Does CBD Oil Get You High? | CBD vs THC

CBD does not get you high. Learn more about how CBD works and why it's different than THC. Learn about the benefits and use our guides to help you make safe decisions on where to buy CBD products.

CBDNerds Staff Updated on June 17, 2022

One of the most common questions asked and misconceptions about CBD is “does CBD get you high?”

Simply put, you cannot get high from CBD!

The reason it’s such a common misconception is that people hear the word hemp or cannabis and immediately put it in the category THC or marijuana which gets you high. Sadly, the cannabis plant has unjustly undergone a lot of negative publicity throughout the years as it’s been illegal on a federal level for publicity reasons pushing its true medical values under the rug. CBD or cannabidiol is a lesser-known compound that has had incredible benefits which you can learn more about below. It is the total opposite of THC and is nothing short of amazing for our health.

More and more states are legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational purposes and as the plant goes mainstream, CBD is getting more popular than it ever was as more and more research comes out. Many users say it helps relieve many different ailments including anxiety, depression, seizures, and epilepsy.

What is CBD?

CBD is a cannabinoid, an active ingredient from the cannabis plant that is found in the stems and leaves of the plant. It is the second most abundant cannabinoid found in the hemp/cannabis plant. For clarity, it’s non-psychoactive and doesn’t get you high. It is inert and will not produce any euphoric experiences or sensations. To learn more about what CBD is you can check out our beginner’s guide to CBD.

Let’s Take a Closer Look at THC and CBD

Both hemp and marijuana have THC and CBD.  THC is what is responsible for the psychological effects people get when they are “high”. Marijuana can contain anywhere from 5-30% of the THC content. It has a high THC and a low CBD value. On the other side of the spectrum, its cousin the Hemp plant only has a .03% THC content. It is virtually impossible to get any psychoactive effect from a .03% THC level. In addition, hemp has a high content of CBD which acts to minimize the effects of THC. THC and CBD offset each other in a natural balance, making it one of the safest intoxicating highs on the planet.

Why Can’t CBD Get You High?

Unlike THC, CBD does not activate the CB1 receptor in the brain, the critical target that produces the psychoactive effects of feeling “high”. In fact, it’s just the opposite. There is evidence that actually suggests CBD interferes with THC when it is trying to reach the CB1 receptor, causing a more balanced and nuanced high with lower chances of paranoia.

How CBD Works in the Human Body

CBD From Hemp and CBD From Cannabis

You can extract CBD from either the cannabis plant or hemp plant. Although there is not much research done on this new hot topic, the general consensus tends to be that the CBD derived from cannabis is both more potent and effective since there’s more THC content. Hemp CBD is taken from the hemp leaves, and marijuana CBD is taken from the flowers. It is said that a greater concentration of cannabinoids exists in marijuana buds.

Benefits of CBD

CBD, also, known as cannabidiol, has a key that unlocks many medical and therapeutic benefits for the body. It can revolutionize modern conventional medicine to offer an alternative, safer, and more effective method of treating illnesses while minimizing the harmful side effects traditional medicine can have.

It’s almost as though our bodies are hard-wired for CBD. We have a network of neurons called the endocannabinoid system which runs through our entire body touching all our major systems. It is loaded with receptors that love to bind to CBD as it enters the bloodstream. The reactions that occur by the bonding of the CBD to the receptors are what creates the magic in CBD’s health benefits.

Researchers have found that CBD actually protects cells from degenerative diseases. Its neuroprotective effect is one of the plants most promising aspects. The below bullet points are not medical claims so we always recommend consulting with a physician before using CBD medicinally.

  • It can be used as an analgesic and help provide symptoms relief for certain conditions, such as shingles. I keep a CBD lotion on my shelf right next to my band-aids.
  • It has anti-inflammatory properties
  • It has anti-anxiety and anti-depression properties
  • Reduces the risk of diabetes
  • Help keep seizures under control
  • Fights cancer (not a medical claim)
  • It works great for the skin to reduce fine wrinkles
  • CBD can treat neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s
  • Has been found to potentially relieve erectile dysfunction
  • May help with weight loss

Where To Buy CBD Oil And Choosing The Right Brand To Purchase From?

Now that we are all clear that CBD does not get you high, let’s go over some ways to get CBD in your system. It’s a great supplement to add to your wellness routine. When choosing the best CBD Oils, make sure to vet the brands. Research CBD reviews to see what brands are recommended by actual users and make sure they meet our requirements. Some of the best CBD brands include Verma Farms, Kat’s Naturals, Ignite CBD, and Hempfusion.

CBD oils are the most popular CBD products. Some things to remember about CBD oil is that it can come from hemp or marijuana and can vary in quality. Be diligent about reading your labels and finding out where they are sourced. Make sure the brands are 3rd party lab tested for safety. In addition, remember that hemp oil is not the same thing as CBD oil, despite its relationship, hemp oil is sourced from the seeds and contains no CBD.

  • CBD oils are taken directly from the plant.
  • Beauty products are gaining publicity. You can find many moisturizers, shampoos, cleansers, and deodorants infused with CBD extracts.
  • CBD Vaporizers. People are vaping CBD. The health behind vaping is under scrutiny, but the health benefits of CBD are still there.
  • Edibles! You can find CBD infused in many forms of food and drink. Even gummy bears and brownies.

 

Now that you know CBD cannot get you high, you are safe to explore its usage. It can actually benefit you more than most normal plants being grown on our planet. It would be ideal to find ways to incorporate CBD into your life.