cannabinoids side by side before you decide — whether you shop in store or by same-day delivery. If you're weighing formats too, our breakdown of edibles vs. vapes vs. flower is a good next read.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. CBD is non-intoxicating, so on its own it does not produce the 'high' associated with THC. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for that intoxicating experience.
It means the product contains roughly equal amounts of CBD and THC. The first number is always CBD and the second is THC, so a ratio like 20:1 means far more CBD than THC.
Cannabis products that contain THC are sold to adults 21 and older through licensed dispensaries like Unity Rd, where both THC and CBD content appear on every label. CBD-only products are more widely available, but buying at a licensed dispensary means the product is tested and clearly labeled.
The two cannabinoids naturally occur together in the plant, and some people prefer a specific balance of the two. The ratio printed on the label tells you how much of each you're getting.
Sources & Further Reading
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health — Cannabis and cannabinoids
- U.S. FDA — Regulation of cannabis and CBD products
- NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission — Personal use cannabis
Educational content only — not medical advice. Cannabis products are for adults 21+ with valid government-issued ID (or a valid NJ medical cannabis card). Never drive under the influence. Effects vary by person and product.
Compare Cannabinoids on the Menu
Every product at Unity Rd lists its THC and CBD content, so you can compare cannabinoids side by side. Browse the menu or ask a budtender to help you find the right balance.