Does CBD Get You High? No, But What About The Other Ingredients?

There are plenty of reasons why someone wouldn’t want to experience a “high.” If you’re trying to navigate the world of cannabis, you may run into a bit of a conundrum when it comes to CBD products. What exactly are they? Do they contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)? And most importantly, does CBD get you high?

These are all understandable questions. If you’re confused, don’t worry. THC and CBD share some similarities, but CBD doesn’t get you high! We’re here to set the record straight on cannabidiol and its effects.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in hemp plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-intoxicating. Manufacturers extract cannabidiol from hemp and use it in several products for its soothing effects.

CBD enhances the function of your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates a vast number of crucial functions in your body. Believe it or not, your digestive, nervous, and respiratory system are all strongly connected to your ECS!

RELATED: The Endocannabinoid System & CBD [How it Works]

THC vs. CBD

Although CBD and THC are similar in molecular structure, there are critical differences between the two cannabinoids. Both compounds interact with cannabinoid receptors in your body (CB1 and CB2), but not in the same way.

THC produces intoxicating effects because it binds strongly to CB1 receptors in your brain. Research suggests that cannabidiol doesn’t bind as strongly to CB1 receptors, so it doesn’t influence your brain activity nearly as much as THC does! THC and CBD are present in cannabis plants, but CBD is sourced from hemp plants specifically. The Food and Drug Administration requires all cannabidiol products to be hemp-derived.

A hemp plant is a cannabis plant with 0.3% THC or less. The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized the sale and use of hemp for commercial purposes. On the flip side, cannabis plants with THC levels higher than 0.3% are considered marijuana plants, and their legality is determined on a state-to-state basis.

Does CBD Get You High?

Nope! CBD cannot get you high, no matter how much you take. Cannabidiol does not produce the same intoxicating effects that THC does because it doesn’t interact with your cannabinoid receptors in the same way.

CBD may produce some side effects, including a dry mouth, dizziness, or upset stomach. However, these effects are usually mild and disappear with repeated use.

What Does It Feel Like To Be High?

Being “high” feels like turning to jello and spinning around on a carousel. Kidding! Just trying to convey how THC makes you feel far different than your normal state of being.

When you ingest THC, you may feel an array of mind-altering effects. Changes in your mood, cognition, and body are all common side effects. No two people will have the exact same experience with THC since effects vary depending on the amount consumed and what type of strain it came from.

THC can sedate or energize you. It can elevate your mood or make you anxious. You may feel disconnected and out of touch with your surroundings, or unusually open-minded and focused.

If you get the gist, the effects of THC are personal to every consumer. The important takeaway is that THC can drastically alter your state of mind, which is why people deem it “intoxicating” (think alcohol). This feeling is not always desirable, so people use hemp-derived CBD products to experience some of the same pleasant effects without the “high.”

How Does CBD Make You Feel?

CBD induces a calm, peaceful feeling. The effects of CBD are very subtle, so they won’t overwhelm you. This beneficial cannabinoid is especially useful in soothing soreness and uplifting one’s mood.

CBD can address a vast range of discomforts, so its effects can vary slightly depending on your personal needs. If you experience extreme soreness, nervousness, jitters, or tiredness, the effects of cannabidiol might be even more noticeable.

When you ingest CBD, you’ll feel simple serenity. The cannabinoid puts your mind at ease, helping you relax and unwind. Turning off those worrisome thoughts seems effortless. As you slip into your mellow mood, you may notice your body feels a bit lighter. CBD can quell swelling and tension, so it gives your muscles a break as well as your mind.

The sense of calm you experience from using CBD should not be confused with the high you get from THC. Cannabidiol does not induce any intoxicating, psychoactive effects! You won’t feel groggy, foggy, or dazed when you take CBD.

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

Since CBD nourishes your endocannabinoid system, taking it regularly can complement the system’s function. When your ECS works at full capacity, you can experience improved sleep, a stable mood, fewer tummy troubles, and more energy. You may even notice a boost in your appetite!

How To Use CBD

Thanks to the abundance of CBD products on the market, using cannabidiol is easier than ever! You can take it sublingually, swallow it, smoke it, or apply it topically.

Oral Ingestion: Tinctures, Capsules, Edibles

Taking CBD by mouth is the easiest and most versatile method of ingestion. Consumers often feel the effects within 45-60 minutes, though times vary depending on their size and metabolism.

Tinctures (also called CBD oil) can be dropped on or under the tongue. However, when you drop it under the tongue (take it sublingually) the effects can be felt within 15-30 minutes, and the bioavailability rate of CBD increases!  You can also add the tincture to most foods and beverages.

Capsules are super easy – just swallow and go! Capsules or pills are convenient because they totally mask the flavor of CBD.

Edibles are a tasty and fun option for consumers. They include anything that can be eaten, like CBD honey, chocolates, and gummies. Edible products include ingredients that taste great as well as mask the flavor of the CBD.

Smokables: Flower and Vapes

If you don’t mind inhaling a puff of smoke or vapors, you can try smoking hemp flower or CBD vape juice. This method provides the quickest onset of effects – consumers can feel relief in as soon as five minutes. Cheef Botanicals offers several potent CBD flower strains and plenty of super tasty vape flavors!

While vaping CBD e-juice is all fine and dandy, you must never smoke or vape CBD oil! CBD oil should not be inhaled. Smoking or vaping it can cause serious damage to your lungs.

Topicals: Salves, Lotions, Bath Bombs!

You can apply topical CBD products directly to your skin to target irritation and soreness. Cannabidiol interacts with cannabinoid receptors all over your skin, providing potent localized effects. You can feel the effects of topical CBD in about 15 minutes.

Cheef Botanicals has some beautiful-smelling CBD lotions that will leave your skin soft and restored. If you need some deeper relief, our salve will easily do the trick. And if you haven’t already, check out our popular new bath bombs!

Is There THC in All CBD Products?

No, not all CBD products contain THC! Even the cannabidiol products that have THC don’t have enough to intoxicate you. Per the 2018 Farm Bill, only hemp products with 0.3% THC or less are federally legal. The Food and Drug Administration keeps these standards very strict!

The product label should always indicate the CBD type, which also tells you whether or not the product contains THC. New buyers might not be familiar with this lingo, so here’s a breakdown to help you decode a product label:

• Full Spectrum CBD: This means the product contains all the compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC, flavonoids, and terpenes. Full spectrum CBD is fantastic because it supplies the “entourage effect.” This means all the compounds work together in harmony, enhancing the performance of each. Although full spectrum CBD contains THC, it’s no more than 0.3%.
• Broad Spectrum CBD: These products contain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the cannabis plant, but no THC. Broad spectrum CBD is an excellent option for consumers that wish to avoid consuming THC.
• CBD Isolate: If a product is made with CBD isolate, that means it contains cannabidiol only – no THC, no included terpenes, no included flavonoids. CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol on the market.

RELATED: Should I Take CBD With THC or Without It [Pros & Cons]

Final Thoughts — Does CBD Get You High?

So, let’s recap. THC = high. CBD = no high! This distinction is crucial for consumers. Hemp-derived cannabidiol is the only legal kind in the USA, so the THC amount in cannabidiol products is minimal.

Plenty of people need the relief that cannabis plants provide, but they also need to go to work, drive, or watch their kids. Thanks to cannabidiol, people can enjoy the calming, soothing effects of cannabis without the intoxicating effects! The wide range of products on the market make taking CBD easy, fun, and discrete.