As the general interest in CBD increases, more and more people are curious about whether it gets high. After all, it comes from the same family as THC, a compound famous for its psychotropic effects. Read on to find out if there is a risk of getting high with CBD.
Can you get high on CBD?
The short answer is no, CBD does not get you high. It does not produce the psychotropic effects (the “high” or “high”) of THC, despite belonging to the same family of compounds. This is due to a difference in the chemical structure between CBD and THC, which prevents the former from affecting the body in an unpleasant way.
Since CBD doesn’t get you high, CBD oils and other CBD products shouldn’t either. Although, if their manufacturing process does not meet the required standards, there is a possibility that these products contain too high concentrations of THC. To ensure a safe and enjoyable CBD experience, it’s best to stick with a trusted brand like Cibdol.
CBD vs. THC
We already know that CBD does not get you high due to its chemical structure, but how does its interaction with the body differ from THC?
THC
First of all, let’s take a look at THC. Also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is banned in much of the world. Unfortunately, when THC is consumed, a high occurs, which is a state characterized by euphoria, increased appetite, impaired reaction capacity, altered perception, etc.
And we say “unfortunately” because, from the point of view of everyday well-being, these effects make routine more difficult. THC’s effect derives from its affinity for CB1 receptors in areas of the brain related to mood, motivation, and appetite.
CB receivers work on a similar principle to a lock and key. When the chemical structure of a compound (the key) matches a receptor (the lock), an interaction occurs. And, in the case at hand, THC is the key that unlocks the changes in our psyche. This principle applies to many cannabinoids, but not all.
CBD
Although we have just stated that cannabinoids respond to this “lock and key” principle, CBD is somewhat of an atypical compound, as it has a very low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. In fact, the chemical structure of CBD prevents it from fully binding to any of these receptors.
Instead, CBD works in the background to strengthen the entire endocannabinoid system, by regulating various signaling systems. CBD is not only unable to get you high, it can also partially prevent THC from binding to CB1 receptors[1]. Ultimately, no matter how much CBD you consume, it will never produce the psychotropic side effects of THC.
However, this does not mean that CBD is without significant effects. This compound may not be psychotropic in the same way as THC, but it is classified as psychoactive.
Is CBD psychoactive?
Before we look at how CBD makes us feel, we need to explain the difference between psychotropic and psychoactive, as these two terms are often confused.
• Psychotropic refers to a substance or drug that alters behavior, mood, or thoughts.
• Psychoactive describes substances that can change the way our brain works.
Curiously, dozens of foods that we consume on a daily basis are psychoactive, such as chili peppers, chocolate, coffee or sugar. Although these products do not drastically affect our perception of time or delay our reactions, they do cause subtle psychological alterations.
These changes in how we think or feel make them psychoactive, and the same goes for CBD. It does not produce unwanted side effects like THC, but it does help modulate processes such as sleep, mood, or appetite.
How does CBD make us feel?
We have mentioned the effect of CBD on sleep, mood and appetite, but what does this mean in our daily lives?
In simpler terms, it can mean the following:
• A balanced state of mind
• Easier to fall asleep
• A healthy appetite
• Flexible joints (CBD creams)
• A strong immune system
• And much more!
The exact effect of CBD will vary from person to person, so it is essential to try the compound yourself to see what it feels like. Even a few drops of CBD are enough to influence the endocannabinoid system, so consume cannabidiol at your own pace.
Conclusion: CBD Doesn’t Get You High
Regardless of how much you consume, CBD alone will not produce a high, as it is chemically impossible. But that doesn’t mean that this compound doesn’t influence how we think and feel. The psychoactive properties of CBD indicate that it can smooth out the ups and downs of modern life, helping the body maintain that all-important state of balance.
As long as you purchase your CBD products from a reputable producer (and preferably third-party tested), you don’t have to worry about THC ruining your cannabinoid-based wellness experience. Take your time, get used to its effects, and let this natural cannabinoid boost your well-being when you need it most.
Do you want to know more about the interaction between CB receptors and different cannabinoids? See our CBD Encyclopedia for more information. Or, if you prefer to try quality CBD products directly, visit the Cibdol store.
[1] Niesink, RJM, & van Laar, MW (2013). Does Cannabidiol Protect Against Adverse Psychological Effects of THC? NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3797438/ [Referencia]