Can CBD Oil Get You High?

As interest in CBD grows, more and more people are curious to know if CBD oil can get you high. The short answer is no—it cannot. However, there are many variables at play when it comes to the production, branding, and administration of CBD oils. Those seriously considering including CBD as part of their daily health regimen need to know for sure how these products will impact their lifestyle and ability to function. Allow us to provide some explanation.

CBD is a cannabinoid found in both hemp and recreational marijuana plants. Regardless of its original source, CBD in isolation is a non-psychotropic compound. Unlike the psychotropic cannabinoid THC, CBD does not have a high binding affinity for the two main cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Although it does interact with these receptors, its action is more indirect. Moreover, CBD exerts its effects via a host of different molecular pathways, stimulating non-cannabinoid receptors such as the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor and vanilloid receptors. So, what does this have to do with getting high? Basically, despite CBD’s versatile action throughout different systems of the body, all its effects are therapeutic in nature—not psychotropic. THC differs from CBD in that it directly binds to CB1 receptors in the brain like a key fits in a lock. The result? Psychotropic effects capable of impairing regular functioning. Interestingly, when in the presence of THC, CBD is able to lessen THC’s psychotropic side effects by interfering with its ability to bind to CB1 receptors.

It’s clear to see that in order to avoid getting high from CBD oil, there must be negligible levels of THC present. Reputable CBD oils derived from low-THC industrial hemp are capable of exactly this; given the right production and extraction processes, hemp-derived CBD oil retains a benign level of THC that certainly cannot get you high, and that the government recognises as a legal amount. At present, trace amounts of THC <0.03% are considered acceptable in most regions where CBD is legal. Cibdol not only abides by these rules, but publishes independently analysed test results to give customers peace of mind that our products are safe to take.

On the other hand, CBD oil derived from high-THC recreational cannabis often forgoes these stringent processes, or purposefully retains as much THC as possible. In fact, these oils are usually created to offer an equal or diverse ratio of both THC and CBD. While this may be fine for some, it is NOT truly considered CBD oil, but rather, cannabis oil.

Despite not being psychotropic, CBD is subtly psychoactive. Psychoactive shouldn’t be viewed as a “bad word”, and doesn’t necessarily mean impacting the brain in a way that directly alters one’s state of mind. In the same way that dark chocolate sustains subtle effects on the brain and nervous system, so too can CBD. After all, this is how it is able to potentially reduce and/or combat anxiety, inflammation, nausea, certain types of epilepsy, and a whole array of other problems. While preliminary research surrounding CBD’s therapeutic potential is promising, much more needs to be done to conclusively establish its exact mechanism of action. As such, CBD oil is presently considered a nutritional supplement, not a medicine.

So, rest easy knowing that Cibdol CBD oil will not get you high, instead offering the benefits of CBD in all their glory.