People are using CBD as a natural alternative to unnatural resources due to its well-established safety profile and promising results coming from recent studies and anecdotal evidence.
But can CBD get you high?
After all, it’s derived from cannabis plants. However, the type of cannabis plant used plays an important role in determining whether or not a specific product can cause you to experience a psychoactive buzz similar to what people feel when using marijuana.
In this article, we’ll clear up any confusion about whether or not CBD gets you high.
We’ll also shed light on the differences between Hemp-Derived CBD and Marijuana-Derived CBD to help you better understand why CBD doesn't create a high feeling like marijuana and what will CBD feel like.
Can CBD Get You High?
The short answer is No, CBD cannot get you high as long as it contains 0.3% THC or less.
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, so it can make you feel more relaxed and focused, but these sensations don’t even get close to the signature marijuana high.
That being said, there’s also a long answer to that question.
Namely, some CBD products contain a considerable amount of THC (upwards of 5%), which can make you feel high.
However, these products are made from selectively bred marijuana strains that are grown for high CBD content. Still, their THC content is not as low as hemp-derived CBD products.
Let’s take a look at the important differences between Hemp-Derived CBD and Marijuana-Derived CBD.
Difference Between Hemp-Derived CBD and Marijuana-Derived CBD
A third of Americans think CBD and marijuana are the same things, according to the National Institutes of Health, and many people still search the internet to find out whether cannabidiol – a cannabis derivative known as CBD – will get them high, as marijuana does.
The hemp plant and marijuana plant are all related, but they differ in significant ways. Here’s what you need to know about their effects and potential health benefits.
Once you understand the difference between Hemp-Derived CBD and Marijuana-Derived CBD the confusion will disappear.
Both hemp and marijuana belong to the same species, Cannabis sativa, and the two plants look somewhat similar. However, substantial variation can exist within a species.
CBD comes from one of two types of cannabis plants: hemp or marijuana.
Hemp-derived oil and CBD products are sourced from industrial hemp plants, which are grown primarily for their fiber and seeds.
Hemp is differentiated from marijuana by its levels of (THC), the cannabinoid that causes consumers to feel “high.” As outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill, a hemp plant must contain no more than 0.3% THC to be legal.
Marijuana-derived CBD oil is obtained through the same processes as CBD oil made from hemp.
However, it contains higher levels of THC ranging from 5% to 30% depending on the strain and THC content of the source plant.
What Does CBD Feel Like?
Now that we’ve established CBD alone can’t get you high, you’re probably wondering what it feels like if it doesn't get you high.
It helps you stay centered and grounded and makes you feel more relaxed as you go about your day. CBD is known for its calming properties, and on top of that, it can help with pain relief, inflammation, sleep, and concentration.
Long story short, CBD oil can make you feel:
- Relaxed
- Focused
- Stress
- Calm Mind with no racing thoughts
- Less Pain
What Does THC Feel Like?
Common responses to smoking or ingesting marijuana include feeling:
- Euphoric
- Relaxed
- Happy
- Giggly
- Creative
- Hungry
However, marijuana use can also lead to unpleasant feelings or experiences. These include:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Panic
- Paranoia
- Racing Heartbeat
However, these negative reactions are more likely when you’re inexperienced or take too much. Too much THC can trigger a stronger reaction.
Understanding CBD Isolate, Broad-Spectrum, And Full-Spectrum CBD
If you have been searching CBD products to buy, you probably came across full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate, and most likely have no idea what they are. Knowing this will help you make a better decision on which CBD to try.
CBD isolate products are those which contain only CBD, with no accompanying terpenes, THC, or other cannabinoids. The alternatives to CBD isolate would be whole-plant CBD oil, full-spectrum CBD oil, or broad-spectrum CBD oil.
Broad-spectrum CBD typically contains at least three other cannabinoids, as well as some terpenes and flavonoids – but still no THC.
Full spectrum CBD, also called “whole flower” CBD, is similar to broad spectrum containing all of the components — cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids of the hemp plant including low levels of THC (up to 0.3%).
Marijuana, on the other hand, tends to contain a more diverse terpene profile than hemp. Products derived from weed plants also tend to contain both CBD and THC in levels higher than 0.3%.
What Are Cannabinoids, Terpenes, And Flavonoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are found in cannabis as well as hemp plants. Common cannabinoids besides CBD include THC, CBC, CBG, and CBN, and offer much more promising results when taken together.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants, including cannabis that help create the right environment for the synergistic effects of cannabis to occur, otherwise known as the entourage effect. However, While most scientists believe in the entourage effect, it is still only a hypothesis.
Meaning that when terpenes work with cannabinoids like CBD and THC, they form a synergy that creates stronger and better effects than both would achieve on their own. Terpenoids are the unsung heroes of cannabinoid wellness.
Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits providing painkilling properties that aren’t available from just terpenes and cannabinoids alone.
Takeaway On CBD And Getting High
Does CBD get you high? CBD oil can’t get you high as long as it has been sourced from hemp plants and not marijuana plants.
Hemp maximizes the concentration of CBD in the flowers while lowering the amount of THC so it doesn’t have any intoxicating properties.
Don’t confuse the marijuana high with CBD; while CBD can produce feelings of relaxation, it also makes your mind clear and doesn’t directly influence your behavior.
With marijuana CBD oil, it’s a different story. It comes with a considerable amount of THC, much more than CBD, so not only can it get you high, but it may also be illegal if your state doesn’t allow marijuana for medical or recreational use.
Once you understand the difference between Hemp-Derived CBD and Marijuana-Derived CBD and familiarize yourself with what CBD Isolate, Broad Spectrum, and Full-Spectrum CBD are and what Cannabinoids, Terpenes, And Flavonoid are, you’ll be able to choose the right product.
We hope this article has been helpful!
Hello! We are writers here at Hemp Jubilation. We are a diverse small group of experienced CBD users. We strive to bring you the finest, up-to-date reviews and content on all things CBD.
We have been writing about CBD for more than 5 years and have tried and reviewed dozens of CBD products. We are knowledgeable about the popular CBD brands and products, the CBD industry as well as the science and research behind this popular natural remedy.