The short version: THC is the cannabinoid that gets you high. CBD does not. Both come from the same plant, and you will see both listed on labels at The Highline, but they behave very differently once they are in your body. If you only remember one line from this page, make it that one.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is intoxicating. It is the compound most people mean when they talk about feeling the effects of cannabis. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating, which means a CBD-dominant product will not produce a high on its own. Many people reach for higher-CBD options precisely because they want less of that intoxicating feeling, not more.
Same plant, different molecules
THC and CBD share the exact same chemical formula, the same count of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. The atoms are just arranged differently. That small structural change is the whole story. THC fits neatly into certain receptors in the brain and produces the classic head-and-body high. CBD interacts with the body in a different way and does not produce that intoxication.
This is why two products can have similar milligram numbers and feel like completely different experiences. The cannabinoid matters as much as the amount.
Will CBD get you high?
No. CBD is non-intoxicating, so a CBD-dominant product will not produce the high that THC does. People often choose higher-CBD products when they want a milder, clearer experience. Anything you buy at a NY licensed dispensary is for adults 21 and older. Effects may vary. Please consume responsibly.
How CBD to THC ratios work
Many products list a ratio, like 1:1, 2:1, or 20:1. The first number is CBD and the second is THC. A 1:1 tincture might carry 10 mg of CBD and 10 mg of THC per dose. A 20:1 product carries far more CBD than THC. A simple rule of thumb: the more CBD relative to THC, the less intoxicating the product tends to feel.
- 1:1 (balanced): equal CBD and THC, a common starting point for people who want some THC but a gentler edge
- 2:1 to 5:1 (CBD-leaning): more CBD than THC, milder intoxication
- 10:1 and 20:1 (CBD-dominant): mostly CBD with only a little THC, the least intoxicating
- THC-dominant: little or no CBD, the strongest high for a given dose
The more CBD relative to THC, the less intoxicating a product tends to feel.
How to choose between them
Start with the experience you want, then read the label. If you want to feel clearly intoxicated, a THC-dominant flower, vape, or edible is the usual pick. If you want something lighter, look at balanced or CBD-leaning ratios. If you want effects with minimal intoxication, CBD-dominant products like a 20:1 tincture are where many people land. None of this is medical advice, just a way to narrow the menu.
Dose still matters as much as the cannabinoid. A balanced 1:1 edible at 5 mg of THC is a very different evening than a 1:1 at 25 mg. New to a product, go low and slow, especially with edibles, which can take 30 to 90 minutes to come on. Some find it easier to add more next time than to wait out a dose that was too strong.
Should a first-timer choose THC or CBD?
Many newer adults start with a higher-CBD or balanced ratio and a low THC dose to keep the experience mild. Others go straight to a small dose of a THC product. There is no single right answer. Ask a budtender, start low, and adjust. Effects may vary. Please consume responsibly.
Still deciding? That is exactly what we are here for. Tell a Highline budtender on Main Street whether you want a clear head or a strong high, and we will point you to the right ratio. Browse the full menu of THC and CBD products at /order, with same-day delivery to Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, and northern Yonkers.