THC and CBD both originate from the hemp plant, but have fundamentally different effects: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is intoxicating and is what makes cannabis an illegal drug. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and legal. Swiss law draws the line at the THC content: products containing less than 1 per cent THC are permitted; those containing 1 per cent or more are classified as narcotics. In this article, we explain the differences, the legal situation in Switzerland and what this means for driving and drug tests.
What is THC?
THC is the best-known active ingredient in the cannabis plant and is responsible for the intoxicating effect. It acts on the body’s own endocannabinoid system and alters perception, concentration and reaction times.
It is precisely because of this intoxicating effect that cannabis rich in THC is banned in Switzerland. Consumption, possession of large quantities, trafficking and cultivation are all criminal offences.
What is CBD?
CBD is the second major active compound found in the hemp plant. The key difference is that CBD does not cause intoxication. It is therefore not subject to the Narcotics Act.
Important to note: CBD is not a medicine and we do not make any health claims. Anyone wishing to use CBD for medical reasons should discuss this with a doctor.
A direct comparison of the THC and CBD
| Characteristic | THC | CBD |
|---|---|---|
| Intoxicating | Yes | No |
| Legal status in Switzerland | Prohibited if the product contains 1 per cent or more | Legal |
| Tax payable on goodvibe | Not in stock | Ages 18 and over |
| Typical products | Illegal cannabis (marijuana, hashish) | CBD Flowers, CBD Oil, CBD Vapes, CBD Snus |
| Road traffic | Zero tolerance, limit 1.5 µg/l of blood | Caution: Residual THC in flowers may be detected |
What is the legal situation in Switzerland?
The key rule is the 1 per cent limit. Cannabis products with a THC content of 1 per cent or more are subject to the Narcotics Act and are prohibited. Products containing less than 1 per cent THC – in other words, traditional CBD hemp – are legal.
Switzerland is therefore more liberal than most of its neighbouring countries, where the limit is often only 0.2 to 0.3 per cent. This is also important when travelling: Swiss CBD flowers may be illegal abroad. You can find details of the legal situation at ch.ch, the government portal.
Additional rules apply to sales. CBD flowers for smoking are treated in the same way as tobacco products: they carry health warnings and may only be sold to those aged 18 and over. For goodvibe, we check the customer’s age with every order.
Why is THC an issue when driving, even with CBD?
In road traffic, there is effectively a zero-tolerance policy for THC. Anyone caught with 1.5 micrograms of THC per litre of blood or more is deemed unfit to drive. They face fines or a custodial sentence and the withdrawal of their driving licence for at least three months.
The catch for CBD users: even legal CBD buds contain up to 1 per cent THC. With regular or heavy use, enough THC can build up in the blood to exceed the legal limit. That is why our CBD flowers carry a warning not to drive after consumption. Find out more at Addiction Switzerland.
How long can THC be detected?
That depends on the amount, frequency and metabolism. As a rough guide: THC can be detected in the blood for a few hours to a few days, and in the urine for several days to weeks. With regular use, THC is stored in fatty tissue, in which case these timeframes are significantly extended.
In practice, this means that a negative self-test is no guarantee that you can drive. Anyone who regularly consumes CBD flowers should allow plenty of time to pass before driving.
What does this mean for CBD products in everyday life?
All CBD products at goodvibe comply with the 1 per cent limit and are produced under controlled conditions. The range includes CBD Flowers about CBD Oil up to CBD Vapes and CBD Snus.
When making a purchase, it is worth checking the laboratory analyses for the THC content and the origin. Reputable suppliers provide evidence of both.
Conclusion: The difference in a nutshell
THC is intoxicating and is banned if its concentration exceeds 1 per cent; CBD is not intoxicating and is legal. Anyone using CBD should bear one thing in mind: because of the residual THC in the flowers, particular caution is required when driving.
Frequently asked questions about THC and CBD
Does the CBD get you high?
No. CBD is not intoxicating. THC is responsible for the intoxicating effect, and that is precisely why the legal limit for legal products is set at less than 1 per cent THC.
What is the permitted limit for THC in Switzerland?
Cannabis products are legal if their THC content is below 1 per cent. From 1 per cent upwards, a product is classified as a narcotic and is prohibited.
Is CBD legal in Switzerland?
Yes. CBD itself is not subject to the Narcotics Act. CBD products are legal provided that the THC content remains below 1 per cent and the product regulations are complied with.
How long can THC be detected?
In the blood, depending on consumption, from a few hours to several days; in the urine, from several days to several weeks. With regular consumption, these periods are significantly longer.
Am I allowed to drive after consuming CBD flowers?
We advise against this. Even legal CBD flowers contain up to 1 per cent THC. The legal limit for driving is 1.5 micrograms of THC per litre of blood, which can be exceeded even by legal products.
Warning regarding CBD flowers: Smoking this product is harmful to your health and may impair your ability to drive. You are advised not to drive after consuming this product. Sale restricted to persons aged 18 and over.
Author: Klaudi, goodvibe editorial team. Last updated: July 2026. Sources: ch.ch, Addiction Switzerland, Infodrog.
