Can CBD Oil Get You High: Effects + Debunking Common Myths
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While both THC and CBD are present naturally in the cannabis plant, these two cannabinoids induce completely different effects.
More specifically, with THC, you will experience psychoactive effects, while CBD is preferred for its health benefits, such as potential relief of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, body and mind relaxation, and more.
At the same time, many hemp-derived CBD products have trace amounts of THC, including those products that are based on full-spectrum CBD, and with these CBD goodies, high effects may occur.
Consuming a CBD product that is free of THC will not make you high, but when THC is present alongside CBD as the active ingredient, the situation is slightly different. More on this topic is discussed in the sections that follow, so let’s dive in.
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What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a natural compound extracted from the cannabis sativa plant. This compound is one of many cannabinoids found in hemp plants but is different from THC, which is present in more abundant amounts in cannabis plants.
The main difference between CBD and THC lies in their effects on the user; CBD does not have the psychoactive properties associated with THC.
This means when you consume nonprescription CBD products, you will not experience any highs unless you consume CBD-based products with trace amounts of THC.
The unique non-psychoactive property of CBD makes it an appealing option for those seeking potential health benefits without the high effects. Among the few CBD-based products that the FDA approves is EPIDIOLEX, a drug composed of CBD.
The surge in popularity of CBD-based oil can be attributed to its health benefits. Many individuals consider CBD oil as a natural alternative for managing chronic pain, often using it alongside other treatments [1].
Furthermore, there is an increasing interest in using CBD oil to mitigate symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression in mild and severe forms, making it a possibly good choice for medical cannabis consumers who deal with mental health conditions [2].
Sources of CBD Oil
As mentioned earlier, CBD is the main active ingredient derived from the cannabis plant, but both CBD and THC can also be sourced from the hemp plant, as discussed in more detail in the section below.
CBD from Hemp
Hemp-derived CBD comes from, you guessed it, hemp, which is a specific variety of cannabis plants that are specifically grown to be used for industrial purposes, such as manufacturing CDB products.
The legal definition of hemp is that it is a cannabis plant that has no more than 0.3% of THC. This means that hemp is a great starting point for CBD-based products for people who are more interested in cannabis’s therapeutic effects and the highs that THC produces.
CBD-based oil that comes from hemp is known to have a very low THC content and very high CBD content. Hemp-based CBD is legal in many countries, including many US states in which CBD-based products are regulated.
CBD from hemp is also present in different dietary supplements, beverages, and foods due to its very low THC content.
As for approved nonprescription CBD products, EPIDIOLEX is FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration), and at the time of writing this, it is the only product of this kind that has been approved by the FDA.
As the FDA regulation is open for changes and as the popularity of CBD is growing among medical cannabis users, some other CBD-based products may be approved in the future, but as of now, EPIDIOLEX remains the first and only CBD-based product that the FDA gave green light to.
CBD from Marijuana
CBD derived from cannabis plants is similar to CBD from hemp, with a few major distinctions. Unlike hemp, cannabis plants tend to have a higher THC content, and consuming THC is known to induce high effects.
While both CBD and THC are present naturally in cannabis plants, CBD levels are generally low, while THC concentrations vary significantly between different Sativa and Indica cultivars.
This means that if you purchase CBD products that are made from cannabis plants, they can induce milder high effects, and these effects are similar to those of THC products.
In other words, with CBD cannabis-derived products, you may experience a mild euphoria accompanied by mood upliftment and stimulation, alongside body and mind relaxation and other soothing effects.
As for the legality of these types of products, their legal status varies greatly. THC is listed under the Controlled Substances Act, but CBD products with less than 0.3% are legal according to US federal law.
However, while legal at the federal level, consuming CBD derived from cannabis plants is not legal in all US states, as different state laws are in the picture. Is CBD legal in your area or not, depending on local laws and regulations?
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How CBD Oil Works in the Body?
CBD and THC both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, but they interact differently. While THC binds to different receptors directly, the impact of CBD on CB1 and CB2 receptors is more indirect, as discussed below [3].
Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System
Cannabidiol, as CBD, operates within the body through interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This system, which is integral to our nervous system, consists of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes, and all play an important role when it comes to regulation of many physiological processes including pain sensation, appetite, mood, and memory.
Both THC and CBD impact the ECS, but unlike THC, CBD does not directly attach itself to the cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2.
Instead, it impacts the function of these receptors indirectly, a process that leads to the modulation of their activity [4].
This indirect modulation is essential as it encourages the body’s natural ability to produce endocannabinoids. These cannabinoids are important for maintaining the body’s internal balance.
Research suggests CBD in different forms is also vital when it comes to perception of pain [5]. The complex interaction of CBD with the ECS is not limited to indirectly impacting different cannabinoid receptors as clinical trials suggest.
CBD is also thought to help in sustaining the levels of endocannabinoids in the body by encouraging the production of the enzymes that break endocannabinoids down.
By preventing the degradation of endocannabinoids, CBD also ensures that endocannabinoids remain active in the body for a prolonged time period, as studies suggest, like this one [3].
Effects on the Brain and Body
When it comes to taking CBD, CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, as discussed in the earlier section. In both smaller and high doses, CBD is known to induce different effects on the body and brain.
Of course, when you consume CBD in high doses, these effects tend to be more intense and longer-lasting. As for the effects, Cannabidiol CBD may deliver pain relief, improved mood, and overall body and mind relaxation due to its impact on the endocannabinoid system.
In addition, research suggests that CBD impacts serotonin receptors, meaning it can impact anxiety levels and positively influence mood, but more research is necessary in this specific area [6].
Discussing the effects that CBD usually has on the body and brain, we also have to note that CBD is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, meaning it can be beneficial to people dealing with neurodegenerative medical conditions [7].
As for the effects of CBD on the body, this cannabinoid has the potential to reduce inflammation, reduce symptoms of mental health disorders, alleviate chronic pain, and more, making it potentially beneficial to people with multiple sclerosis and arthritis [7] [8].
Can CBD Oil Make You High?
This is the section where we answer the most important question, and that is whether consuming CBD will induce high effects or not.
Presence of THC in CBD Oil
Recreational and medical marijuana consumers who are familiar with CBD already know that smaller amounts of THC can be present in CBD-based oil, including full-spectrum CBD oil.
When you consume a CBD product that has THC in it, chances are that you will test positive on a drug test, and you may even experience some high effects, which are typically associated with consuming THC.
The CBD market is loaded with marijuana-derived CBD products, and these naturally come with some THC in them, unlike CBD products from hemp that may be entirely free of THC.
As for the psychoactive effects you may experience, these range from euphoria and mood upliftment to energetic stimulation.
It should be noted that CBD-based products that include THC usually have very minimal THC amounts, so the intensity of highs is usually not comparable with the intensity of highs associated with consuming products based on a higher dose of THC.
The bottom line is that CBD on its own will not induce high effects, but CBD may induce milder highs when consumed in a product that also contains THC.
Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum vs. CBD Isolate
Cannabidiol CBD is present in different forms in different products, including CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and finally, full-spectrum CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD is known to include all the different cannabinoids that are present in the cannabis plant, including THC.
This means when you buy CBD with a full-spectrum formula, it has a trace amount of THC, but these amounts are typically too low to induce any intense highs. In the United States, full-spectrum products can have up to 0.3% THC to be considered legal.
When it comes to broad-spectrum CBD, it also has all the different cannabinoids from the marijuana plant, alongside terpenes and essential oils, but it undergoes an extraction process that removes all traces of THC.
This means that broad-spectrum CBD is free of THC, and this is also true for CBD isolate. CBD isolate is referred to as the purest form of CBD simply because it contains 99% of CBD and no other cannabinoids and compounds.
This means that consuming products with CBD isolate will not induce any high effects, just like broad-spectrum CBD.
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Benefits of CBD Oil Without the High
This leads us to some of the main benefits of CBD. It is important to note that you consult with your healthcare provider before you even think about adding CBD to your daily routine.
Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
CBD is widely known for its analgesic properties [9]. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which, as mentioned earlier, is crucial in regulating pain and inflammation.
By impacting ECS receptor activity, CBD can reduce chronic pain and alleviate inflammation, making it a viable option for people looking for relief from different medical conditions such as arthritis, especially when combined with other medications (prescription medications) [5].
Anxiety and Stress Reduction
Another major benefit of CBD is its potential to reduce stress and anxiety [2]. CBD is known to impact serotonin levels in the brain, and serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in mood regulation [6].
This means that CBD has a calming effect on the mind, potentially helping to alleviate feelings of anxiety, stress, and even symptoms related to mental health conditions such as PTSD.
Improvement in Sleep Quality
Many people deal with sleep disorders or have difficulty keeping up with a healthy sleep cycle. CBD has been reported to improve sleep quality by addressing some of the main causes of sleep issues, such as stress, anxiety, and pain [10].
By inducing relaxation and reducing discomfort, CBD can help people achieve a more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
Neuroprotective Properties
Research also suggests that CBD may exhibit neuroprotective properties, offering potential benefits for people with neurological disorders [11].
CBD’s ability to impact the endocannabinoid system and other signaling systems of the nervous system may provide benefits for people with neurological conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
Support for Overall Wellness and Balance
Beyond offering potential benefits to people dealing with certain physical and mental health conditions, CBD is also known to support overall wellness and encourage the maintenance of balance.
CBD is thought to contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, which is the body’s natural state of balance, by interacting with the ECS [12]. This means that CBD may help regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, mood, and immune response.
Choosing the Right CBD Oil
When it comes to choosing the right CBD oil, you will come across a huge variety of online retailers and local shops selling CBD, and not all of these products are worth your attention.
To make sure you make the right decision, you want to carefully go through product labels, and you may also want to focus on THC-free options if you do not want to experience high effects.
Reading Product Labels
When choosing the right CBD oil product, you need to focus on reading product labels. The product label gives you the most important information on the product’s ingredients, the exact type of CBD used, and more.
When reading product labels, look for information on the CBD content expressed in milligrams. The CBD content in the product is the main factor determining its potency. You want to consume less CBD if you do not have any previous experience.
As you read through product labels, you also want to examine the type of CBD used. As mentioned earlier, CBD isolate is the purest form; broad-spectrum CBD has no THC, while full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC.
In addition, information on the carrier oils used should be examined. Most products have hemp seed and coconut oil as carrier oil. It is also important to make sure that the product you are interested in has been third-party lab-tested by an acclaimed laboratory.
If the product has been tested for safety and potency by a third-party testing lab, information on this will be somewhere on the product label.
Ensuring THC-Free Options
If you do not want to experience any high effects, you should focus on THC-free products, these are CBD-based products made with broad-spectrum and CBD isolate.
Broad-spectrum CBD undergoes a procedure that removes all traces of THC, while CBD isolate, as the purest form, has 99% CBD and no presence of THC and other components.
Even with THC-free options, it is important to examine lab reports and go through the product label carefully. Third-party lab results should confirm no presence of THC in THC-free marketed products.
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Common Myths About CBD Oil
Finally, this is the right time to debunk some of the most common myths surrounding taking CBD oil.
All CBD Oil Contains THC
One of the most prevalent myths is that all CBD oils have THC. As we discussed earlier, there are three main types of CBD oil: broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBD isolate.
Of these three, only full-spectrum CBD has trace amounts of THC, while both broad-spectrum and CBD isolate are entirely THC-free.
CBD Oil Has No Psychoactive Effects
Another common misunderstanding related to consuming CBD oils is that these products can never induce any form of high effects.
While the fact is that CBD, on its own, does not induce any high effects and is truly non-intoxicating, it may have milder psychoactive properties in the sense that it may impact your pain perception, anxiety, and mood without euphoria and sensory distortions.
Higher CBD Doses Lead to a High
Some also believe that higher doses of CBD lead to experiencing high effects, and this simply is not true. Unlike its famed cousin, CBD does not directly bind to ECS receptors but rather influences them indirectly.
This means that consuming CBD in a high dose will not lead to experiencing high effects, but the therapeutic effects of CBD may be felt more intensely, and they may also last longer.
FAQs
For more information on CBD and its effects on the mind and body, please take a moment to examine our FAQs section.
How High Does CBD Make You Feel?
CBD on its own will not make you high at all, but you will probably experience some mood changes. CBD may also make you feel relaxed, while genuine high effects with euphoria are only felt with THC, which is famed among recreational marijuana consumers.
Does CBD Oil Have a High Effect?
No, CBD oils never cause high effects, as CBD is not psychoactive. However, you may experience mild, high effects with products that combine CBD with THC, such as full-spectrum CBD.
Does CBD Make You Feel Spacey?
Generally, CBD consumers do not feel spacey at all. Instead, CBD is more associated with feelings of body and mind calmness. However, the effects of CBD differ from one person to another, so feeling spacey is a possibility.
Does CBD Oil Have Any Psychoactive Effects?
No, CBD oils do not have any high-inducing properties in the sense that they will cause major euphoria, which is commonly associated with THC. However, CBD oils are known to produce relaxation and potentially reduce stress and anxiety.
How Can I Ensure My CBD Oil Doesn’t Contain THC?
To make sure your CBD oil is THC-free, you want to examine the product’s label. In addition, when shopping for CBD oils, focus on those products that are labeled as CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD as these are naturally free of THC.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using CBD Oil?
CBD oils are usually well-tolerated by most people, but some may experience adverse effects. The most commonly reported adverse effects associated with CBD oils include reduced appetite, gut issues, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, and drowsiness.
Can I Use CBD Oil Daily Without Getting High?
Yes, indeed. You can use CBD oils on a daily basis without experiencing any high effects since CBD on its own does not have any psychoactive properties, unlike its close cousin, THC.
What Should I Look for in a CBD Oil Product?
When looking for a CBD oil, make sure you focus on products that are made from organically sourced hemp as these products are typically free of chemicals and pesticides.
We also recommend you focus on products that have been manufactured with the CO2 extraction method and products that have a CBD concentration that aligns with your needs, preferences, and CBD tolerance level.
Final Verdict
In the previous sections, we ventured into the world of CBD oil and its potential to induce a “high” we commonly associate with THC.
We examined different forms of CBD, focusing on the major difference in THC content, and established that CBD in its pure without a trace amount of THC does not produce any high effects.
Importantly, we have also clarified that CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in the United States.
Along the way, we have also debunked several myths surrounding CBD oils, shedding light on the true nature of CBD and its effects. Armed with this newly acquired knowledge, you are ready to make informed decisions free from common misconceptions.
So, as we wrap up this journey, remember that while CBD oil will not take you on a high, incorporating CBD into your daily routine may be what you are looking for to maintain overall wellness.
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The information regarding cannabis, cannabis-related, THC and CBD products is for informational and educational purposes only, not substituting professional medical advice or treatment. We do not promote or endorse the use, sale, or distribution of cannabis where it's not legally permitted. The legality of cannabis varies by state and jurisdiction, and we urge users to comply with all federal, state, and local laws concerning its use and sale. We encourage users to consult with healthcare professionals. We might earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. McClatchy's Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content.