Will CBD Make You High? Advice for the CBD Curious
If you’re new to the world of CBD, welcome! If you’re here, that means you’re probably curious about what CBD is, how it works, and what effects you can expect to feel from this hemp- derived compound. And if you haven’t experimented with CBD in your daily routine just yet, you may also be wondering: Will CBD make you high?
We’re demystifying CBD so you know what to expect if and when you do begin using it—and if you’re anything like us, you may wonder why you waited so long.
What is CBD?
CBD—or cannabidiol—is a compound derived from the hemp plant (part of the Cannabis sativa family, and a “cousin” to the marijuana plant). This compound—known as a cannabinoid— works within our body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS, which governs bodily functions like inflammation, stress response, hunger, metabolism, sleep, mood, pain and immune response.
Essentially, the ECS is responsible for bringing our bodies to balance, or a state of homeostasis. Because U.S. government regulations stipulate that hemp plants can contain no more than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes the feeling of being “high”), most CBD on the market these days is derived from hemp plants—though CBD is also found in marijuana plants, along with many other compounds that we’re only beginning to learn about.
Depending on the CBD you’re taking and how it is sourced, you may see it listed as “full spectrum CBD,” “broad spectrum CBD,” or “CBD isolate.” In short, when the CBD compound is extracted from the plant along with all the other compounds (including no more than that 0.3% THC we mentioned), it’s “full spectrum.” Broad spectrum CBD contains other compounds, as well, but generally does not contain any THC. And as you may have guessed, CBD isolate is just straight CBD with no additional compounds of the hemp plant. How you prefer your CBD is up to you, but research is showing that multiple compounds create an “entourage effect”—meaning the more compounds taken alongside CBD, the more beneficial it may be to the body.
How does CBD work in the body?
Now that you know what CBD is, you may be wondering just how it does what it does in the body.
As previously mentioned, CBD works within our endocannabinoid system (ECS). While the ECS actually produces its own cannabinoids, plant-derived cannabinoids—or phytocannabinoids, like CBD— are thought to activate the receptors within the ECS, and to have similar or even stronger effects than those we self-produce. According to Newsweek , “It is also suspected that CBD may encourage the body to produce its own endocannabinoids and help maintain the ones already present.”
While scientists have pinpointed which receptors the THC compound impacts, CBD is still being studied. According to Newsweek, “ Researchers have determined the very specific receptors THC activates in the body, CB1 and CB2, and how it inhibits pain pathway signaling (mostly CB1) and anti-inflammatory effects (mostly CB2). However, researchers have yet to determine the
exact receptors CBD interacts with or how it affects them, although some estimates suggest it may be up to 65 different receptors.”
So, will CBD make you high?
In a word: No. While CBD and THC are both compounds derived from cannabis plant cousins, they could not be more different in how they make you feel.
“The majority of our customers take CBD because of its calming and anti-inflammatory effects,” says Sarah Mirsini, founder of MASK CBD Skincare. “Everyone has different body chemistry and individual needs, so CBD will of course interact with individuals differently. Some people may need a small dose, and others larger. Yet CBD—even full spectrum CBD, like what we use at MASK—does not contain enough THC to make you high.”
Many people take CBD in the morning to help alleviate feelings of anxiety throughout the day. Others prefer it at night to help them sleep. “CBD can really promote feelings of relaxation,” Mirsini adds, “but it is non-psychoactive. So unlike THC, CBD will not cause you to feel intoxicated or ‘out of it’. ”
Where should you buy CBD products?
Ready to make the leap to incorporating CBD into your daily routine? Make certain your CBD products undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure their purity and efficacy. We like products from our trusted source Iremia CBD for their commitment to excellence and transparency surrounding their testing. And for natural CBD skin care, MASK has CBD skin products to support all skin types and skincare routines.
Enjoy your CBD journey!
