Does CBD Get You High?

When we first started TribeTokes years ago, many people didn’t know what CBD was yet, and knowing that it was derived from cannabis would ask “can this get you high?” or “That’s the legal form of weed, right?” If you’ve always secretly wondered what’s up with this – or maybe why you feel a little different when you take CBD even if it isn’t “high” per se, then this post is for you!

In 2019 we experienced an explosion of people using CBD products including tinctures, vape oils, and topicals that deliver cannabinoids to the body for a broad range of health and wellness benefits. If you haven’t already, make sure to read up on the basics here: CBD 101.

Why Doesn’t CBD Get You High?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines any substance that affects mental processes, such as cognition, as “psychoactive.” The WHO reported in 2017 that while THC can impair people’s cognitive performance and psychomotor abilities, even high doses of oral CBD do not cause those effects that are characteristic for THC.

The reason why THC makes you high and CBD doesn’t has to do with the way that the compounds bind to receptors in your endocannabinoid system. THC activates brain receptors associated with euphoria, relaxation, anxiety, and short-term memory impairment. CBD is a CB1 antagonist, meaning it’ll actually block or modulate THC’s intoxicating effects. CBD products, by law, can have no more than 0.3 percent THC. This isn’t enough to create any psychoactive symptoms.

Potential Benefits of CBD Without the High

Many have turned to CBD for its potential health benefits, minus the psychoactive effects typically associated with marijuana. Check out the potential benefits of CBD without the high, shedding light on how this versatile cannabinoid can help improve your overall well-being.

Pain Relief and Inflammation

One of CBD’s most significant potential benefits is its ability to help manage pain and inflammation. Studies have suggested that CBD can interact with the ECS to modulate pain signaling and reduce inflammatory responses in the body. This makes CBD attractive for those with chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or neuropathic pain and athletes looking for post-workout recovery.

Anxiety and Stress Management

CBD has shown promising results in reducing anxiety and stress levels. Research indicates that CBD may help regulate the release of cortisol, a hormone responsible for the body’s stress response. This may lead to a decrease in anxiety symptoms and an overall improvement in mood. As a result, people dealing with anxiety disorders or everyday stress might find relief in incorporating CBD into their wellness routine.

Sleep Quality Improvement

Many people have trouble sleeping because of sleep apnea or insomnia. CBD has been looked into for its ability to help with sleep because it might be able to fix the root causes of sleep issues. Also, CBD has been found to interact with serotonin receptors in the body, which are super important for regulating sleep.

Neuroprotective Properties

CBD may protect your brain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation and stress can increase the chances of getting neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. We need more research, but CBD could be a good supplement to keep your brain healthy.

Skin Health and Acne Treatment

Acne happens when too much oil production and buildup on your skin. CBD can help by reducing the amount of oil your skin produces. It can help control oil and reduce redness, making it ideal for those with acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Types and Uses of CBD Products

To pick the best CBD product for you from all the options, you need to know the different types and ways to use CBD. So check out the different CBD products and how you can use them below:

CBD Oil and Tinctures

Some of the most often used CBD products are CBD oil and tinctures. They are made by diluting CBD oil, which has been extracted from the plant, with carrier oil. These products can be taken orally or combined with food or drink for speedy absorption. These items are popular for their many uses; they help with everything from general health to relieving pain and stress to improving sleep.

CBD Edibles

Edible CBD products are a tasty and easy way to add CBD to your routine. These items are available in several forms, such as candies, baked treats, beverages, and gummies. If you don’t want to use oils or tinctures, CBD edibles are a discreet and simple alternative. The effects may take longer to manifest when compared to other forms of intake, but this should not be forgotten.

CBD Capsules and Pills

CBD capsules and pills provide a simple and familiar means of administration for those who prefer a more conventional approach. Because of the consistent potency of CBD in these products, dosing is simple. When it comes to chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety, people commonly turn to CBD capsules and pills for long-term comfort and all-around health support.

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals, which may be applied directly to the skin, are a great choice for targeted pain treatment. Various types of creams, balms, lotions, and salves are available. In relieving pain and inflammation, CBD topicals can help with skin problems like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. In addition, sports and fitness enthusiasts widely utilize them because they relieve localized pain to aching muscles and joints.

CBD Vapes and Inhalers

If you wanna feel the benefits of CBD, just take a puff! Vaping CBD with e-liquids or inhalers is a quick and dope way to get your daily dose of CBD. You will feel the effects in just a few minutes, making it the go-to for folks who need quick relief from things like anxiety or panic attacks. 

CBD Isolates and Concentrates

CBD isolates and concentrates are super strong versions of CBD. These products, like powders, crystals, and waxes, come in different forms. You can add them to your food and drinks or use them in DIY recipes to make your CBD-infused products. CBD isolates and concentrates are great for peeps who need a lot of CBD for certain health stuff or don’t want any THC.

Debunking Common CBD Misconceptions

With the increased popularity of CBD comes a fair share of misconceptions and misinformation. So, let’s debunk some common CBD myths and provide accurate data to help you make better decisions about including CBD in your wellness journey.

Myth: CBD Will Get You High

One of the most persistent misconceptions about CBD is that it will get you high, like its well-known counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is non-psychoactive, so it does not produce the intoxicating effects of THC. While CBD and THC are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system differently, leading to distinct effects.

Myth: All CBD Products Are the Same

Contrary to popular belief, not all CBD products are created equal. There are three main types of CBD extracts: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids naturally present in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum but with THC removed. Finally, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD.

Moreover, the quality of CBD products can vary significantly based on factors like extraction methods, source material, and third-party testing. So, always choose reputable brands prioritizing transparency and quality assurance to ensure you get a safe, effective product.

Myth: CBD is a Miracle Cure-All

While CBD seems promising when addressing various health concerns, keep in mind that it is not a miracle cure-all. For instance, CBD may offer potential medicinal benefits for pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep disorders. However, it should not replace conventional medical treatment. So, consult your doctor before incorporating CBD into your routine.

Myth: Higher Doses of CBD Are Always Better

When it comes to CBD, “more” is not always “better.” CBD’s effects are often described as biphasic, meaning they can vary depending on the dosage. In some cases, lower doses of CBD may be more effective than higher doses, and vice versa. Finding the right dosage for your needs may require some experimentation and close attention to how your body responds. 

Myth: CBD is Illegal

CBD’s legal status can be pretty confusing. It changes depending on where you are and where the CBD comes from. For instance, in the US, CBD made from hemp (which is cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) is legal. But CBD derived from marijuana (cannabis plants with more than 0.3% THC) is illegal. Make sure you know the local laws and regulations so you can use CBD without any trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBD get you high like THC?

No. CBD doesn’t make you high like THC. While both CBD and THC are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, they have different effects on the body. So basically, THC is what makes you feel high. On the flip side, CBD won’t get you high like THC does because it’s non-psychoactive.

Why doesn’t CBD get you high?

CBD doesn’t get you high because it interacts differently with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) than THC. The ECS regulates various physiological processes, such as pain, mood, and sleep. THC binds directly to the CB1 receptors in the ECS, mainly found in the brain, causing the euphoric effects associated with marijuana. But CBD has a low affinity for CB1 receptors and does not bind to them directly, resulting in no intoxicating effects.

Can you test positive for a drug test due to CBD use?

Although CBD itself should not cause a positive drug test, using full-spectrum CBD products containing trace amounts of THC could result in a positive test. To avoid this risk, consider using broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate products containing no THC. Additionally, always purchase CBD products from reputable brands that provide positive and accurate lab test results to ensure the product’s quality and contents.

Can CBD counteract the psychoactive effects of THC?

Some studies suggest that CBD may help counteract the psychoactive effects of THC by reducing its binding affinity to CB1 receptors. This means CBD could potentially lessen the “high” experienced from THC when consumed together. However, more research and clinical trials are needed to understand the full extent of this interaction and its implications for users.