Cannabinoid glossary: TAC, THC, CBD, HHC & co. clearly explained
Plenty of abbreviations circulate around vapes: TAC, THC, CBD, HHC. This glossary explains what the abbreviations stand for, how they differ and how they are classified legally in Germany. As of: August 2026.
Cannabinoids at a glance
The most important abbreviations at a glance. They are explained in detail in the sections below.
| Abbreviation | Stands for | Status in Germany |
|---|---|---|
| TAC | Total Active Cannabinoids | Legal – in our range |
| THC | Tetrahydrocannabinol | BtMG – not freely available |
| CBD | Cannabidiol | Marketable subject to conditions |
| HHC | Hexahydrocannabinol | NpSG – no longer marketable |
| 10-OH-HHC | Hydroxy-Hexahydrocannabinol | NpSG – no longer marketable |
TAC
Meaning: Total Active Cannabinoids – all the active cannabinoids in a product taken together.
Origin: Obtained from certified industrial hemp. The vapes from Happy's Amsterdam consist of 95 % industrial hemp and are manufactured in Germany.
Legal status in Germany: Legally available. We have covered the details separately.
What makes TAC Vapes special · TAC Vapes and the legal situation in Germany · To the TAC Vape collection
THC
Meaning: Tetrahydrocannabinol – the best-known psychoactive cannabinoid of the cannabis plant.
Legal status in Germany: THC is subject to narcotics law. Despite the partial legalisation of cannabis in 2024, vapes and liquids containing THC are not freely available in Germany. Happy's Amsterdam does not stock any THC products.
CBD
Meaning: Cannabidiol – a non-intoxicating cannabinoid from the hemp plant.
Distinction: CBD is not psychoactive and is therefore treated differently in law from THC.
Legal status in Germany: CBD products from certified industrial hemp are marketable subject to conditions.
HHC
Meaning: Hexahydrocannabinol – a semi-synthetic cannabinoid obtained from hemp components by hydrogenation.
Legal status in Germany: In 2024, HHC was made subject to the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG) and has not been marketable since.
At Happy's Amsterdam: We do not stock any HHC products. The legal alternative is our TAC Vapes.
The difference between CBD, HHC, THC and TAC · View legal TAC Vapes
10-OH-HHC
Meaning: A metabolite or derivative of HHC that was offered for a time as a product category in its own right.
Legal status in Germany: Also covered by the NpSG and therefore no longer marketable.
Other active substances
We have published separate posts on several other cannabinoids.
Frequently asked questions
What does TAC mean on vapes?
TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids and refers to the sum of the active cannabinoids in a product. At Happy's Amsterdam these come from certified industrial hemp.
What is the difference between TAC and THC?
THC refers to a single active substance that is subject to narcotics law. TAC, by contrast, describes the entire cannabinoid profile of an industrial hemp product. To the detailed comparison
Why are HHC Vapes no longer available?
In 2024, HHC was made subject to the NpSG and is therefore no longer marketable in Germany. As a legal alternative we offer TAC Vapes.
Are TAC Vapes legal in Germany?
Yes. We have set out the classification on a dedicated page about the legal situation.
Which strain suits me?
The strains differ in terpene profile and character. Indica, Sativa or Hybrid – the overview
Legal notice
This glossary is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or health advice. The legal assessment of individual substances can change. As of: August 2026.