Cannabidiol, the cannabinoid most commonly known as CBD, is a natural compound that is extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD is just one of literally hundreds of different compounds that we get from this plant. With the passing of a new law back in 2018, there has been a ton of attention given to cannabidiol. This has led to what many would consider mass production of tons of different products that have been infused with CBD.
Just as popular as CBD is the cannabidiol tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. Unlike with CBD, a psychoactive effect is produced through this compound, most commonly experienced by smoking marijuana. A “high” or “buzz” is produced by THC, altering the user’s state of mind. This state is best described as pleasure, the sensory perception being raised, or euphoria. For the record, no, this is not a state of mind you will get from CBD. Regardless of how it is used or how much of it is taken, CBD will not get you high.
There are plenty of benefits to health that come with using a CBD product. CBD is being used to relieve depression and anxiety. It’s used to treat issues with skin conditions, relieves pain with muscles and joints, helps people get a better night’s sleep, helps with building muscle and staying fit. The list could go on and on. All that being said, the one thing CBD products can’t do is get someone high who is using it.
Why do people have this misconception?
Both CBD and THC occur naturally within a cannabis plant. Both of these two compounds are able to be extracted from the plant. Edibles, tinctures, oils, and several other products are being infused with CBD, This is accomplished without using the THC compound that produces the high people experience.
That being said, there are still plenty of people assuming they will experience the same effects following the use of CBD that accompanies THC, most commonly taken by smoking marijuana. Because both THC and CBD are found in the cannabis plant, too many people simply assume both products will automatically produce the same effects. They fail to realize they will not become intoxicated by using a CBD product.
On top of this, CBD is a compound that can also be extracted from the hemp plant. Just as CBD, there are no psychoactive effects produced by using hemp. In many places throughout the United States, CBD can only be purchased that is derived from hemp. According to the law in these states, the THC levels of these products have to be kept below .3 percent. Regardless of how much is used, with this low of a percentage, you are not going to get high or experience any kind of a buzz.
What about CBD oil, will that get my high?
Once the CBD has been extracted from a cannabis or hemp plant, there are plenty of different types of products it can be added to. Among some of the most popular and favorites among frequent CBD, users are lotions, oils, and tinctures. As the compound continues to become more and more popular, the list of these products also continues to grow.
Of all the products, hands down CBD oil is the most sought after. CBD oil can be used as an e-juice ingredient for vape products, mixed in food or a drink, and drops of the oil can be placed under a person’s tongue. Many of these products are commonly marketed and promoted as a way of naturally decreasing anxiety and relaxing. There has been plenty of completed research demonstrating CBD is a great way of fighting symptoms of both depression and anxiety (1). That being said, using a CBD product is not equivalent to smoking marijuana or getting high.
While there can be effects that people describe as mentally uplifting by consuming large amounts of CBD than are recommended, it’s not the same as the mind-altering state experienced with smoking pot. Also, by taking CBD in these high doses or higher concentrations, you put yourself at a high risk of experiencing nasty effects such as dizziness and extreme nausea. If you consume or use these large amounts of CBD oil, you will completely miss the feeling you are trying to create.
THC vs. CBD
As mentioned earlier, THC and CBD are both cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. The CB1 receptors located in the human brain are impacted by both these two cannabinoids. That being said, the impact’s type will be enough to tell you a significant amount of why different results are produced with THC and CBD.
These receptors are activated by THC. As a result, the person will experience a feeling or state of mind one feels after smoking marijuana. But, CB1 is antagonized by CBD. Any impact that may be intoxicating is blocked by the CB1 receptors. THC’s effects can be inhibited when THC is used with CBD. To keep it simple, the feeling or what is known as getting high is blocked when CBD is in the mix.
Effects of CBD and how it can be used to improve health
There are plenty of positive effects on your health and body from using CBD products. According to plenty of research and study, it’s suggested that using CBD can even make you feel more relaxed than usual. Yes, to an extent, a few people may say this is similar to feeling high. That being said, it by no means is a feeling of intoxication. According to completed research by scientists, relief for symptoms of depression and anxiety can be experienced by using CBD.
If you are someone who has a history of epileptic seizures, CBD could be what you have spent years of your life searching for. In 2018, Epidiolex, the first drug that is CBD-based, was approved by the FDA. On top of this, promising results have been shown for using CBD as a method for doctors and medical professionals to provide relief for many people who are suffering from schizophrenia. This gives them a medication that provides relief without going through many of the nasty effects that come with other antipsychotic medications.
As more and more studies and research are completed on CBD that is derived from hemp and cannabis, healthcare professionals and doctors gain a more thorough understanding of exactly what makes CBD work in the human body as well as the people who will gain the most from using CBD.
Are there side effects to using CBD?
According to the WHO, World Health Organization (2), it is completely safe to use CBD. That being said, there is still a ton of research that needs to be completed for us to have a more complete understanding of the possible uses and effects of using CBD. When taking CBD, especially when it is something that is brand new to your body, there are just a few minor effects you may experience. These include but are not limited to:
- Dry mouth
- Mild nausea
- Diarrhea
- Excessive fatigue
- Dizziness
It is very important that if you are currently taking any other medications, either prescribed or over the counter, you have a detailed discussion with your doctor before taking a CBD product. When CBD is added with some specific medications, as a result, the other medicines decline in their effectiveness. Also, there could be a possibility of side effects and interactions you normally wouldn’t experience.
What to consider before beginning to use CBD
When the results of study and research are looked at, the decision to begin using CBD is fairly easy. The hard part is deciding which method you want to use CBD. There are many options. Creams and lotions for the skin. Oil to mix with drinks and food, edibles and vape products. You’ll need to identify your exact reasoning behind taking CBD to determine which method of use will provide you with the best results.
Also, keep in mind, CBD isn’t currently being regulated at the federal level in the United States. Because of this, CBD products aren’t given as much attention as other regulations. Any company or brand with the ability to produce a fancy label can be deceiving with the products they offer. Spend a few minutes doing a google search on every product before buying it the first time. This will provide an opportunity to read reviews left from other comments.
On top of this, go out of your way to look for testing results from a third party. Is the quality of the CBD as good as the manufacturer of the product is saying? If it is a high-quality brand, these testing results will not be difficult to find. Keep in mind, where you are buying the CBD will say a lot about the product. Look for CBD products where you would purchase other medications or online at a reputable site. If the cost is much cheaper than what you normally see for the same type of CBD product elsewhere, there’s a good chance the quality isn’t nearly as high.