Does CBD Get You High?

By Andrew Ward Updated March 8th

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. In recent years, CBD rose to prominence among a wide range of consumers. Much of its popularity came from its effects that resemble THC with one glaring difference.

CBD's typical results mirror tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) without the intoxicating effects, or "high." Instead, CBD consumers often report experiencing relief for various ailments. CBD is believed to assist with body pains and anxiety, among a number of beneficial properties.

Be aware of misinformation out there. A common misnomer floating about concerns the lack of "heady" effects in CBD. You may hear someone describe CBD as being non-psychoactive. That would be a close but inaccurate description. CBD is, in fact, psychoactive because it crosses the blood-brain barrier. In doing so, it affects the brain, affecting mental functions, including our moods. But does CBD get you high like THC? Nope.

Does CBD get you high? Not like THC, but some users report feeling more relaxed and other pleasant effects.
Does CBD get you high? Not like THC, but some users report feeling more relaxed and other pleasant effects.

Can you get high from CBD?

Simply put: No, consuming CBD will not get you high. It can affect your mental state to a degree, but you won't get high. However, if you want the benefits of CBD, but also want to get high, there are so many products available that offer a blend of THC/CBD. Just be aware that the CBD does mute the high of the THC. Many even prefer this because it keeps them from feeling overly high, or jittery, while still feeling the relaxing high of THC.

CBD can mute the effects of THC depending on the relative dose.

Edibles

CBD edibles are among the more common forms of CBD/THC products. Cheeba Chews has several 1:1 THC/CBD edible flavors and serves Oklahoma, California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Colorado. District Edibles also has several 1:1 flavors, including Tropical Punch Gummies.

Flower

Finding high CBD flower can be a little more rare, but it's possible. There are several 1:1 strains, including Argyle, Sweet and Sour Widow, and Dancehall. It's becoming more popular to cultivate high CBD strains as cultivation science advances.

Concentrate

Tetralabs PureGOLD is a top pick for concentrates consumers. Their premium CBD:THC oil comes in cartridges as well. Many patients also choose to make their own high-CBD concentrates to ensure purity. The most popular way to extract cannabis is to make cannabis oil out of a high CBD strain of cannabis like those listed above.

Vape Cartridges

You can find vape cartridges in many different ratios of THC:CBD from 20:1 to 1:1. LA Kush's CBDiesel 2:1 is a very popular choice in California. Dosist has excellent cartridges for new patients that are unfamiliar with cannabis and want to ensure they are taking precise doses of CBD:THC. Level also has an excellent 3:1 THC:CBD pen as well.

Tinctures

CBD tinctures are often used to deliver an edible dose that reaches the bloodstream faster. They are typically held under the tongue so that some of the THC/CBD in the dose is absorbed through the large blood vessels under the tongue. The rest of the THC/CBD is absorbed through the digestive tract as usual.

Topicals

CBD topicals and ointments that contain THC are harder to find because THC isn't very well absorbed through the skin. There are some transdermal patches available, like Mary's Medicinals Transdermal 1:1 THC:CBD Patches that use special carrier oils and compounds to help THC better penetrate the skin, but they can be difficult to find in today's developing market so you might have to search a little harder to find a good patch that contains both THC and CBD. Papa & Barkley has a nice 3:1 CBD:THC releaf balm that's popular among pain patients.

CBD Can Mute the Effects of THC

Some may swear that CBD left them with a high like THC. Everyone indeed experiences cannabis differently. However, this outcome is not supported by any prominent lab studies or mass anecdotal reporting.

The reason those self-reports likely don't hold water is that CBD is a non-intoxicating substance. While the compound is psychoactive, it does not create the intoxicating, heady effects produced by THC and its interactions with the body's receptors--more on them down below.

Many in the cannabis community use the two terms interchangeably. The use of both may play into why so many end up asking, "Does CBD get you high?" Others may find confusion over where CBD derives from. This is especially true when the cannabis plant is the source material. However, many states only allow hemp-derived products to be sold. A product content must be under .3% THC to qualify as CBD in the US.

CBD's interaction with the brain can be complex, especially when combined with other cannabinoids.

Recreational consumers and patients alike may find benefits in CBD. Keep in mind that it is only one of the plant's unique compounds. When combined, these substances create a synergistic effect numerous consumers prefer. Some consider the combination of all the compounds to be "The Entourage Effect." However, others would prefer a single compound, like CBD or THC, known as an isolate product. Others want just a few compounds, choosing a distillate product instead.

Just about everyone can find their ideal balance. Today, consumers can choose just how they want to consume, and how much is in every dose. THC:CBD ratioed products cater to every type of consumer, including

and many other options.

Depending on the compounds' balance, your product could contain a more equal share of cannabinoids or an abundance of one over the other. Be sure to look for the ratio of each item, which can be found on its labeling. Items listed at 5:1, 10:1, 20:1 or more feature one compound over the other. =

On the other hand, 1:1 items offer a balance between the two. With 1:1 THC:CBD products, consumers tend to report feeling the intoxicating high of THC. However, the effects of the CBD minimize the results.

How Does CBD Make You Feel?

CBD doesn't make you high, but it can make you feel a certain way. A myriad of self-reporting leaves results a bit uncertain of its results. However, we have a good understanding of what the typical outcomes are. That said, additional research is required before any definitive conclusions can be made.

We still have much to learn about CBD, just like we do the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Discovered in the late 1980s, the ECS could be one of the most essential systems to human health. Getting its name from the cannabis plant, the ECS is a series of receptors found in the body and brain. The receptors help maintain a balance, or homeostasis, by completing various tasks within the body.

CB1 and CB2 receptors are located in all parts of the body, but concentrated in different areas depending on type.

Common conclusions today suggest that CBD interacts with the body and brain's CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are most prominent in the central and peripheral nervous systems. CBD's effect on these systems is believed to help produce results that mirror THC with subtle effects. Reports suggest CBD plays a role in regulating numerous bodily functions, including:

  • Mood
  • Memory
  • Appetite
  • Sleep
  • Fertility

CBD may also play a part in avoiding adverse THC experiences. Using CBD is believed to help offset THC intoxication to a degree. In 2019, a University of Western Ontario study found molecular mechanisms that may block THC's effects on the body. The team concluded that CBD prevents the brain's extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) from being overstimulated by THC.

Why Is CBD So Popular If It Doesn't Make You High?

There's plenty of reasons people love CBD. Its range of benefits is vast and tends to offer many consumers the relief that they seek out.

Your medical marijuana doctor can help you learn more about how CBD can be added to your daily regimen.

CBD has a variety of health benefits, including its potential to treat anxiety, an all too common condition around the world. As such, CBD users vary from medical patients to frequent marijuana consumers who want a calm day without clouding their headspace.

Other typical consumers include those seeking insomnia relief. Studies have found that CBD has no impact rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. On the other hand, THC has been found to affect the sleep of some heavy consumers.

CBD's popularity should only increase as more lab studies and anecdotal reports suggest its actual medicinal benefits. Adding to the increase in population will likely be growing global interest as more businesses and information become available as legalization spreads.

Keep in mind that cannabis, be it THC, CBD or otherwise, affects everyone differently. Consider your medical background before consuming. Speak with a health professional who understands your needs to determine your best course of action. Contact NuggMD to get connected with a professional today.

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