Cannabidiol (CBD) is becoming increasingly popular as a natural product among various individuals due to its potential benefits, such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, CBD is frequently mistaken for THC, leading to misconceptions about CBD products, such as that CBD can exhibit psychoactive effects. In this article, we answer the common question — does CBD get you high? — and discuss the potential benefits and side effects of cannabidiol.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Among over 100 cannabinoids, the plant also contains the psychoactive delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Both compounds share the same molecular formula, but they have different atomic structures. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and, therefore, does not give the ‘high’ sensation, making it subject to fewer legal restrictions.
CBD is extracted from two types of Cannabis sativa plants — marijuana and hemp. The latter is more popular because it contains only trace amounts of THC, making CBD products more suitable for commercial use without the need to comply with stringent state or federal laws.
How CBD affects the body
CBD affects the body by indirectly interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). While the full mechanisms of action of CBD are not fully understood yet, it is known that it affects CB1 and CB2 brain receptors, which are present in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. This interaction is proposed to promote analgesic and anxiolytic properties, among others.
Emerging studies also suggest that CBD may interact with other molecules and tissues beyond ECS, such as serotonin or vanilloid receptors. Further studies are needed to fully unravel the CBD interactions and functions in the human body.
Can you get high from CBD?
CBD is not considered a psychoactive compound, and therefore, it does not give ‘high’ or euphoric effects as in the case of THC. This also reduces the risk of dependency. According to WHO, as of today, there are no clinical studies that would indicate any abuse potential of CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD products contain a trace amount of THC. However, if used according to the manufacturer's instructions, the risk of getting high is very low due to the extremely low dosage of psychoactive substances.
CBD vs. THC
While CBD and THC share the same chemical formula, composed of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms, their structures differ. Because of this, these two substances derived from the cannabis plant interact with the human body differently, exhibiting various effects.
Both CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). THC directly binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which regulate pain, mood, and appetite in the body. CBD does not directly interact with these receptors. Instead, it inhibits an enzyme called fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide, an endocannabinoid that binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors.
These different interactions cause THC to produce a ‘high,’ while CBD does not cause these psychoactive effects and is considered non-addictive. Because of this, their legal status may differ in many countries, as THC is usually subject to stricter federal or state regulations.
Both substances have been extensively studied in clinical trials, evaluating their potential effects on pain management, anxiety management, and reducing sleep problems.
Potential CBD benefits
The potential benefits of CBD have been extensively studied in various human trials. Here are the most common claims regarding the CBD benefits:
- Provides pain relief
- Helps with anxiety symptoms
- Reduces heart rate
- Helps with sleep issues
- Reduces seizures associated with epilepsy (an FDA-approved drug, Epidiolex)
While many studies have assessed the therapeutic potential of CBD products, it is difficult to unambiguously assign the benefits to cannabidiol as many studies assess its potential in combination with other treatments or using a small number of participants.
More rigorous studies with a larger number of participants and standardized dosing protocols are needed to confirm the potential health claims.
Side effects and risks
CBD is overall well-tolerated even when consumed at higher dosages. Depending on the individual's health, some people might experience fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, or diarrhea.
Consuming CBD might carry a higher risk for certain individuals. This is because CBD interacts with the enzyme that controls the metabolic system in the liver, which controls the serum levels of administered medication. Consuming CBD might potentially affect the system, reducing the effectiveness of the drug.
Limited information exists about the side effects and risks of prolonged CBD use, and long-term trials are needed to assess its safety profile.
Legal status
The legal status of CBD varies depending on the region. Hemp-derived CBD products with trace amounts of THC are allowed in most of North America, European countries, and the U.K.
The regulations around marijuana-derived CBD, which contains higher levels of THC, are stricter. Medicinal marijuana is legal in over 50 countries worldwide and in 38 states in the U.S.
Recreational use of marijuana-derived CBD is less accepted. The legalization of marijuana-derived CBD started in 2013, with Uruguay being the first country. Currently, there are eight countries worldwide and 24 states in the U.S. that have accepted the recreational use of marijuana.
How to use CBD
CBD is available in various forms that can be sourced from the plant or from synthetic cannabinoids. Depending on your preferences and the issues you are targeting, you might select from the following products:
- Oils and tinctures. This is the most common and fast-acting form of CBD, which you can administer under your tongue.
- Capsules. They provide a precise dosage of CBD but take time to act as they are absorbed through the digestive system.
- Edibles. These come in different forms, such as cookies, gummies, or brownies. They combine the potential benefits of CBD with extra flavor.
- Drinks. These products are suitable for individuals who prefer to consume CBD in liquid form.
Final word
CBD products in various forms, such as oils, gummies, and edibles, are gaining popularity among people who use cannabinoids for either recreational use or medical use. While they might potentially bring similar benefits as THC, they do not give a 'high,' which reduces the risk of dependency.
You might discuss with a healthcare provider whether CBD is the right for you and ensure that the dose and form you are taking would maximize their effects.
FAQ
Is CBD a drug?
The legality of broad-spectrum CBD depends on specific country regulations and whether it is extracted from hemp or marijuana plants. In the U.S., while the FDA has not approved any cannabis-derived products on the market, marijuana and THC remain prohibited substances under Schedule I. However, CBD products derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC are legal under federal law but may be subject to state-specific regulations. Always check local laws to ensure compliance.
Can you fail a drug test due to CBD?
It depends. Currently, there are drug tests that are CBD-sensitive, and therefore, you might test positive. Full-spectrum CBD products also contain THC traces, so you might test positive for THC. If you want to avoid testing positive for THC, ensure that you consume products that are THC-free (e.g., broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate).
Can you overdose on CBD?
It is difficult to overdose on CBD as this compound is well-tolerated by the body. However, it is important to consume CBD products following the recommended dosages, as overconsumption might lead to certain side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, or lightheadedness.
How long does it take for CBD to work?
The time it takes for CBD to work depends on several factors, including dosage, route of administration, and an individual’s health or susceptibility to CBD. For example, oils administered under the tongue act faster than edibles or capsules. Usually, the effects of CBD can be experienced 15 minutes to two hours after consumption.
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Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound extracted from Cannabis sativa plants. It has the same chemical formula as THC but does not exhibit psychoactive effects.
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CBD affects the body by indirectly interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for controlling appetite, mood, and sleep, among other things.
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CBD products have been subjected to numerous clinical studies to evaluate their potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and mental support effects. Currently, Epidiolex is the only cannabidiol-containing drug approved by the FDA.
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CBD is available in different forms, including oils, edibles, drinks, and capsules. The route of administration and the speed with which the potential effects are experienced vary.
9 resources
- Cannabinoids and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Constituents of Cannabis Sativa.
- Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. Cannabis, cannabinoid receptors, and endocannabinoid system: yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
- Pharmacology Research and Perspectives. Diversity of molecular targets and signaling pathways for CBD.
- Pharmacotherapy. CBD and THC: do they complement each other like yin and yang?
- Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products. Molecular targets of the phytocannabinoids - a complex picture.
- Translational Psychiatry. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia.
- Food and Chemical Toxicology. The current understanding of the benefits, safety, and regulation of cannabidiol in consumer products.
- WHO. Drugs (psychoactive): cannabidiol (compound of cannabis).
- Frontiers in Psychiatry. Contemplating cannabis? The complex relationship between cannabinoids and hepatic metabolism resulting in the potential for drug-drug interactions.
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