We know cannabidiol (CBD oil) has a long list of benefits from decades of scientific research. There’s still more to uncover, but the market is catching up. Health and wellness circles are prompting positive adoption and curiosity about using CBD as part of stress relief, nighttime, or intimacy routines. But as a cannabis product, there’s some confusion around it: can CBD oil get you high?
The answer is no, CBD alone doesn’t give you a trip. While it is a compound from the cannabis plant, it does not contain the psychoactive properties that THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, does (like in marijuana).
How does CBD work?
CBD is one of the compounds that are naturally produced in the cannabis plant.
Biology plays a big game here. CBD works by interacting with our endocannabinoid system. This system makes up different major processes of our body such as sleep, mood, and appetite.
Once CBD enters our body, it interacts with our endocannabinoid system to enhance our mood and sleep regulation. Think: peace, tranquility, and harmony from within.
You can read more about it here: CBD 101: A Wise Woman’s Guide to CBD Oil.
It is important to note that CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. This is primarily the main reason why CBD can’t get you high – because it does not contain enough of the stuff that gives you a trip (THC).
Those new to CBD may think it can get them high because the cannabis plant is culturally associated with psychoactive effects. Here’s why CBD alone is different.
CBD vs. THC
CBD and THC are types of cannabinoids found in cannabis. They both impact your brain’s cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors, but differently.
THC impacts our cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in our brain by getting them fired up. The result is euphoria and the “high” that we know.
On the other hand, CBD hinders any intoxicating effect caused by our CB1 receptors. This essentially means that CBD, if taken with THC, can inhibit or lessen the effects of THC.
Simply put, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that helps your body relax and even counter any psychoactive effect that may come from THC. It’s a feeling of tranquility without the high.
How much THC is in CBD oil?
We’ve just mentioned that CBD can inhibit the effects of THC when both are taken together. So, does that mean that CBD products contain THC? It depends on the product that you use.
For this matter, let’s take a quick look at the three types of CBD make ups:
- Full-spectrum CBD
- Broad-spectrum CBD
- CBD Isolate
Full-spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and that includes a small amount of THC (<0.3%). That’s not enough to get you high, though.
Broad-spectrum CBD also contains most of the cannabinoids except for the psychoactive ones – mostly, THC is eliminated from broad-spectrum CBD.
CBD isolate offers the purest form of CBD – no other cannabinoids and certainly no THC included. Broad-spectrum and isolate are typically synthetically altered (aka not as natural as full-spectrum CBD).
Cannabis use in daily life
Some women have no problem with THC and the effects of it (e.g. smoking marijuana). In fact, a few states have been leading the way in legality for responsible use of THC (lookin’ at you, Colorado).
Whether you’re down for a trip or not, knowing that you won’t get high from CBD alone can help in the context of your daily routines.
Legal concerns with taking CBD oil
Regarding legal concerns, CBD products, including full-spectrum CBD, are legal in the U.S. under federal law.
So far, full-spectrum CBD or any products that contain <0.3% of THC won’t induce any psychoactive effect on its users. Some people have experienced psychoactive effects as a side effect, but it’s very rare. As with all supplements, experience varies by person.
In general, THC in CBD products will not induce any psychoactive effect. The best advice for new CBD users is to start with small doses, working your way up.
Read more on our guide to dosing and trying CBD.
The sale of CBD products is legal, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t currently provide or enforce standards for these products. Private organizations like The U.S. Hemp Authority are helping to close the cannabis industry’s regulation gap.
Will CBD show up on a drug test?
If you have an upcoming drug test in the near future (e.g. for a new job), you’re already stressed out. The last thing you want is a positive drug test when all you were doing was trying to get a good night’s sleep the night before with your SLEEP gummies.
Some drug tests may pick up on the smallest traces of THC. That means some full-spectrum CBD products won’t get you high, but may trigger a positive result. To be safe, save your gummy for a post-drug-test treat.
The gist: Full-spectrum CBD oil has the best entourage effect, but a broad-spectrum product might be better if you’re regularly drug tested.
Breaking the stigma
If you’re worried about taking CBD for reasons like what people will think or because “I’ve never smoked anything before,” we’ve been there. Taking CBD oil does not make you a stoner, a druggie, or an addict. Cannabis use isn’t equivalent to getting high. And we have a ways to go before that’s common knowledge and the stigma is gone in the U.S.
Wise Women know: CBD can be a life-changing addition to your sleep, sex, and stress relief routines. It can even replace alcohol in these routines, creating hangover-free help for your body to relax.
Shop the collection of SLEEP, SEX, and STRESS to see how quality CBD can be an integral part of your routines.
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