Does CBD Get You High? A Comprehensive Guide

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major cannabinoid in cannabis plant that is most commonly used to treat chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia.

If you are new to the cannabis world you may concerned about whether CBD can get you high? This is also a common question that people within the industry are commonly asked.

Knowing the science behind the CBD can prepare you for what to expect when you concume it. I'll break down into sections.

Is CBD Legal?

Hemp and hemp-derived CBD products containing no more than 0.3% THC are federally legal in all of the United States, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

Does CBD Get You High?

No, THC is the psycho active component of cannabis and can get you high. CBD isn’t psychoactive, so it doesn’t make you high. But it has ability to improve mood.

THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain, producing a high or a sense of euphoria.

Unlike THC, CBD binds very weakly, if at all, to CB1 receptors.  This is why THC can make you feel high, but CBD doesn’t.

Keep in mind that this applies to CBD on its own. Many CBD products contain more THC than the label indicates and have the potential to get you high.

The biggest problem with CBD

The FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of CBD products, and no one, really, is regulating the CBD market. So you cannot be sure that the product you buy has active ingredients at the dose listed on the label.

I've tested over 60 CBD products. Many contain THC and claim that they don't. Some even come with lab results the "prove" that they are THC free, yet our testing and other consumer advocacy groups have found THC. You can't trust all CBD companies.

Can Hemp derived CBD get you high?

It's important to note that both hemp and marijuana are cannabis. Marijuana is a cannabis plant that contains greater than 0.3% THC.  Hemp is a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% THC or less.

Typically, CBD derived from a hemp plant containing no more than 0.3% THC doesn't get you high. 

However, full-spectrum extracts and contain small amounts of THC. In sensitive individuals, full-spectrum extracts can induce a high.

What dose of THC can get you high?

Research shows that doses as low as 2 to 3 mg of THC can cause impairment of attention, memory, and functioning—or a “high.” Most hemp extracts contain THC levels that are far below 2 mg. 

However, some of the hemp extracts that I tested had over 2 mg of THC per dose. Thus, taking multiple doses will increase the risk of becoming high.

CBD can counteract THC

Rat studies show that CBD can counteract the side effects of THC. This does not mean that you can't get high, but you are less likely to have memory impairment or sedation side effects if your THC product comes with CBD.

This is based on entourage effect, which is a theory that proposes various compounds found in marijuana work together to create distinctive and effective benefits.

Does CBD have any side effects?

 Though it's often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects, especially in case of overdose, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. 

Additionally, CBD can interact with other medications you're taking, such as blood thinners.

Conclusion

No. Pure CBD is not considered intoxicating and won't get you high. However, most CBD products contain some level of THC, and the THC can definitely get you high - even in small quantities.

If you decide to try CBD, make sure you are getting it from a reputable source. And, please discuss your use of CBD products with your doctor to make sure that it won't affect any other medicines you take.