Can CBD Get You High? The Basics Explained
Ah, CBD. If you haven’t heard of the miracle tincture, now is your chance to learn all about it. Cannabidiol, which is often abbreviated as CBD, is a naturally-occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It is actually one of hundreds of naturally-occurring compounds found within this plant that each have their own benefits.
The reason why CBD has gained so much attention and popularity in recent years is because of its many proven health benefits. As well as its recent legalization in many states across the U.S.
But the main question on most people’s minds is ”can CBD get you high?” Check out the rest of this blog for more.
What Is CBD and How Does it Work?
As mentioned, the cannabis plant is host to hundreds of different cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of them and reacts in its own unique way inside the brain. CBD works closely with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
In short, it stimulates the release of native cannabinoids in the body, helping it maintain a consistent level of homeostasis. You can learn more about the function of CBD by checking out these common CBD questions.
Essentially, CBD keeps the body and mind, and all their chemical processes in a state of balance. So, how is this beneficial to your health?
- CBD is well-known for reducing inflammation, which can help in the management of pain
- It helps to ease stress, anxiety, and even depression
- It promotes better concentration and neuroprotection
- CBD can improve joint health
- It can improve sleep problems
These are just a few of the benefits of CBD. But what most people want to know about CBD is whether it has psychoactive effects. Depending on how you consume CBD, everyone experiences the effects of CBD differently. It’s worth noting that you can still consume pure, high-quality CBD products and you will not fail a drug test. Why? Let’s talk about THC.
Can CBD Get You High? The Role of THC
Another one of the cannabis plant’s most popular cannabinoids is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This cannabinoid has the opposite effect of CBD. Basically, this is the compound in cannabis that delivers psychoactive effects, i.e. the high.
Most CBD products today do not contain the THC compound, or they contain very minimal amounts of this cannabinoid. THC also has an effect on the type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in the brain, just like CBD. However, the THC compound causes different effects.
THC binds with these receptors and activates them, causing you to feel a sensation of euphoria. CBD, on the other hand, is a CB1 antagonist and blocks any type of intoxicating effect.
The CBD products you find on the market today do not contain THC for the main reason of avoiding these psychoactive side-effects. If you consume legal CBD products that do not contain THC, you will still pass a drug test.
The Legality of CBD
According to U.S. federal law, cannabis is still classified as a controlled substance. However, CBD falls into a category of its own. In 2018, U.S. Congress lifted the ban on this compound when sourced from hemp plants.
In other words, hemp-derived CBD products are completely legal to manufacture, sell, and consume, unless outlawed at state level. However, the law is very particular in regards to THC content. Legally, CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC. This is so that the psychoactive effects of CBD can be controlled.
In some states, marijuana-derived CBD products are also legal. The ratio of CBD to THC will also vary from one product to the next, but the law stands firm on THC levels.
What Can CBD Be Used For?
Aside from the above-mentioned benefits of CBD, it can be used to treat a range of ailments, conditions, and diseases. Due to its positive effects on the endocannabinoid system, the health benefits are far-reaching.
CBD has the unique ability to help a person feel relaxed, without feeling intoxicated. This means it is extremely useful in the treatment of anxiety conditions, compulsive conditions, and depression.
CBD reacts positively with many neurological functions in the brain. This is why it’s used to treat conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and more. In fact, the FDA has approved a CBD-based product, Epidiolex, as a treatment for epileptic seizures.
CBD has also shown promising results in the treatment of conditions such as schizophrenia. The compound is also beneficial in the treatment of arthritis and other joint problems due to its anti-inflammatory properties. If you suffer from migraines or other neurologic conditions, CBD is also beneficial.
What to Expect When Taking CBD?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the consumption of CBD products is 100% safe for humans. However, the way in which you experience CBD is completely personal. It also depends on how you consume CBD, whether it’s via tincture, vaping, smoking, edibles, or topicals. Most CBD products allow you to function normally on a day-to-day basis, without feeling intoxicated.
In saying this, there are a few side-effects you may experience as a first-time user of CBD. The higher the concentration of CBD, the more likely you could experience any of these effects:
- Mild nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
Most of the time, these side-effects are once-off as your body adjusts to the use of CBD. Bear in mind that you should always consult with your doctor before taking CBD if you take prescription medication. Some medications could interact with CBD, so do your homework before incorporating the tincture into your daily routine.
Keep Your Health In-Check With Us
So, can CBD get you high? The short answer to this question is no. But it also depends on the THC content of the CBD products you consume. The bottom line is this: if you’re buying CBD legally, it should not contain high amounts of THC. But make sure to check these levels if you wish to take CBD on a daily basis.
To keep your health in-check, be sure to explore the rest of this site for more. We offer a plethora of articles on all things beauty, fitness, weight loss, grooming, and more!
