One of the most common questions among those just learning about cannabidiol (CBD) and the compound’s properties and benefits is whether CBD oil can cause a high.
The short answer to the question: No! CBD oil cannot get you high.
Because CBD oil is extracted from cannabis plants, a common misconception is that it will elicit a euphoric effect. But the truth is, CBD oil is completely non-psychoactive, so it will not adversely affect sensory awareness, consciousness, perception, or behavior.
This is because CBD oil contains no more than trace levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive cannabinoid that elicits the “hazy” or “stoned” mind-altering feelings that are typically associated with marijuana use. CBD hemp oil is extracted from the stalks and seeds of hemp, which contain no more than 0.3 percent THC per dry weight, or 33 times less than the least potent euphoric-causing cannabis strain.
Instead, CBD oil is abundant in CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has shown to even have the capability to counter the psychoactive properties of THC.
What Effects Does CBD Oil Have?
While CBD oil will not get you “high” in the traditional sense, many who have consumed CBD oil as a nutritional supplement or medicinal alternative have claimed to feel a heightened sense of relaxation after taking their daily CBD oil serving.
Once the body absorbs CBD, the compounds interact with cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors to encourage balance in a wide array of systems. Decades of research indicate that CBD helps the endocannabinoid system keep our systems in homeostasis. Studies suggest that CBD, through these interactions with the endocannabinoid system’s receptors, reduces anxiety, helps combat depression, manages seizure activity, decreases inflammation, and offers antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that could potentially help in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis.
CBD oil is in general considered safe and well tolerated. While some users have reported experiencing dry mouth and drowsiness, in general CBD oil has not been known to cause any significant negative side effects.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is botanical oil made from the stalks and seeds of cannabis plants that are naturally abundant in CBD and low in THC, such as hemp. A specialized extraction process is used to yield highly concentrated CBD oil that also contains highly nutritious elements, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, terpenes, chlorophyll, and amino acids.
CBD hemp oil is different from hemp oil found in most grocery and health food markets, which are likely created using hemp seed oil and contain only trace amounts of CBD. While nutritious, hemp seed products contain extremely low levels of CBD per weight, making them inadequate for those seeking CBD’s balancing effects.
As the demand for CBD hemp oil has grown over recent years, the market has responded by developing new types of CBD hemp oil products. There are now dozens of different types of CBD hemp oil products on the market. Pure CBD oil, which can be taken on its own, is now available as capsules, drops, tinctures, liquids, and even chewing gum.
For patients who are interested in avoiding even trace levels of THC found in most CBD hemp oil products, zero-THC CBD hemp oil products have recently become available in most major markets.
You can learn more about the differences between CBD and THC, as well as what research has so far discovered about CBD’s benefits, by visiting our education page.
Have specific questions about taking CBD? Join our free ECHO Community to connect with physicians and others who have used or are using cannabinoids for health purposes.
