Is CBD Psychoactive or Not?

There’s a lot of confusion about how Cannabidiol (CBD) affects your body. That’s largely because it’s a component of cannabis, the same plant from which we source tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, which is the psychoactive component of marijuana, many assume that taking CBD will provide the same ‘high’ sensation. 

Now, while it’s true that CBD is an active ingredient found in the cannabis plant, it has very different effects on your body and mind. But if you’re still worried about getting high from CBD, keep reading as we help you understand how cannabidiol can affect you, along with other information you should be aware of when considering using this natural supplement.

What Is the Difference Between CBD and THC?

CBD and THC are quite similar and vastly different, all at the same time. They are both active components of the cannabis plant, known as cannabinoids. Likewise, they both can have a direct impact on the natural cannabinoid receptors that are part of your body’s internal endocannabinoid system (ECS). But this is where the differences begin: THC can effectively activate ECS receptors, resulting in the ‘high’ sensation you get when smoking or consuming marijuana. Whereas, CBD naturally blocks the psychoactive side-effects of THC. 

But back to the similarities: CBD and THC have very similar structures. In fact, they have the exact same molecular structure. Once again, this allows people to confuse the two cannabinoids, assuming that they interact with your ECS in the same way. However, despite having the same molecular structure, CBD and THC have another key difference: a single, different atom. So, while identical molecular structures allow both compounds to interact with your brain’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, lending them similar beneficial effects, their different arrangements mean they do so differently.

A word here on those ECS receptors:  CB1 receptors are located primarily within the central nervous system and are directly responsible for handling mental and physiological processes including but not limited to motor coordination, handling emotions, and even memory. CB2 receptors are mainly present within your immune system. Studies show that activating CB2 receptors can effectively reduce pain. 

But remember, because CBD and THC are arranged differently, they interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors very differently, dramatically affecting how each compound influences your body. While THC is capable of binding directly to the CB1 receptors, CBD isn’t. When THC binds to the receptor, it activates it, causing the sensation of getting ‘high’. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t directly bind to the receptor, so it doesn’t produce the same result. In fact, because it can block the bond between THC and receptor, CBD can actually block receptor activation,  thus neutralizing the effects of THC in your system. 

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

While research is ongoing, we’ve already identified many potential benefits associated with using both CBD and THC. These effects are primarily the result of how the cannabinoids bind to and interact with your ECS’ CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

Reduce Pain

CBD has properties that appear to effectively reduce your pain perception. Because of this effect, many turn to CBD as an alternative to the addictive opioids often used to address aches and pains. From the years 1999 to 2018, nearly 450,000 people have died from an overdose involving either prescription or illicit usage of opioids. Because CBD doesn’t hold the same addictive side effects or risks, it is really being explored as a potential alternative to help address this epidemic. 

Additionally, several studies already showcase CBD’s potential ability to suppress inflammatory and neuropathic aches by effectively targeting receptors that are meant to deliver pain messages to the brain.

Treatment of Epilepsy

CBD is confirmed as an effective treatment for one rare form of epilepsy. In fact, in 2018, Epidiolex became the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, CBD-based drug.

Reduce Symptoms of Anxiety

Those who suffer from symptoms of stress or anxiety frequently turn to CBD thanks to emerging evidence that it might be useful in reducing the symptoms of stress or anxiety. While there is still a lot of research to be done, CBD features an excellent safety profile, making it a safe option for those looking to naturally combat stress and symptoms of anxiety.

Anti-Inflammatory

Because of CBD’s ability to bind to CB2 receptors, which are primarily found in your immune cells, this cannabinoid may be a promising option when addressing inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. There is still a lot of research to be done on how CBD can help, but early findings show that CBD produces anti-inflammatory responses and may help minimize the worsening of various immune system disorders.

Side Effects of CBD

According to current research, CBD has an excellent safety profile and lacks severe side effects. Because CBD doesn’t trigger the psychoactive effects that are present when you consume THC, you won’t experience a CBD high. There are some side effects that you need to be aware of, but they are limited in scope. Some of the minor side effects that you may experience by taking CBD would be mild fatigue, nausea, and irritability.

Side Effects of THC

Conversely, THC can cause undesirable side effects. Some of the common side effects of THC include increased heart rate, high sensation, coordination problems, red eyes, dry mouth, and even slight cases of memory loss. These side effects are primarily the result of the compound’s psychoactive aspects, which is why some medical strains of marijuana contain high CBD concentrations in order to offset THC’s psychoactive effects. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, CBD is not psychoactive. You don’t have to worry about experiencing a ‘high’ sensation when you take a product that contains CBD. Even if a product does contain trace amounts of THC, as is the case with a full-spectrum CBD product like the ones in our Tanasi online CBD store, you won’t have to worry about the THC altering your mind. Each of the products offered by Tanasi contains hemp strains which feature trace amounts of THC with concentrations lower than 0.3% THC. Therefore, you can use a full-spectrum CBD without fear of psychoactive sensations. 

One note of caution: when you buy CBD products, be certain to source high-quality cannabidiol. The biggest risk factor associated with CBD use is that the industry is fairly unregulated. But, if you stick to reputable sources like Tanasi, you know exactly what you are getting, both in terms of THC concentration and in all other ingredients. Thanks to transparent ingredients lists and third-party testing, you can rest easy knowing that every Tanasi product utilizes industrial-grade hemp which only contains trace amounts of THC that should have no effect on your mind. All that’s left to do is enjoy the effects of the USA grown, hemp-extract CBD.