A common question you hear about cannabidiol (CBD) is does CBD oil get you high? The most common response is that no, CBD—a compound in the cannabis plant—is non-psychoactive in any form: oil, tincture, pill, topical, vape, or flower.
As it turns out, that “no” might not be the complete answer. After all, how could CBD be considered non-psychoactive if it produces the anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-craving, alert, and mood-elevating impacts that many of its fans claim?
The truth is that CBD is psychoactive, but it’s not impairing or intoxicating like THC, the other cannabinoid in cannabis that makes you “high.”
This post will dispel common misconceptions about CBD and, by extension, cannabis.
The Difference Between CBD and THC
While CBD and THC are both plant-derived, and while both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, THC directly binds with CB1 receptors, found in your brain and central nervous system. CBD blocks these same receptors and prevents them from binding to THC and other cannabinoids. As a result, there is no mental slowness or haziness caused by CBD. In fact, it can make you feel more alert and focused.
You might be wondering how it’s possible that any part of the cannabis plant won’t get you high.
Just as some cannabis varietals are bred for high THC content, others are bred for high CBD content. One example is hemp, which naturally contains CBD with only trace amounts of THC (below 0.3% to be exact).
Many people don’t want to get high. They want to be able to work, take care of their families, and drive safely. As a result, sales of CBD products are projected to grow exponentially in the next few years. CBD has even found its way into dog food. It’s likely CBD products will only become more diverse and sophisticated as demand continues to grow.
CBD, the Non-Intoxicating Cannabis Extract
CBD is credited with treating a host of medical and neurological problems. While many of these claims need more scientific research to be fully backed by the medical community, there is one use for CBD that has gained significant scientific evidence through rigorous clinical trials: the treatment of epilepsy. In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the prescription use of Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD oil, for treating two types of epilepsy.
Besides epilepsy, these other neurological diseases and conditions seem to be aided by CBD (and THC), according to anecdotal evidence and some human and animal studies:
- Anxiety
- Sleep Disorders
- Psychosis
- Depression
Right now, more information needs to be gathered before we can definitively state that CBD helps with any of these conditions or symptoms.
Why CBD Oil And Not Flower Or Edibles?
Oil is a popular way of consuming CBD because of its versatility and portability. Some people feel better about consuming a CBD oil as opposed to smoking or eating edibles.
If you’re looking to purchase CBD oil, it should consist of a very short list of ingredients:
- A carrier oil (such as MCT oil, hemp oil, grape seed oil, or coconut oil)
- CBD concentrate (from cannabis or hemp)
- Ingredients added for flavoring and smell, such as terpenes—another component of the cannabis plant, if desired
Another possible addition is vegetable glycerin, a common thinning agent for producing beverages and tinctures.
How To Find The Right CBD Products
A lot of CBD products make false promises to woo customers. The hemp-based CBD industry, for example, is rampant with mislabeling. A recent 2017 Penn study led by Marcel Bonn-Miller found that nearly 7 out of 10 CBD products purchased online didn’t contain the amount of cannabidiol extract promised on the label; only 30% of this sampling of 84 CBD products were accurately labeled for CBD content.
Have a Heart knows that buying quality and accurately-labeled CBD can be a challenge. In an industry with constantly shifting regulations and players, it can be hard to know which retailer to trust. Have A Heart eliminates guesswork by only selling CBD products that are laboratory-tested for cannabinoid potency and contaminants.
So does CBD oil get you high? Yes and no. While this powerful cannabinoid can provide extreme, consciousness-altering relaxation and pain relief, it won’t bring about the kind of intense cerebral or sensory experiences made possible by THC.
Have A Heart staff knows that many customers are concerned with being impaired during their daily activities. Therefore, our dispensaries carry a diverse selection of high-CBD products, including oil and flowers of high-CBD strains.
Come visit and decide for yourself if CBD is right for you.
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