Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the natural compounds present in marijuana and hemp. Its popularity has increased in recent years, thanks to newfound legality, and the only cannabinoid more popular than CBD is THC. As expected, everyone is curious about CBD, and the questions keep rolling in. One of the most popular questions these days is: Does CBD get you high?
While CBD may be a bit complex, we’re here to set the record straight about CBD’s psychoactivity and whether or not it has the ability to get you high. Let’s get started.
The Many CBD Misconceptions
Right now, there are so many misconceptions about CBD. If we surveyed what most people know about CBD, there is a high chance that a lot of the information they currently know is incorrect. This isn’t really anyone’s fault, though! Since CBD is relatively new, factual details about this compound only come to public knowledge piecemeal, and some information is still unverified.
However, there’s a lot we do know about cannabidiol, and we’re learning more every day. With this knowledge, CBD misconceptions only become more apparent. Some of the most typical misconceptions are:
- CBD will get you high
- The only way to consume CBD is by smoking it
- Only sick people use CBD
- CBD takes too long to work
All these are misconceptions that we will address in this piece, especially the misconception related to the fact that CBD gets you high. Needless to say, it is essential to get the information about CBD right in the cannabis community because this affects general acceptance of CBD and proper usage.
So, Does CBD Get You High?
No, it does not!
CBD is a common cannabinoid from the cannabis sativa plant present in all plant forms in varying quantities. These plants also have THC in varying amounts, and it is THC that is intoxicating. However, it is possible to isolate CBD from the cannabis plant and away from THC. When secluded, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it cannot get you high the way that THC does. Also, you can derive CBD from the hemp plant, which does not produce mind-altering effects in any fashion. This explains why several states permit the use of only hemp-derived CBD — it’s legal, safe, and won’t have you feeling high.
Why Doesn’t CBD Get You High?
CBD does not get you high because of the reasons we mentioned above. Contrary to popular belief that CBD is not psychoactive, CBD is technically psychoactive. However, it is not intoxicating, and this is why it does not get you high.
You may still wonder how CBD manages not to get you high even though it interacts with the CB1 receptors in your body. The answer is simple. CBD does not get you high because it is not as effective at activating the CB1 receptors in the body, unlike THC, which primarily activates the CB1 receptors in the brain. CBD blocks any intoxicating effect, and you can even take it if you want to inhibit the intoxicating effect of THC.
Why THC Gets You High, But CBD Doesn’t
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most common cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. THC and CBD have a similar chemical formula, i.e., 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. However, these atoms are arranged differently, explaining why the compounds have different effects on the body. THC is psychoactive. It activates the CB1 receptors found in the brain, which makes it intoxicating and causes it to trigger euphoria.
What Happens if You Consume Too Much CBD?
CBD products are relatively easy to consume, and you may be wondering if there is ever an amount that would be too much to the extent that it gets you high. There is no amount of CBD taken in isolation that can get you high in all reality. The reason for this is simple — it has no intoxicating effect in the first place. At most, when you take a high concentration of CBD or CBD beyond the recommended dosage, it could give an uplifting effect, but that isn’t you getting high.
However, depending on your body system, taking a high dosage of CBD may make you uncomfortable. It means that too much CBD could have different side effects such as nausea, dizziness, anxiety, dry mouth, or fatigue. Thus, we advise that you stick to the recommended dosage as indicated on the product. Also, always remember that a specific dosage worked for your friend doesn’t mean it would not have a side effect on you if you consume the exact dosage. Generally, the best thing is to consult a health practitioner to determine what dosage is appropriate for you based on your needs.
How Different CBD Products Work in the Body
There are so many different CBD products on the market right now. These products all work differently, presenting unique consumption methodologies and potencies. Contrary to another popular misconception, CBD products are not only for those who are sick. On the flip side, CBD can benefit even the healthiest people.
CBD has significant therapeutic value, working to support the body in unique ways. Whether you’re sick, in pain, or 100% comfortable, CBD can give the body the extra boost it needs to function in tip-top shape. Oh, and you don’t have to smoke CBD, either! Its products come in different forms, and you can choose the one best suitable for your needs.
CBD Oils and Tinctures
To use CBD oils and tinctures, you simply place a few drops under your tongue with a dropper. These types of products remain the best choice for those who do not like to or cannot take pills, as consumption here is practically effortless.
The oral mucosa has several tiny capillaries that aid the quick absorption of the compound in the body. Compared to other CBD products, oils and tinctures get to work rapidly, providing full-bodied relief.
CBD Edibles
One of the most popular CBD products in the industry is infused edibles. Consuming CBD edibles help to reduce nausea or vomiting, and they’re often effective for pain relief. However, you have to keep in mind that edibles take much longer to work than other CBD products. This is because you first have to digest the edible and wait for your system to metabolize the CBD. Once the cannabinoids are metabolized, they are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed through the endocannabinoid system to act on the cannabinoid receptors. So, long story short, be patient!
CBD Creams and lotions
People turn to CBD-infused topicals to treat muscle and joint pain as well as skin conditions such as eczema. Unlike CBD edibles, CBD creams and lotions are topical, and they do not get into your bloodstream at all. Instead, you just rub the formula directly to your point of pain and let the CBD do its thing. Through this modality, topicals targets muscle tissue, pores, and provides targeted areas of concentrated relief.
CBD Softgels
People enjoy CBD softgels, otherwise known as CBD capsules or pills, for treating seizure disorders, digestive conditions, and more. The full-body relief that these softgels bring can do wonders for people with varying complications or if you just want to get an extra dose of goodness throughout your day. However, one downside of CBD pills – if you also consider it a downside – is that it doesn’t give immediate relief. You have to wait for digestion, similar to CBD edibles.
Let Elevate Answer All Your Other Canna-Questions
Do you still have any other questions about cannabis, CBD, THC, medical marijuana, or medical cards? Don’t worry: Elevate Holistics is always here to answer all your canna-related questions in the simplest way possible. Browse through all of our informative blog posts, or scroll through our how-to pages to see how easy it is to get an MMJ card in your state. And, if you decide it’s time to get a medical card for yourself, Elevate can help with that, too!
Just click the button down below to book an appointment, and you’ll meet with a medical professional (via computer) for an evaluation. From there, you just have to register with the state and wait for your medical card to come in the mail. Of course, you don’t need a medical card to purchase hemp-derived CBD products, but you do need one if you want to try products with more than 0.3% THC.
Are you ready to get your health and wellness journey started? Let us be your glass half-full MMJ organization.
