What are cannabinoids? CBD and THC
Cannabis has more than 100 different cannabinoids, two of which have special medical and social significance: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Although both originate from the same plant, they differ fundamentally in their effect on the human body.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. It binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and produces the typical state of noise. In medical terms, THC is used primarily for pain relief, appetite stimulation, and for uebelness.
CBD (Cannabidiol) does not work psychoactive, so does not make high. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a different way and has anti-release, anxious and cramping properties. CBD products are freely available in Germany under certain conditions.
Medical effects compared
THC is medically used at:
- Chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain
- Spastics in multiple sclerosis
- Uebelkeit and vomiting in chemotherapy
- Loss of appetite and cachex in severe diseases
- Certain sleeping diet forms
CBD is used for:
- Certain epilepsy forms (approved medicine Epidyolex)
- Anxieties and stress (as food supplements, not as medicines)
- Infinite diseases
- Accompanying pain therapy
- Sleep problems
Important: While there are extensive clinical trials for THC-containing Praeparate, the study situation for freely available CBD products is limited. The effectiveness promises of many CBD providers are not sufficiently scientifically proven. However, CBD is well researched as an approved drug (Epidyolex).
Legal situation in Germany 2026
The legal situation concerning cannabis has significantly changed in Germany by the Cannabis Act (CanG) of April 2024:
THC: The possession of cannabis for adults is no longer punishable in limited quantities (up to 25 grams in the openness, up to 50 grams at home). For medical use, an additional prescription is required. Medical cannabis has been prescribed on a normal recipe since 2024, no longer on a BtM recipe.
CBD: CBD products with a THC content below 0.2 percent are freely available in Germany as nutritional agents or cosmetics. You don't need a prescription. However, they should not be advertised with promises of salvation. The prescription CBD medicine Epidyolex requires a prescription.
Important notice: The self-building of up to three cannabis plants is allowed for adult use. For medical use with defined quality and dosage, however, pharmacy products should be used exclusively because the active substance content can vary greatly in the case of self-producing.
CBD products: What to pay attention to
The market for CBD products has grown sharply in recent years. Not all products keep what they promise. When buying, you should pay attention to the following points:
Quality and origin: Serioes produced CBD products include analytical certificates of unabated laboratories that confirm CBD content and absence of pollutants. Look for products from EU-certified farm hemp.
THC limit value The THC content must be below 0.2 percent. High-quality CBD products are significantly below this value. Care should be taken in products without clear information on THC content.
Form of administration: CBD is available as oil, capsules, creams, bluetes for evaporation and in many other forms. CBD oils offer the most flexible dosage, capsules the simplest application.
No promises: Serioes established providers do not promise to cure diseases. CBD nutritional agents are not pharmaceuticals. In case of serious health complaints, you should consult a doctor.
When do I need a prescription?
The question whether a recipe is necessary depends on the desired product:
No recipe noetig fuer: Freely available CBD products (Oele, capsules, cosmetics) with less than 0.2 percent THC. These can be purchased in drugstores, pharmacies and online shops.
Recipe required for: All THC-containing cannabis drugs (blues, extracts, dronabinol) as well as the CBD medicine Epidyolex. The official regulation may also be carried out by telemedicine.
If you draw medical cannabis with THC for chronic pain, sleep depletion or other discomfort, an aerial consultation is the first step. Through platforms such as your recipe.de you can use a telemedical advice and make sure that a cannabis recipe is available for you.
