Will CBD Get You High Like THC?

If you’re ready to explore cannabis extracts, you may wonder, will CBD get you high? And that’s perfectly normal, since extracts such as THC do have psychoactive properties. Luckily, CBD won’t get you high. But to understand why that’s the case, let’s delve deeper into each of these cannabinoids.

Does CBD get you High? No! So What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound mainly extracted from the hemp variety of cannabis plants. We find it inside the plant’s leaves and bud, alongside dozens of other cannabinoids, including CBC, CBG, and THC. We take out CBD using solvent extraction, leaving us with a supplement that’s now widely used in the health, wellness and beauty sectors. This is because, when you apply or ingest CBD, some of its  properties may help manage or improve symptoms of various conditions.

How does that happen? Well, the CBD binds onto your body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors imperfectly, changing and helping regulate various processes controlled by your endocannabinoid system (ECS). But remember, while CBD effects your body, none of those effects are mind-altering.

What is THC?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) occurs naturally in the cannabis plant alongside other cannabinoids. Its chemical composition is almost identical to CBD’s. But its atoms are arranged differently. And that makes all the difference. Because THC’s molecular structure is what makes it psychoactive, and also why consuming marijuana gives you euphoric effects.

Here’s the deal: THC molecules bind onto CB1 receptors completely, triggering that sense of euphoria. Now, research, suggests that THC molecules produce a stronger receptor bond as compared to CBD’s weaker one.

How CBD And THC Interact With The Body

Both CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system producing different results. THC works by activating CB1 receptors, triggering euphoric effects or feelings of high. Once activated, the CB1 receptors will have an intoxicating effect on brain cells, which explains why marijuana users get the feelings of ‘high’ after their first puff. CBD, on the other hand, is an antagonist of CB1 receptors. It blocks almost all the intoxicating effects CB1 receptors might have on the brain.

In addition to blocking the intoxicating effects of CB1 receptors, CBD signals the ECS to release more of its cannabinoids, all in an attempt to restore homeostasis. This is one of the reasons CBD is primarily used to fight various health conditions, including anxiety, inflammation, pain perception, skin breakouts, and certain types of epilepsy. CBD, according to research, comes quite in handy in promoting skin health, joint and cartilage health, brain health, and improved heart health, among others.

Benefits of CBD

From the points gathered above, you’ve probably stopped wondering, does CBD get you high? But you likely have questions about it will do. And that’s what we’ll address next.

For starters, CBD may protect your body from inflammation, or even help relieve other unwanted symptoms. So, while research is early, some of the suggested benefits of CBD include:

1. Pain Relief

Studies suggest that CBD offers analgesic properties. And these may help with chronic pain management. When the compound connects with CB1 receptors, it can block pain signals from reaching their target in your brain.

It may also fight off pain signals by breaking down chronic inflammation in your body. So, by attacking pain receptors from both ends, you may experience pain relief without turning to conventional pain medication. And, thanks to these findings, the FDA approved phase three trials for Sativex, a CBD-based drug that treats spasticity for patients with multiple sclerosis.

2. Helps Manage Anxiety and Depression

Many people choose to manage their mental health with prescription anxiety and depression medications. But they come with side effects such as insomnia, agitation, drowsiness, and even sexual dysfunction.  As a result, some explore cannabidiol to help manage their depression and anxiety.

Early research suggests that, because It interacts with your brain’s CB1 receptors, the cannabinoid could induce tranquility, while also normalizing your heart rate. CBD may also induce increased serotonin production. And, since that’s the hormone responsible for regulating social behavior and mood, it may help you find symptom relief.

3. Alleviate Symptoms Of Cancer Treatment

Studies suggest that cannabidiol can help fight common chemotherapy side effects, especially nausea and vomiting. The compound binds onto CB1 and CB2 receptors to help your ECS release toxin-fighting enzymes and hormones. And that could help you feel better.

Even more exciting? Animal studies suggest this hemp extract inhibits cancerous cell development in mice and birds. But, we’ll have to conduct human trials before we can truly understand its cancer-fighting potential.

4. Promotes Skin Health

More than 9% of the world’s population has experienced unwanted skin conditions. Many are tied to bacteria and genetics, but other factors, including sebum overproduction and chronic inflammation, also contribute. As a result, rosacea, acne, skin breakouts, etc., are all too common today.

But here’s the good news. Applying topical hemp extract may help manage these conditions, or improve your overall skin health. That’s because it’s rich in antioxidants which could help your skin cells get rid of toxins. It could also help your ECS reach homeostasis, regulating your sebum production in the process.

5. Neuroprotective Properties

People with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy may find hope with cannabinoids. As we mentioned earlier, Sativex, may help manage involuntary muscle spasticity if you have drug-resistant multiple sclerosis.

And children with some forms of drug-resistant epilepsy can use Epidiolex, an FDA-approved medication with CBD isolate. It seems to work by reducing electrical brain activity and soothing nerve cells, helping manage and reduce epileptic episodes. Many people with epilepsy report they feel better and have fewer episodes when using this supplement.

6. Heart Helper?

Poor lifestyle and eating habits have played a significant role in our population’s rising number of heart-related conditions and stroke. Some of the foods we eat today inhibit our healthy hormone production. Others pump bad cholesterol into our systems. And leading a sedentary lifestyle just makes matters worse,  increasing your risk of stroke as well as high blood pressure.

Taking CBD supplements may, however, help manage and even reduce your risk of heart attack and related conditions. As mentioned earlier, CBD contains antioxidants and phytochemicals; these may remove bad cholesterol from your system, thereby improving your overall heart health.

How To Take CBD And Recommended Dosage

There are several ways to consume CBD. Each consumption method has its pros and cons, and a reason you’d want to pick that delivery method, depending on your desired results. Options include:

a. Inhalation

smoking/vaping CBD provides an effective way to deliver CBD to the bloodstream. The compound is absorbed directly from lung cells into the system. This method is commonly preferred when looking for fast results.

b. Topical Application

CBD oil may be applied to your skin, knee, or elbows, if you’re looking for targeted pain relief. This delivery method isn’t, however, as fast and efficient as inhalation.

c. Sublingual

This method involves placing a drop or two of CBD tinctures under the tongue for at least two minutes. This allows for most, if not all of the CBD, to be absorbed into the bloodstream. You can choose to use this method if the earthy taste of CBD doesn’t concern you.

Conclusion

CBD is an all-natural, plant-derived supplement. Although we extract it from cannabis plants, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive properties. You therefore won’t get high from using CBD oil, tinctures, or gummies. THC, on the other hand, is very psychoactive. Consuming THC may also leave you feeling lightheaded, among other side effects.

For these reasons, exploring cannabidiol is a safe and legal way to discover the effects of cannabis in your body. Come check out our range of full-spectrum hemp extract products, and discover for yourself what this compound can do. (Instead of what it won’t!)