Does CBD Get You High?
The world of cannabis and its related products is changing so fast that sometimes it’s hard to keep up. In some states, cannabis is legal. In others, it’s restricted to medical use. In some, it’s still entirely illegal.
These changes have also resulted in a lot of confusion regarding CBD products. The confusion between THC and CBD is understandable, as the compounds are found in the same plants—cannabis and hemp. But CBD products do not get you high and their interaction with your body is quite different from THC.
So let’s take a look at CBD and how it differs from THC.
What is CBD?
CBD is the acronym for cannabidiol, a substance found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD is one of the hundreds of different compounds found in these amazing plants and it is not the same as marijuana.
CBD is a cannabinoid, one of many found in both cannabis and hemp. It is more abundant in hemp. CBD helps your body produce more of its own natural endocannabinoids. Our endocannabinoid system helps balance bodily processes as varied as weight control and learning.
CBD, once extracted, can be used in oils, tinctures, lotions, and more. 
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system, only recently discovered, is vast and remarkable. It affects and regulates critical systems in your body. Why do you need to know about this system to understand CBD and getting high? Well, it’s where the CBD action takes place.
Researchers are discovering that the endocannabinoid system is responsible for an amazing array of control and regulation. Emotion, memory, pain control, inflammation, learning, and immune response are only some of the crucial functions the endocannabinoid system affects.
There are more endocannabinoid receptors in your brain (and body) than any other type, controlling neurotransmitter activity. They help your body maintain an intricate balance in the systems it controls.
Both CBD and THC affect the endocannabinoid system, though in very different ways.
How is CBD Different from THC and Marijuana?
Both are cannabinoids of more than 100. However, CBD has a different mechanism than THC, the intoxicating compound found in greater abundance in marijuana. It is this cannabinoid, THC, that produces the intoxication, or “high". Marijuana is cultivated with a high amount of THC and minimal amounts of CBD. Hemp cannabis is exactly the opposite with high amounts of CBD and minimal amounts of THC (0.3%).
The THC in marijuana reacts directly with the cannabinoid receptors in your brain, which are widespread. It binds to those receptors, called CB1 and CB2 receptors, affecting memory, movement, emotions, learning, and more.
CBD has a more subtle effect. It encourages your body to produce more of the endocannabinoids it needs. It may also slow the breakdown of these natural compounds. CBD also helps the body block compounds that want to bind directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors. The result is that, rather than getting you high, it may dampen the intoxicating effects of THC.
What Does CBD Do?
Once again it’s important to note one thing that CBD does not do: CBD does not get you high.
CBD, through its ability to stimulate the production of natural endocannabinoids, may help alleviate several symptoms and conditions.
Studies are underway examining the potential benefits of CBD. It may have benefits for those suffering from anxiety and PTSD, it may help reduce stress, and could decrease insomnia.
Other areas of study include pain relief, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, acne, and cancer. The more researchers discover about the endocannabinoid system, the more studies turn to CBD as a way to boost its crucial activities.
Types of CBD
Most CBD is made from hemp plants, which naturally restricts the amount of THC that can be present. Hemp contains a maximum of 0.3% THC, which is the federal limit of THC in CBD products. CBD is legal federally only if it is made using hemp. This level is very low, will not get you high, and is generally considered negligible.
There are three major types of CBD: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD made from hemp does not remove any components from the plant. Hemp has many compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids, and that small amount of THC that may all work together to produce a more effective product.
Broad-spectrum CBD keeps all of the components of the hemp plant except the THC. While the small amount of THC in hemp won’t make you high, some people prefer to have it removed.
CBD isolate contains only the CBD compound, removing everything else from the plant.
None of the types of CBD made from hemp contain enough THC to make you high. Compared to marijuana, hemp has more CBD and far less THC.
The only type of CBD products that can result in a high are those made from marijuana plants. These products are not legal federally, so if you choose them, make sure that recreational marijuana is legal in your state.
CBD and You
Like any supplement, it’s important to talk to your doctor before adding CBD products to your life. You should also make sure to do your research on the type of CBD that is best for you and your needs.
CBD can be found in oils, capsules, gummies, and topical creams and lotions. You can find CBD products with no other ingredients, and those combined with other botanicals.
It can be hard to make sense of the CBD options available. After talking with your doctor, decide what you hope to achieve with CBD. Then choose a method of delivery that best meets your needs. Make sure that your CBD products contain no more than the legal limit of 0.3% THC.
At Proerba, our vision we offer CBD infused wellness products ranging from full-spectrum oil and capsules, zero-THC oil, and topical treatments, to botanical formulas for stress, sleep, and focus. Our hemp oil never contains more than 0.3% THC, is third-party tested, and is free from impurities.
Does CBD Get You High?
CBD will not get you high. Hemp CBD has a negligible amount of THC, the intoxicating component of marijuana. The relaxation you may feel is not the same as the psychoactive effects of marijuana.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-cbd-get-you-high?c=240182630999
https://cfah.org/does-cbd-oil-get-you-high/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-oil-benefits
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-cbd-get-you-high?c=475276811007#what-is-thc
https://www.healthline.com/health/thc-free-cbd-oil
Cover Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash