by K. Astre
When most people think of cannabis, they associate it with getting high. That’s mostly due to the depiction of the plant throughout pop culture, from movies and music to comics and posters. However, there’s more to cannabis than just THC. There’s also CBD, which is not not only thought to have a huge number of health benefits, but also won’t make you feel high at all.
The short answer to the question Does CBD Get you High? No, it doesn’t!
To understand why, begin by taking a look at the difference between cannabinoids like THC and CBD; then take a detour through the science of human and plant anatomy.
Why CBD Doesn’t Get You High
CBD does not get you high because it is a cannabinoid that interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a non-intoxicating manner. CBD does not directly bind with our bodies’ CB1 receptors — an interaction that is responsible for the classic euphoric “high” feelings associated with THC.. When these two different substances are consumed, they each have different effects from one another. In order to distribute CBD legally on a federal level, manufacturers must source it from a plant that contains no more than 0.3% THC.
Hemp vs. Cannabis
Cannabis is the scientific name for the group of plants that produces both CBD and THC. Hemp is a specific variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that is typically grown for industrial and nutritional uses. Although recently hemp has surged in popularity as a source of CBD, it’s often used to produce fiber, paper, textiles, rope and other goods. Any strain that contains enough THC can produce an intoxicating effect, which is why cannabis in general — which contains plants such as marijuana — is classified as a controlled substance under United States law. Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, only cannabis products containing 0.3% THC or less can be distributed legally in the U.S.
All SHEbd products contain 0.0% THC, meaning there is no chance that they will produce the mind high or stoned feelings often attributed to cannabis. And even products that do contain 0.3% THC will not produce these effects.
So, How Does CBD Make You Feel?
CBD doesn’t have any intoxicating properties, but users report a variety of milder effects and sensations. Many describe a sensation of internal balance, a feeling that is corroborated by research into CBD’s effects on the body. Rather than a high, CBD tends to have a calming effect.
Several factors can affect the CBD user’s experience. CBD isolate, for example, produces weaker effects on the body than broad or full spectrum CBD. All SHEbd products use broad spectrum hemp oil, which includes hundreds of components of the hemp plant, excluding THC. Full spectrum and broad spectrum products also contain terpenes, flavonoids and minor cannabinoids. These lesser-studied organic elements combine with CBD to produce the “entourage effect,” working together in your body to maximize the potency of CBD.
Body High vs. Mind High
CBD can elicit different sensations, depending on how and where it’s administered. As we’ve covered, CBD won’t produce the mind high typically associated with weed. That said, some users do report a “body high,” or a deep feeling of calm similar to the one you’d get after a good yoga class.
While all CBD products tend to yield a calming, balance-restoring effect, topical products like creams or balms deliver CBD differently than oral supplements, like oils or softgels. Rubbing a cream or balm into skin can deliver relief to a certain part of the body. For example, sheet masks (like SHEbd’s CBD-rich Broad Spectrum Deep Hydration Mask) are absorbed through the skin on your face.
Drops and softgels are absorbed into the bloodstream, delivering CBD throughout your body. When taken orally, CBD has an effect on your mind by helping to reduce stress and improve your mood — often resulting in a better night’s sleep.
Is CBD Safe to Use?
Absolutely! By definition, all hemp-derived broad spectrum CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC. SHEbd products contain 0.0% THC. At such low levels, the intoxicating effects of the Cannabis plant are practically non-existent in CBD products. No federal or state agency classifies CBD as a recreational drug. No laws make it illegal to use or possess CBD. It’s perfectly legal — and safe ― to experiment with CBD consumption.
Possible Side Effects
Although there is not a lot of information available about the side effects of CBD, there are some possible risks to consider before consuming it. First, it’s important to understand and consider how CBD may interact with other medications or supplements you may be taking. This may have an effect on how you experience CBD and its effects. Other possible side effects include sleepiness or drowsiness, digestive issues like diarrhea, decreased appetite and irritability.
How Long Does CBD Take to Work?
The answer depends on how you ingest or topically apply CBD, among other factors. A CBD cream (such as SHEbd’s Broad Spectrum Hemp Comfort Cream) might take longer or slower to work, depending on your metabolism and chemical makeup and on where on the body you applied the cream. CBD consumed orally in capsule form (such as SHEbd’s Broad Spectrum Softgels) can reach your bloodstream in as little as 30 minutes. An oil (such as SHEbd’s Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil) can act even faster when the oil is taken sublingually.
Summary
In short — CBD will not get you high. CBD is a safe, legal supplement that works fast to restore balance and calm to your body.* Although there’s a lot of confusion around CBD and its relationship to THC, the two are very different in terms of their effects on your body. Although CBD is effective, CBD won’t get you high. So, you can consume CBD in any form without any fear.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products reviewed in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31222854
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2/text?overview=closed
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31222854
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327518#side-effects
