Should We Say “the CBD” or “the THC”?

In everyday language, some people say “the CBD molecule” or even treat CBD or THC as feminine terms, likely by association with “the plant” or “the herb.” However, from a grammatical standpoint, these terms are masculine. Here is why — and why using the correct form matters.

CBD and THC: Masculine Acronyms

The words CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are acronyms derived from scientific names. In English, as in many languages, an acronym inherits the grammatical gender (where applicable) or categorical form of the underlying term.

Since “cannabidiol” and “tetrahydrocannabinol” refer to neutral scientific compounds, the acronyms are typically treated as neutral or masculine depending on the linguistic context.

A Common Source of Confusion

People sometimes associate CBD or THC with “the plant” or “the flower,” which are often treated as feminine nouns in Romance languages. This creates the habit of mistakenly assigning a feminine form to the molecules themselves.

However, the linguistic form depends not on the plant, but on the scientific name that the acronym represents.

What About HHC and Other Molecules?

The same logic applies to HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) and any similar cannabinoid acronyms. The underlying chemical name guides how the acronym should be used in language.

Thus, HHC follows the same pattern.

Correct Usage — Also Relevant for SEO

Using consistent terminology is not only more accurate but also beneficial for professional content. Clear linguistic structures help search engines understand your pages better and contribute to polished, trustworthy writing.

For clarity, professionalism and coherence, the correct forms are: CBD, THC, HHC, used consistently and precisely.

In Summary

Cannabinoid names follow the grammatical rules of the chemical terms they abbreviate. Using the correct form avoids confusion, improves readability and strengthens the quality of your content — especially in Switzerland, where precision is greatly appreciated.