Mellow Without The Munchies: Will CBD Get You High?

Despite CBD’s mainstream stature—or perhaps because of it—there’s a lot of misinformation surrounding its effects. Perhaps the biggest misconception people have about CBD is that it makes users feel “high.” Unfortunately, some curious customers put off trying CBD out of fear of these supposed psychoactive effects.

Here’s the truth: CBD will not make you feel “high.” Only THC will give you that distinctive “stoned” sensation. Even though CBD and THC come from the same plant, that doesn’t mean they have the same effects.

Since hemp legalization is so new in North America, it’s understandable many people have the wrong idea of CBD. However, you should never avoid trying CBD because you’re afraid of feeling “high.”

So, What Exactly Is CBD?

If you’re new to CBD, you’re probably wondering what the heck this supposedly “magical” molecule is? Well, CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Researchers still aren’t sure how many cannabinoids cannabis contains, but recent estimates suggest there’s about 100 different cannabinoids. As far as we know, cannabis is the only plant on earth that produces these unique compounds.
Source: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know

CBD—short for cannabidiol—is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis species. Unlike the infamous THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. CBD is also federally legal thanks to the 2018 US Farm Bill.

Before moving on, it’s important to note there are two main variants of the cannabis plant: hemp and marijuana. Hemp plants naturally have an abundance of CBD and low traces of THC. By contrast, marijuana is often bred for high THC counts, but it could have low to moderate CBD levels.

According to US federal law, hemp-derived goods are legal if they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. By contrast, marijuana remains an illegal substance at the national level. For your safety, please ensure your state doesn’t have special hemp restrictions before purchasing CBD goods.

How Does CBD Work?

It’s almost as if humans were “designed” to use cannabinoids like CBD. Don’t believe us? Well then, you probably haven’t heard about the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

No, this isn’t something out of a sci-fi novel; the ECS is just as real and vital as the digestive, lymphatic, or nervous systems. Although we didn’t know about the ECS till the 20th century, it appears to play a role in everything from sleep and mood to pain and hunger. Amazingly, our bodies produce cannabinoids (aka endocannabinoids) that activate cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2.

Here’s the neat part: cannabis is the only plant that can interact with the ECS. For some strange reason, cannabis flowers contain phytocannabinoids that mimic our endocannabinoids.

Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly with the ECS’s CB1 receptors. Instead, CBD seems to work by encouraging the production of an endocannabinoid called anandamide. Some studies also imply CBD could interact with non-ECS receptors like the 5HT serotonin receptor and the TRPV1.

Interestingly, researchers also believe CBD actively blocks CB1 receptors from accepting THC molecules. This may explain why marijuana strains with higher CBD counts don’t have an intense “high” sensation.

Does CBD Make You Feel Anything?

Just because CBD doesn’t bind with the CB1 receptors doesn’t mean it has no physiological impact. Sure, CBD may not make users feel “trippy,” but it still interacts with multiple receptors in and outside the ECS.

As mentioned above, recent studies suggest CBD might help re-uptake the endocannabinoid anandamide. For those who are rusty on their Sanskrit, “anandamide” literally means “bliss molecule.” Therefore, it’s no surprise studies suggest anandamide could have anti-anxiety potential. This could be one reason why CBD users often report feeling pretty chill shortly after taking their supplements.

Since CBD might bind with TRPV1 receptors, it also shows potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. According to one famous study out of the University of Kentucky, topical CBD seemed to reduce knee inflammation in rats. Another study out of Cornell suggested CBD capsules could reduce signs of osteoarthritis in dogs.

Of course, CBD research is only in its initial stages, but many studies suggest CBD has a wide array of applications. Although you won’t feel intoxicated while taking a CBD product, you’ll likely feel a subtle shift in mood and relief from aches and pains.

Does Every CBD Product Work The Same?

CBD has the same chemical structure in oils, edibles, and tinctures, but that doesn’t mean all of these goods have similar effects. Every CBD product has a different absorption rate, which means every product offers a slightly different experience.

For example, people who use CBD tinctures often experience immediate results after placing a few drops under their tongue. Interestingly, the tongue’s sublingual glands can absorb CBD directly into the bloodstream, resulting in an almost instantaneous effect.

Another potent way to experience CBD’s effects is by vaping a CBD e-juice or smoking well-cured hemp buds. Like CBD tinctures, both of these methods bypass the digestive tract, which means you’ll experience CBD’s effects within a few minutes. Many customers also enjoy tasting the complex terpene combinations available in different hemp strains.

On the opposite extreme, people who take CBD capsules or edibles will have to wait a few hours to feel CBD’s effects. Because the liver has to process these products, you’re more likely to feel subtler effects throughout the day.

Does CBD Give You The Munchies?

Along with the “high” sensation, many people associate cannabis with an insatiable desire for junk food (aka “the munchies“). So, it’s understandable new consumers are interested in whether CBD could alter their eating habits.

In short: CBD won’t give you the munchies. Only high-THC strains are associated with this ravenous side effect.

Scientists now believe CB1 receptors are responsible for influencing our appetites, which explains why THC stimulates the perception of hunger. Since CBD doesn’t bind with CB1 receptors, it won’t influence potheads to grab a bag of potato chips.

However, there are a few researchers who believe CBD could have anti-nausea potential. If this is true, CBD might help people who struggle with appetite-related disorders.

Could CBD Make Me Tired?

Because CBD is so closely associated with anti-anxiety effects, it’s no surprise some customers use this product to combat insomnia. Today, there are plenty of anecdotal reportsthis cannabinoid could make users feel slightly sedated.

However, we still don’t have a great deal of scientific evidence on CBD’s sedative potential. Plus, since CBD seems to affect different people in different ways, it’s unclear what doses are appropriate for nighttime use.

People interested in harnessing CBD’s sedative qualities should look into products marketed for nighttime use. Often, these CBD goods will have traces of relaxing herbs or the sleep hormone melatonin. These added ingredients help bring out CBD’s calming traits, resulting in a more soothing sleep.

Will CBD Appear On My Drug Test?

CBD may be federally legal, but that doesn’t mean it can’t wreck your drug test. This is especially true if you’re using a full-spectrum CBD product or Delta 8 products that contain traces of THC (even within legal limits).

Yes, CBD products must have no more than 0.3 percent THC to be considered legal, but that might be enough to end up on your drug screening. It all depends on what kind of CBD oil you’re using, how long ago you took it, and your body’s metabolism.

If you want to take CBD before a drug test, please double-check there is near zero THC content in your product. Typically, isolate powders are your best option because they contain 99 percent pure CBD. We offer near zero THC CBD Isolate Mints as well as CBD Day Time 0 THC Isolate Gummies.

High-Quality Without The High — Try Our CBD Oil Today!

CBD undoubtedly interacts with the ECS, but that doesn’t mean it’ll make you feel “high.” Only cannabis strains with high THC content will give you that groovy psychedelic feeling. Even if you’ve never smoked a joint, you shouldn’t feel jittery while taking CBD oil. See for yourself why thousands of customers go crazy for this calming cannabinoid.