One of the most common questions among those learning about cannabidiol (CBD) and the properties and benefits of the compound is whether CBD oil can cause a high.
The short answer to the question: no! CBD oil can’t get you high.
Because CBD oil is extracted from hemp plants, a common misconception is that it will cause a euphoric effect. But the truth is that 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 traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive cannabinoid that causes the mind-altering “foggy” or “stoned” feelings that are typically associated with hemp use. Hemp CBD oil is extracted from the stalks and seeds of hemp, which contain no more than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight, or 33 times less than the less potent and euphoric strain of hemp.
Instead, CBD oil is abundant in CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has even been shown to have the ability to counteract the psychoactive properties of THC.
What are the effects of CBD oil?
While CBD oil won’t 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 greater sense of relaxation after taking their daily serving of CBD oil.
Once the body absorbs CBD, the compounds interact with cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors to stimulate balance in a wide range of systems. Decades of research indicate that CBD helps the endocannabinoid system maintain our systems in homeostasis. Studies suggest that CBD, through these interactions with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, reduces anxiety, helps fight depression, manages seizure activity, decreases inflammation, and offers antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that could help treat cardiovascular disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis.
CBD oil is generally considered safe and well tolerated. While some users have reported experiencing dry mouth and drowsiness, in general, CBD oil is not known to cause significant negative side effects.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is a botanical oil produced from the stems and seeds of hemp plants that are naturally abundant in CBD and low in THC, such as hemp. A specialized extraction process is used to produce highly concentrated CBD oil that also contains highly nutritious elements, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, terpenes, chlorophyll, and amino acids.
Hemp CBD oil is different from the hemp oil found in most supermarkets and health food markets, which are likely created using hemp seed oil and contain only trace amounts of CBD. Although nutritious, hemp seed products contain extremely low levels of CBD by weight, making them unsuitable for those seeking the balancing effects of CBD.
As the demand for CBD hemp oil has grown in 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 alone, is now available as capsules, drops, tinctures, liquids, and even chewing gums.
For patients who are interested in avoiding the 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 found so far about the benefits of CBD, by visiting our education page.
Have specific questions about CBD use? Join our free ECHO community to connect with doctors and others who have used or are using cannabinoids for health purposes.
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