CBD is extracted from the Cannabis Sativa plant. The same plant that contains THC. It is therefore understandable that most people would have reservations about CBD, one of the main ones being getting high from CBD. Being a popular product in wellness and has many potential health benefits, the last thing anyone wants is to take something that could cost them their job or compromise their state of mind. There’s no doubting the closeness of CBD and THC. But the two products are also very different and understanding what CBD is about could help clear any fears you have about it.
What is CBD?
There are over 100 natural compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabidiol is one of the best known. The other equally popular cannabinoid is Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is known for its psychoactive effects. Although CBD and THC come from the same plant, the two cannabinoids are vastly different mainly because CBD doesn’t have the same psychoactive effects as THC. More on this later on. CBD has gained massive popularity in recent times because of its potential nutritional and health benefits. Most people report a calm and relaxed feeling after taking CBD, which is the opposite of the high or “stoned” effect that comes with THC.
Why Do People Think CBD Causes a High?
It’s easy to understand why there’s a conception that CBD can cause a high. Both CBD and THC occur naturally in cannabis plants. As such many people assume that CBD causes the same effects as THC. However, most of the CBD used in making CBD products is obtained from various hemp plant strains that have a very high CBD yield and low THC. CBD on its own is non-intoxicating with no psychoactive effects. That is why it is legal in the UK and many other countries.
Will CBD Make You High?
CBD is used to make a variety of CBD products like tinctures, capsules and CBD gummies. These products are often used as a natural way to relax and lower anxiety. However, when taken in high amounts, CBD can cause an uplifting effect. But this is not the same as the ‘high’ that comes with using THC.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
Although CBD doesn’t have the same mind-altering effects as THC, it has other non-intoxicating effects. Most CBD users report reduced pain, inflammation and anxiety. There are also those that report improved sleep. Overall, CBD users describe the feeling CBD causes as relaxing and calming. When taken in high doses, CBD users also mention feeling excited. The exact effect of taking CBD differs from person to person, depending on the reason for taking CBD and the amount of CBD you take.
Is CBD Addictive?
THC is notorious for being addictive and creating dependence. CBD is not the same. It doesn’t produce a high or has intoxicating effects. Studies have also shown that CBD addiction is almost non-existent. Most researchers have found CBD to be relatively safe for daily use. You should consult with a doctor before taking any CBD product, whether nutritional or for its potential health benefits.
Can CBD Cause You to Fail a Drug Test
There’s no doubt that CBD products won’t make you high. But in some circumstances, it’s possible to fail a drug test after taking CBD for some time. CBD users who prefer to use full-spectrum CBD might fail a urine or hair drug test. This is because full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, which could be detectable. Why not also read: Can You Drive on CBD Oil? And Does It Show on Drug Tests? It’s also possible to turn a positive result because of THC buildup. While only trace amounts of THC are contained in CBD products, taking CBD in high doses over a prolonged period can trigger a positive result. If you’re concerned about failing a drug test, it’s best to consider other CBD forms like broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. These forms of CBD contain no THC. It’s also vital to always buy your CBD products from reputable suppliers who guarantee the quality of their products.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated with Using CBD?
Most people handle CBD well. In some, there are several side effects associated with the use of CBD, especially among those that are new to CBD and also when you take too much CBD, such as:
- Changes in the mood like increased irritability
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Increased drowsiness and sedation when CBD oil is mixed with alcohol
While there haven’t been any reported cases, it’s also possible that CBD might interact with prescription or over-the-counter drugs. That’s why it’s important to ensure you consult with a medical professional before you start using CBD products.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol is a primary cannabinoid known for its psychoactive effects. It binds to the CB1 receptors located in the brain, impacting regions associated with memory, learning, movement, pain perception and inflammation. THC can also bind to CB2 receptors in the brainstem and hippocampus parts of the brain associated with memory and emotions. CB2 receptors are also located in the bone cells, spleen, immune cells and liver cells. The wide distribution of cannabinoid receptor cells is what allows THC to produce powerful psychological effects. In addition to causing a high, THC is also known to have similar effects to CBD, including pain and inflammation relief.
What are the Effects of THC?
There are varied effects of THC depending on the receptors it binds to. Its psychoactive effect is believed to start with the THC binding to CB1 receptors and activating the brain’s reward system and stimulating the release of dopamine. The release of dopamine causes a euphoric high commonly associated with recreational marijuana use. Getting high can consist of various situations, which include:
- Strong emotions and feelings like a profound appreciation of a beautiful day, song, or a loved one.
- In prolonged exertion cases, users can experience an endorphin rush commonly dubbed “the runner’s high.”
- An altered state of consciousness.
Using THC can also result in various other effects, including:
- Increased relaxation
- Dry mouth
- Red, dry eyes
- Difficulty concentrating or problem-solving
- Impaired memory
- Changes in perception of time
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Feelings of paranoia and anxiety
Common Things between CBD and THC
One reason CBD is often mistaken for THC is that the two products have so much in common. They are two of the most studied cannabinoids, and they also happen to share an extensive range of effects. It’s believed that both CBD and THC have pain relief and inflammation-fighting properties. They also have potential anti-cancerous effects among a hoard of other potential health benefits.
Differences between CBD and THC
Although both CBD and THC are extracted from the same Cannabis Sativa plant, the strains of the plants are different. THC is commonly found in the marijuana plant, which has a high THC yield and low CBD. CBD, on the other hand, is found in the hemp plant, which has a high CBD yield and low THC. CBD is often extracted from parts of the plant with little or no THC like the leaves, flowers, or stem. THC, on the other hand, is extracted from the seeds. In the hemp plants used to extract CBD, it is a requirement that parts of the plant rich in THC be destroyed. THC and CBD also interact with Cannabinoid receptors differently. THC works by binding to the CB1 receptors found in the brain. That is how it confers its mind-altering effects. CBD has little to no impact on the CB1 receptors, which is why it’s unable to make you get high. Most studies have shown that CBD works by binding to non-cannabinoid receptors. It is also an allosteric modulator that changes the shape and function of various receptors to confer its effects.
How to Buy Quality CBD Products
The demand for CBD products is at an all-time high. This makes it hard to find good-quality CBD products. This can be the difference. Among the downsides of using low-quality CBD products is the high THC content, resulting in you getting and failing drug tests. It’s also worth noting that some CBD products are made from substandard ingredients, which can adversely affect your body. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re buying the good stuff:
- Do your research – The purchase of good quality CBD products starts with good research. Ensure you buy CBD products that adhere to the UK CBD laws and MHRA regulations. At Koi CBD, we also go a step further and we only stock CBD products from manufacturers that subject their products to third-party lab testing.
- Check the label – Before purchasing any CBD products, take a close look at the label, particularly the ingredients list. Check for any difficulty to pronounce and name any potential red flags. Most quality CBD manufacturers will always minimise the ingredients, and their products don’t contain any artificial additives or preservatives.
Summary
Most potential CBD users are always held back by the possibility of getting high from CBD or testing positive on a drug test. Millions of CBD users have provided enough anecdotal evidence to prove that CBD doesn’t get you high or impact your state of mind. For the cautious users who undergo frequent drug tests, products made from CBD isolate are the best because they don’t contain any THC and make it hard to trigger a positive drug test.
Monika Wassermann is a doctor and a freelance writer based in the UK who lives with her cat Buddy. She writes across several verticals, including life, health, sex and love, relationships and fitness. Her three great loves are Victorian novels, Lebanese cuisine, and vintage markets. When she’s not writing, you can find her trying to meditate more, weightlifting, or wandering around in town.
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