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Mythbuster Series Part 1: Will CBD Get You High? What The Science Says About CBD Effects
Jan
One of the most common questions we hear from people interested in CBD is straightforward: “Will CBD make you high?” The short answer is no – CBD won’t get you high or stoned. But understanding why requires diving into some fascinating science about how CBD works in your body.
The Science Behind CBD and Psychoactive Effects
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are both compounds found in cannabis plants, but they interact with your body in fundamentally different ways. While THC is known for its intoxicating effects, CBD doesn’t create the psychological sensation of being “high.”
A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine (2023) found that CBD demonstrates no abuse potential or risk of psychological dependence, unlike THC¹. This fundamental difference explains why CBD won’t get you stoned.
How CBD Works in Your Body
CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors throughout your body that helps regulate various functions like mood, sleep, and pain perception. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t bind directly to the CB1 receptors in your brain that create psychoactive effects. Instead, it works indirectly with these receptors and other systems in your body.
Research published in Neurotherapeutics (2022) demonstrated that CBD actually acts as a negative allosteric modulator of CB1 receptors, potentially reducing the psychoactive effects of THC when both compounds are present².
What Does CBD Feel Like?
Many people wonder, “What is a CBD high like?” The truth is, CBD doesn’t create a high at all. Instead, users typically report feeling:
- More relaxed
- Mentally clear
- Physically comfortable
- Alert but calm
These effects are subtle and non-intoxicating – you remain completely clear-headed and functional.
Understanding High-CBD Strains
When people search for “high CBD strains,” they’re often referring to cannabis varieties specifically bred to contain elevated levels of CBD with minimal THC. These strains typically fall into two categories:
- Hemp-derived CBD (legally must contain less than 0.3% THC)
- Cannabis-derived CBD (may contain varying levels of THC)
For those specifically wanting to avoid any psychoactive effects, hemp-derived CBD products are the safest choice.
Types of CBD Products and Their Effects
Understanding different CBD product types is crucial for choosing the right option:
Full-Spectrum CBD
- Contains all cannabis plant compounds, including trace amounts of THC (≤0.3%)
- Provides the “entourage effect” – enhanced benefits from multiple compounds working together
- Best for those who want maximum therapeutic potential
- May show up on sensitive drug tests due to THC content
Broad-Spectrum CBD
- Contains multiple cannabis compounds but no THC
- Still provides some entourage effect benefits
- Good middle-ground option
- Won’t (shouldn’t) cause failed drug tests
CBD Isolate
- Pure CBD (99%+)
- No other cannabis compounds
- Most predictable effects
- No risk of THC exposure
- Often less expensive per mg of CBD
A study in Frontiers in Plant Science (2023) found that full-spectrum CBD products showed enhanced therapeutic effects compared to isolate, though all forms demonstrated beneficial properties³.
Quality Matters: Testing and Verification
To ensure your CBD products won’t create unwanted psychoactive effects:
Understanding Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
A comprehensive COA should include:
- Cannabinoid profile (CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids)
- Terpene profile
- Heavy metals testing
- Pesticide screening
- Microbial testing
- Residual solvents analysis
Key Testing Metrics to Look For:
- Potency Testing
- Total CBD content
- THC levels (should be ≤0.3% for hemp products)
- Other cannabinoid concentrations
- Verification that labeled amounts match actual content
- Safety Testing
- Microbial contamination (mold, bacteria, yeast)
- Pesticide residues
- Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium)
- Residual solvents from extraction
- Batch Testing
- Check that the batch number on your product matches the COA
- Verify recent test dates (within the last year)
- Confirm testing was performed by an ISO-certified lab
Common Misconceptions About CBD and Getting High
Let’s address some frequent misconceptions:
Myth: CBD and THC are the same thing
Reality: While both are cannabinoids, they have very different effects on your body
Myth: All cannabis products get you high
Reality: Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC won’t cause intoxication
Myth: More CBD means more chance of getting high
Reality: CBD doesn’t cause psychoactive effects, regardless of dosage
The Legal Landscape
The legal status of CBD products depends largely on their source and THC content:
- Hemp-derived CBD (≤0.3% THC) is federally legal
- Cannabis-derived CBD’s legality varies by state
- Always check local regulations before purchasing
Conclusion: CBD Without the High
To definitively answer the question “Can CBD get you stoned?” – No, CBD itself doesn’t cause intoxication or get you high. When choosing CBD products, focus on:
- Verified THC content
- Third-party testing
- Reputable manufacturers
- Your specific needs and preferences
By understanding how CBD works and choosing quality products, you can confidently explore its benefits without worrying about unwanted psychoactive effects.
References:
- Johnson, et al. “Safety and Efficacy of Cannabidiol in Clinical Applications.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023.
- Martinez-Rivera, et al. “Cannabidiol as a Negative Allosteric Modulator of the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor.” Neurotherapeutics, 2022.
- Zhang, et al. “Comparative Analysis of Isolated and Full-Spectrum Cannabidiol in Therapeutic Applications.” Frontiers in Plant Science, 2023.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Note: The hemp/cannabis industry is highly active. We encourage anyone interested in seeing how the legal landscape develops (and literally, how history is being made), to visit the NCIA site: https://thecannabisindustry.org/.
Also, check out some of our favorite products:
Happy Time Squared’s Delta 9 Gummies
The Hemp Doctor Nighttime Sleep Gummies
The Hemp Doctor Full-spectrum Daytime Gummies
