Can CBD Get You High?

You might have come across many CBD products being sold at stores near you or on many online stores. There is a widespread curiosity in the general public regarding CBD as more and more CBD infused products are hitting the market. From gummies to capsules, skincare products, and tinctures, many CBD products have been legalized by various state governments.

These trendy CBD products contain different concentrations of the extract and are helpful in easing a long list of physical and psychological ailments. But, the big question in many people’s minds is, ‘Can CBD get you high?’

Here is an attempt to answer that question and understand the substance a lot better.

What is the CBD we use?

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is one of the hundreds of natural cannabinoids that are found in cannabis plants. The health benefits of this ingredient are not new to humans as different civilizations have used hemp or marijuana plants for centuries to treat various diseases. The widespread popularity of CBD in recent years can be credited to various research and studies, which have enhanced our knowledge. The relaxation in state and federal law regarding the legalization of CBD products has made them easily accessible to everyone.

Those who are new to cannabis products or are unclear about the side effects often worry about the side effects. You should know that CBD is present in both hemp and marijuana plants. But the legal or permitted CBD infused in most of the products sold in the market is extracted only from hemp plants, which contains less than 0.3% THC. This means that the psychoactive ingredient is present in a very negligible quantity. As a result, CBD products can relax, heal, and energize you without getting you high.

CBD and THC, What is the Difference?

CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are both natural compounds found in cannabis plants. CBD can be extracted from hemp plant and marijuana, whereas the percentage of THC is more in marijuana. Many people assume that both these cannabinoids can get you high, which is not true. The compounds interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system in very different ways, resulting in different effects.

Surprisingly, the chemical structure of CBD and THC are very similar. What sets them apart is that THC gets you high whereas CBD does not. THC is a psychoactive ingredient that gets you high when consumed through vaping, smoking or oral ingestion.

THC consumers feel pleasure or euphoria as the cannabinoid combines with the cannabinoid receptors in our body, making the person to feel relaxed and intoxicated at the same time. CBD, on the other hand, binds weakly with these receptors, thus does not create any psychoactive effects. In fact, a higher concentration of CBD can negate the sense of euphoria created by THC.

Why CBD can’t get you high?

A large variety of CBD edibles, capsules, and therapeutic products are readily available in the market. A quick look at the labels on the products will tell you that CBD is found in different concentrations in these products. In the US, several states have legalized CBD products of all kinds, whereas few other states permit just a hand full of these products with certain restrictions.

One of the most significant boosts to CBD products came in the form of the 2018 United States Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation and sales of hemp. This means that CBD extracted from hemp plants is no more considered category I Substance provided the THC content in it is below the permitted level.

The answer to whether CBD can get you high or not is NO. CBD cannot get you high because it does not contain enough THC to produce psychoactive effects. On the other hand, CBD is a natural chemical that can render therapeutic effects. It is a CB1 antagonist meaning it blocks the euphoric effect that is created by the CB1 receptors. Instead, it interacts with our endocannabinoid system, working towards reaching homeostasis in our body. When you consume CBD in any form, it can relieve imbalance in your body, which may be causing pain, stress, anxiety, or any other psychological ailments.

Regular and limited intake of CBD will not have any side effects. But consuming a high concentration of CBD will have specific adverse effects. The person may feel extreme fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea. Overdose of CBD may also cause a temporary dip in the blood pressure. As a rule of thumb, you should also use products containing natural CBD rather than the synthetic form as it certainly causes side effects.

The health benefits of CBD

The health  benefits of CBD are plentiful. It is highly revered in the health and wellness industry for its capacity to relax our mind and body. Manufacturers have devised thoughtful and creative ways to make the use of CBD simple, efficient, and fun. You can get your hands of a wide variety of CBD edibles, including candies, gummies, cookies, brownies, and much more.

CBD oil is undoubtedly the most popular form of this ingredient that can be used topically or consumed orally. Then there are CBD topical products which are used to give ultimate relaxation.

Scientific research has proven that CBD is extremely useful in healing specific health issues. Chronic pain and inflammation can be relieved to a great extent with a regular dose of CBD. Mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, etc. can be curbed and healed completely using CBD. One of the best-known benefits of CBD is its capacity to reduce seizures, especially in children. The effect is so pronounced that the FDA has approved a CBD based drug to control and cure seizures. A small dose of CBD can help you sleep better, increase your energy levels, enhance productivity, and keep you active throughout the day.

Takeaway

CBD is a natural chemical extracted from cannabis plants. A slightly different chemical structure than THC makes CBD non-psychoactive. Consuming any amount of CBD will not get you high like marijuana would do. To enjoy the best health benefits of CBD, you should always opt for natural ingredients. Different products contain different concentrations of CBD, and thus, the relaxing effects may vary as well. If you are new to CBD products, read the labels carefully, and consult your physician before beginning to consume.