When it comes to CBD, one of the most common questions is “Does CBD Oil Get You High?” Learn the answer and more in our latest guide!
By now, just about everyone has heard about CBD (cannabidiol), and the long list of benefits this little cannabinoid is said to bring to the table. From supporting general wellness to helping with better sleep, the list of proposed benefits is ever-growing and so many are making cannabidiol a part of their daily regimens because of it.
While much of the population has tried CBD, one of the biggest questions about the cannabinoid is: Can CBD get you high?
With an understanding that CBD is just one of the many cannabinoids found in plants from the cannabis family, it’s natural to wonder about intoxicating effects. After all, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid and has a pretty long-lived, racy reputation, right?
When you get into the specifics, you will feel much more confident about what you will experience with CBD and why. Here’s the answer to “Does CBD make you high?”, the science behind the answer, and more from us here at Fabuleaf.
So, Does CBD Oil Get You High?
In short, no. CBD cannot get you high. Just make sure the CBD you take contains 0.3 percent THC, which is not an issue when you are buying hemp-derived CBD because hemp is naturally low in THC. CBD may be a cannabinoid in the same family as THC, and it may help you relax or focus, but those sensations are nothing like being “marijuana high,” or any type of high for that matter.
Keep in mind, however, CBD oil or CBD products derived from regular marijuana strains usually have higher concentrations of THC than products derived from hemp. These CBD products are legal in states where medical or recreational weed is legal. So, technically, you could come across a CBD oil that would get you high because it has a higher THC concentration (some marijuana-derived CBD can have 5 percent THC or more). This is why it’s pertinent to only opt for CBD products you know are hemp-derived and come from a reliable manufacturer.
To get more acquainted with why just CBD alone or CBD with very fractional amounts of THC will not get you high, it’s good to get to know how both cannabinoids act in the body.
A Closer Look at CBD vs THC in the Endocannabinoid System
You could look at THC and CBD as two cousins. Both are from the same family, but these two cousins have totally different personalities. CBD, the milder-mannered of the two cannabinoids, interacts with the body, but not the same way that THC does, which is why CBD is not considered intoxicating. In fact, THC is the only cannabinoid in the cannabis family that is deemed intoxicating. The science behind why is easier explained when you are introduced to the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is an internal system made up of receptors that are poised throughout the peripheral and central nervous system in our bodies. The receptors, which are referred to as CB1 and CB2 receptors, interact with molecules called endocannabinoids in the body. The receptors, endocannabinoids, and introduced phytocannabinoids (plant-based cannabinoids) work together and affect a number of things, such as your mood, your appetite, and even your perceived pain. CBD and THC interact with the receptors in unique ways.
THC, the cannabinoid recognized for its telltale ability to get you “high,” actually binds to or activates CB1 receptors. In turn, the person using the THC would feel any range of sensations from almost sedated to euphoric, paranoid, or anxious. On the other hand, CBD doesn’t appear to bind to the ECS receptors. Instead, CBD seems to balance or sustain endocannabinoids the body produces on its own. Some evidence suggests the cannabinoid triggers the body to produce its own endocannabinoids. While research is yet to solidify exactly how CBD works, there is suspicion that the homeostasis CBD helps to achieve within the body is responsible for the proposed therapeutic benefits.
A Note About The Entourage Effect
With insight into the fact that THC and CBD have almost opposing effects within the ECS, some CBD seekers lean toward isolated CBD products. It’s easy to assume CBD isolate must be best because this is essentially stripped-down CBD with no other cannabinoids involved. However, it is actually better for most to opt for a full-spectrum CBD even if it does include the minuscule amount of THC.
CBD is thought to work better when delivered to the body as a package deal with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids derived from hemp. This interesting ability for the different constituents to work together for better effects is known as the entourage effect.
Does CBD have any psychoactive or intoxicating effects?
A lot of websites claim CBD is non-psychoactive, which is technically false. Anything that affects you psychologically or changes your mood could be called psychoactive. While the answer to “Can CBD get you high?” is no, CBD may change your mood in some way. For example, many people turn to CBD to help with issues like stress, anxiety, and problems with sleep simply because CBD seems to support a sense of calm and relaxation.
As already noted, in the body, CBD seems to interact with CB1 receptors of the ECS. Early evidence even suggests CBD could be helpful for certain neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and anxiety because of its calming effects. With all that in mind, CBD most assuredly has psychoactive effects, but not in a bad way. An interesting bit of information, when CBD is taken in combination with THC, CBD seems to moderate the undesirable intoxicating effects of THC, such as paranoia. This is why some people prefer marijuana strains with a hefty percentage of CBD in addition to the THC concentrations.
The confusion about CBD stems from the misunderstanding that “psychoactive” is the same thing as “intoxicating,” which is just not the case. By definition, intoxicating means a substance can markedly diminish your mental or physical capabilities. THC obviously can do just that in high enough doses; it induces euphoria, changes spatial awareness, alters sensory perceptions. CBD, on the other hand, does not. So, while both THC and CBD could be deemed as psychoactive substances, only THC has intoxicating effects, not CBD.
So, how will you feel when you take CBD?
So, now that you know the answer to “Can you get high from CBD?” is no, it naturally leaves to question how CBD will make you feel. While the answer can be different for everyone who tries CBD, most do report that CBD makes them feel more relaxed or a deeper sense of calm. You may feel:
- Less anxious or stressed
- More at ease and peaceful
- Easier able to focus on a task
- More relaxed
Of course, CBD has been associated with a number of possible benefits. The cannabinoid is an antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties, and has even been looked at for antibacterial properties. If you are taking CBD for any specific reason, you may also feel the positive effects in that respect. For example, if you are using CBD to help deter muscle soreness after a workout, you may notice you don’t experience the same level of tension or achiness after a grueling workout.
While THC can be associated with a number of undesirable effects, CBD experiences are generally good with little to complain about. The safety profile of CBD was even notated by the World Health Organization, which stated that CBD is generally well-tolerated. In the event you do have side effects after using CBD, they will likely be mild. Some people report having a dry mouth, feeling sleepy, or experiencing slight nausea.
Does CBD Oil Get You High? Key Takeaways to Remember
- CBD can’t get you high if it is derived from hemp and comes from a reliable company
- CBD interacts with the ECS in a totally different way than THC
- Relaxation, calmness, and focus are the most noteworthy effects of CBD
- Full-spectrum hemp-based CBD contains fractional amounts of THC, but not enough to make you high
- Using full-spectrum hemp-based CBD can be beneficial without making you high due to the entourage effect
- CBD can be psychoactive but not intoxicating like THC
- Marijuana-derived CBD can contain higher concentrations of THC, which could lead to a high feeling
With a better understanding of CBD, how it works, and how it differs from THC, it is easy to see why so many people have grown to trust this popular cannabinoid. If you’re ready to try CBD for yourself, always opt for hemp-based products you can count on. At Fabuleaf, we serve up a nice selection of hemp-based, full-spectrum CBD oil, softgels, and topicals—all with less than 0.3 percent THC and carefully crafted to deliver good vibes only.
Thanks for reading our article. We hope that it helped to answer the question, “Does CBD Oil Get You High?” If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.