🌿
CBD & THC-A
What’s the difference?
🇩🇰
Denmark
Danish legislation
🇪🇺
EU
European regulations
🌍
The World
Different rules around the world

BASIC KNOWLEDGE

What are CBD and THC-A?

The cannabis plant contains a wide range of naturally occurring compounds, known as cannabinoids. Two of these are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A).

CBD is a cannabinoid that is not, in and of itself, associated with the classic euphoric effects of THC. THC-A is an acid form of THC that is naturally found in the cannabis plant before heating.

When THC-A is exposed to heat, it can be converted into delta-9-THC through a process called decarboxylation . Therefore, THC-A and THC are closely related both chemically and in terms of legislation and analysis.

CBD

Cannabidiol

CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD is not the same as THC and is not associated with the same euphoric effects.

However, CBD products may be subject to different regulations depending on the product’s composition, use, and marketing.

THC-A

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid

THC-A occurs naturally in the cannabis plant and is chemically related to THC. When heated, THC-A can be converted to delta-9-THC through decarboxylation.

Therefore, THC-A should not be viewed as a simple legal loophole. Legality depends on the specific product, the analysis, the THC content, the product form, and the regulations of the country in question.

🇩🇰 DENMARK

CBD & THC-A–
S IN DENMARK

Since 2018, Denmark has had a THC limit under which cannabis-based products containing no more than 0.2% THC are, as a general rule, not considered to be euphorizing substances under the Executive Order on Euphorizing Substances.

However, this does not automatically mean that all products containing less than 0.2% THC may be sold freely at . The product may still be subject to regulations governing, among other things, medicines, food, dietary supplements, or cosmetics.

Key Points in Denmark

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The THC limit is generally 0.2%
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CBD may be subject to pharmaceutical regulations
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Foods containing CBD may be subject to Novel Food regulations
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The product’s use and marketing are important
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The rules may change over time

THC-A & TOTAL THC

How is THC-A handled?

THC-A requires special attention because the substance can be converted into THC. Under Danish regulations governing medical cannabis, “total THC” is calculated based on both delta-9-THC and THC-A.

It is therefore important not to focus solely on a single number on the packaging. The legal assessment depends on the product’s specific composition, the method of analysis, the product category, and applicable regulations.

Note: This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. In the case of commercial sales, imports, or marketing, the applicable regulations should always be verified with the relevant authorities.

🇪🇺 THE EUROPEAN UNION

CBD & Cannabis in the EU

There is no single EU regulation that governs all CBD and cannabis products in the same way across all member states.

The EU has common rules in certain areas, but individual member states may also have their own rules regarding, for example, narcotics, pharmaceuticals, food products, and sales.

EU Rules You Should Know

0.3% THC

EU agricultural regulations set a limit of 0.3% THC for certain hemp crops approved under
.
Novel Food

CBD extracts and CBD isolates for food products may be subject to
the EU’s regulations on Novel Foods.
National Regulations

Member states may have different rules regarding the sale, possession,
of medications and cannabis products.

🌍 THE REST OF THE WORLD

MAJOR DIFFERENCES FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY

CBD, hemp, THC, and THC-A are regulated very differently around the world. Some countries allow certain hemp products, others have medical cannabis programs, while still others have very strict bans.

USA

The United States has federal regulations governing hemp, but individual states may have additional
regulations. Under the federal hemp program, the limit is
0.3% total delta-9-THC on a dry weight basis.

Other Countries

Regulations can vary from permitting CBD products and medical cannabis
to very restrictive rules for all cannabis-based products.

International

Cannabis remains subject to international drug conventions,
even though the international classification has been amended to better
recognize its medical use.

HISTORY

Cannabis Through the Ages

Cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years. Historically, the plant has been cultivated for, among other things, fiber, rope, textiles, seeds, and various traditional uses.

EARLY HISTORY

Hemp as a crop

Throughout history, cannabis and hemp have been used for, among other things,
fibers, textiles, and rope.

THE 1900s

Cannabinoids Are Studied

Scientific research made it possible to identify and study
cannabinoids such as CBD and THC.

2018

New Danish THC Limit

Denmark introduced a limit of no more than 0.2% THC for cannabis products
in accordance with the regulations on controlled substances.

2020

International Change

The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs changed the international classification of cannabis,
, so that its medical value was more clearly recognized.

⚠️ Laws are subject to change

The regulations governing CBD, THC, THC-A, hemp, and cannabis are subject to change and vary by country and product category. The information on this page is general information and should not be considered legal advice. Always check the current regulations with the relevant authorities.

Official Sources

The information on this page is based, among other sources, on information from , the Danish Medicines Agency, Retsinformation, the European Commission, , the WHO, and the USDA.