When most people think about cannabis, the first thing that comes to mind is the “high.” But the truth is, not all parts of the cannabis plant produce psychoactive effects. Some compounds in cannabis can alter your mind, mood, or perception, while others focus on delivering potential therapeutic benefits without the buzz.
In the cannabis world, these compounds are called cannabinoids, and they play the biggest role in how cannabis products affect your body and mind. Today, we’re going to break down the difference between psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids, highlight some of the most common ones, and give you a straightforward look at how they show up in products like dabs, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
Whether you’re brand new to cannabis or an experienced dabber looking to fine-tune your knowledge, this guide will help you better understand what you’re consuming, and why it matters.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. Scientists have identified more than 100 cannabinoids so far, and each one interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is like your body’s internal balancing system. It helps regulate things like mood, appetite, pain, sleep, and immune function.
When you consume cannabis, whether you’re smoking flower, taking an edible, dabbing concentrates, or applying a topical—the cannabinoids in the product interact with your ECS in different ways. Some cannabinoids, like THC, bind to receptors in your brain and cause that familiar high. Others, like CBD, influence your ECS in more subtle ways that promote relaxation, balance, or relief without intoxication.
Psychoactive vs. Non-Psychoactive: What’s the Difference?
The simplest way to put it:
• Psychoactive cannabinoids can alter your perception, mood, or consciousness (in other words, they make you feel high).
• Non-psychoactive cannabinoids do not produce a high but may still deliver valuable effects for the body, such as reducing inflammation or easing anxiety.
Both can play important roles in cannabis wellness. Some people prefer psychoactive cannabinoids for recreation or relief, while others want non-psychoactive options they can use daily without impairment. Many products even combine both for a “best of both worlds” experience.
A Closer Look at Key Cannabinoids
Here are some of the most common cannabinoids you’ll see on labels and in cannabis products, explained in plain language:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – Psychoactive
THC is the superstar of the cannabis world. It’s the compound most responsible for the euphoric, uplifting effects that people associate with being high. THC can also help with pain, nausea, and appetite stimulation.
• Where you’ll find it: Flower, dabs, edibles, vape cartridges, tinctures, and more.
• Good to know: The amount of THC determines how strong a product will feel. Beginners may want to start low and go slow.
CBD (Cannabidiol) – Non-Psychoactive
CBD doesn’t cause a high, but it’s widely appreciated for its calming, soothing effects. Many people use CBD for stress relief, better sleep, or to help with aches and pains.
• Where you’ll find it: Oils, gummies, capsules, topicals, tinctures, and even infused beverages.
• Good to know: CBD is often used during the day because it doesn’t impair focus or clarity.
THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) – Non-Psychoactive (until heated)
THCa is the raw, acidic form of THC that naturally occurs in cannabis before it’s exposed to heat. In its raw state, THCa won’t make you high. But when you apply heat (like smoking, vaping, or dabbing), THCa converts into THC through a process called decarboxylation, and that’s when it becomes psychoactive.
• Where you’ll find it: Raw cannabis flower, live resin extracts, THCa diamonds.
• Good to know: If you juice raw cannabis leaves or use cold-pressed THCa tinctures, you’ll get the benefits of THCa without the high.
CBDa (Cannabidiolic Acid) – Non-Psychoactive
CBDa is the raw version of CBD. Like THCa, it doesn’t cause intoxication. Some research suggests CBDa may offer even stronger anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects than CBD itself.
• Where you’ll find it: Raw flower, unheated extracts, tinctures.
• Good to know: CBDa is gaining popularity in wellness circles for potentially faster-acting relief compared to CBD.
CBG (Cannabigerol) – Non-Psychoactive
Often called the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG is the building block that eventually becomes THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. While CBG itself doesn’t cause a high, it shows promise for supporting focus, gut health, and overall balance.
• Where you’ll find it: Specialized oils, capsules, tinctures, and some topicals.
• Good to know: Because cannabis plants produce CBG in small amounts, products rich in CBG are usually specially bred and can be more expensive.
How Cannabinoids Show Up in Products
Now that you know which cannabinoids cause a high and which don’t, let’s look at how they appear across different cannabis product types:
• Dabs & Concentrates: Usually high in THC or THCa. These are almost always psychoactive once heated. Perfect for experienced consumers looking for a strong, fast-acting effect.
• Flower (bud): Contains a mix of cannabinoids. Most traditional strains are THC-dominant, but CBD- or CBG-rich flower is also available for non-psychoactive experiences.
• Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, and baked goods are usually infused with THC, CBD, or both. THC edibles are very psychoactive and longer lasting, while CBD-only edibles provide calm without intoxication.
• Topicals (creams, balms, lotions, patches): Usually non-psychoactive, even if they contain THC, because cannabinoids don’t typically cross into the bloodstream through the skin. Instead, they act locally on muscles and joints.
• Tinctures & Oils: Can be THC-based, CBD-based, or blends. Psychoactivity depends on the cannabinoid profile.
• Capsules & Softgels: Typically designed for wellness and often feature CBD, CBG, or balanced ratios of cannabinoids.
Why This Matters for You
Understanding the difference between psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids empowers you to choose cannabis products that fit your lifestyle.
• Want relaxation without impairment? Try CBD, CBDa, or CBG products.
• Looking for euphoria or a strong therapeutic high? THC or THCa (once heated) will be your go-to.
• Need targeted relief for sore muscles or skin irritation? Topicals are a safe, non-psychoactive option.
• Curious about experimenting? Explore combinations; many people find that THC and CBD together create a balanced, more manageable high.
At the end of the day, cannabis is highly personal. What works wonders for one person may feel completely different to another. The key is to start with knowledge, experiment responsibly, and pay attention to how your body responds.
The Difference Between Getting High and Healing
Cannabis is much more than just getting high. It’s a plant full of unique compounds that can support wellness in different ways. By understanding the difference between psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids, you can make smarter choices, save money by buying what actually works for you, and enjoy a cannabis experience tailored to your needs.
From potent dabs to gentle topicals, there’s truly something for everyone in today’s cannabis market.
Stay tuned for more educational breakdowns, product insights, and dab-friendly discussions in future editions of The Dab Digest.
Until Next Time... Happy Dabbing!
— The WaxNax Team