When starting a CBD routine, it’s only natural that you might have some questions about CBD oil and how it works in your body. One of the most common questions our Certified Wellness Coaches are often asked by new members is, “Can CBD get you high?” Concerns about impairment are common, and the short answer is that no, CBD cannot get you high. Let’s explore why.

 

Can CBD get you high? Here’s what you should know.

 

CBD vs. THC

CBD and THC are both compounds, called “cannabinoids,” of the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis contains more than a hundred different cannabinoids and terpenes, which are the aromatic compounds of the plant. THC and CBD both interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), but in very different ways. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the active cannabinoid in THC-dominant cannabis (or “weed”), and is responsible for the altered state that people often associate with cannabis. THC binds to receptors in the ECS, primarily in the brain, which produces the psychoactive effects many people are familiar with.

 

Cannabidiol, or CBD, doesn’t bind to the same cannabinoid receptors in the same way that THC does, so it doesn’t result in the same psychoactive effects and can’t produce a high. While CBD and THC are both found in cannabis plants, the plants themselves have been bred for different purposes. CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, which only contains very small amounts of THC, while other cannabis plants are cultivated to provide THC-dominant cannabis. While the two types of plants are scientifically the same, they are distinct enough to be regulated quite differently from each other, with hemp being federally legal as of 2018. THC-dominant cannabis, while legal in some states, is still not legal federally.

 

Full-spectrum CBD 

Using what’s known as the “entourage effect,” CBD has been found to be more effective when combined with small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids and compounds found in cannabis. Full-spectrum CBD, like that found in our Daily Drops, Daily Softgels, and other CBD products, combines these compounds to give you the most benefits. Because it includes a small amount of THC, many people think that there’s a possibility that full-spectrum CBD can get you high. While it’s an understandable misconception, even full-spectrum CBD cannot give you the psychoactive effects of THC for several reasons.

 

Because hemp and THC-dominant cannabis are separately regulated, hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC in order to be legal. This low percentage of THC is not enough to produce psychoactive results. CBD also affects how THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the Endocannabinoid System, so the way your ECS responds to CBD and THC together is different from how it responds to THC by itself.

 

Benefits of CBD

Since the answer to, “Can CBD get you high?’ is a definitive “no,” it would be easy to think it doesn’t have an effect at all. However, CBD does still interact with the ECS, which regulates a variety of the body’s functions, including memory, sleep, cognitive function, and more. A consistent daily CBD routine may help support a healthy sleep cycle, ease discomfort and aches, balance mood, relieve stress, and reduce irritability. Many of our members report feeling noticeable relief after taking their daily dose, without the impairment associated with THC-dominant cannabis.

 

If you’re looking for the benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC, our new Drink Drops are a delicious, fast-acting option. Using patent-pending Molecular Dispersion technology, Drink Drops deliver relief within 5-10 minutes with benefits lasting 2-3 hours. Every Equilibria purchase includes a complimentary 1:1 consultation with our Member Education Team, who will answer your questions and help you personalize a routine that’s right for your life and your needs. Call or email to set up your appointment and be sure to check out our FAQ page for more!