Does CBD Get You High? CBD vs. THC Explained

Does CBD get you high? No, CBD itself does not produce the intoxicating high associated with THC. CBD and THC both come from cannabis plants, but they affect the body differently. However, some CBD products, especially full-spectrum CBD, can contain small amounts of THC.

If you're new to CBD, knowing what to expect can make choosing a product much easier. Below, we'll explain what CBD feels like, how it differs from THC, whether full-spectrum CBD can get you high, and what can happen if you take more CBD than intended.

CBD vs. THC: What's the Difference?

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis. While they come from the same plant family, they don't produce the same effects.

THC is the cannabinoid primarily responsible for the intoxicating high associated with marijuana. THC and CBD interact with CB1 receptors in the brain, which THC can affect perception, coordination, mood, and other functions.

CBD works differently and is considered non-intoxicating. In other words, taking CBD doesn't normally produce the euphoric or impaired feeling people associate with getting high from marijuana.

Another important difference is where the cannabinoids come from. Under federal law, hemp is defined as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. CBD products made from hemp may still contain THC, depending on the type of extract used.

This is why it's important to look beyond the amount of CBD listed on the front of the bottle. The product's THC content matters too.

Does CBD Get You High?

No. CBD does not get you high in the same way THC does.

Both cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), but they do so differently. THC activates CB1 receptors in the brain in a way that contributes to cannabis intoxication. CBD doesn't activate these receptors in the same way.

That doesn't mean everyone feels exactly the same after taking CBD. Some people may notice subtle changes, while others may not notice much at all. Your experience can depend on several factors, including:

• The type of CBD
• How much you take
• How you take it
• Other ingredients in the product
• Your individual body chemistry

Feeling different after taking CBD also doesn't necessarily mean you're “high.” Drowsiness or a change in alertness, for example, is different from THC intoxication.

If a CBD product causes unexpected intoxicating psychoactive effects, stop using it and check its label and third-party lab results. The product may contain THC or other ingredients you weren't expecting.

What Does CBD Feel Like?

If CBD doesn't get you high, what does CBD feel like?

There isn't one answer that applies to everyone. Some people notice a subtle difference after taking CBD, while others may not notice an obvious feeling at all.

The experience may also change depending on the product. A CBD oil, gummy, capsule, or other product can take different amounts of time to be absorbed by the body.

The negative effects of CBD can manifest in some people, including drowsiness and changes in alertness. These effects shouldn't be confused with the euphoric high produced by THC.

If you're trying CBD for the first time, follow the product directions rather than taking a large amount in an attempt to “feel” it.

Can Different Types of CBD Make You Feel Different?

There are three main types of CBD you'll commonly see when shopping: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. The biggest difference when it comes to "feeling high" is their THC content.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD contains CBD along with other naturally occurring hemp plant compounds. It can also contain THC within applicable hemp limits.

Because THC is present, full-spectrum products are the type you'll want to pay the most attention to if you're trying to avoid THC completely.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD contains CBD along with other hemp compounds but is typically formulated to remove THC. If avoiding THC is important to you, broad-spectrum CBD may be worth considering.

However, you should still check the product's Certificate of Analysis (COA) rather than assuming every broad-spectrum product is completely free of detectable THC.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is the simplest of the three. It's made by isolating CBD from the other cannabinoids and compounds found in hemp.

CBD isolate doesn't contain the range of cannabinoids found in full- or broad-spectrum extracts and is generally chosen by people looking specifically for CBD without THC.

Regardless of which type you choose, check the third-party lab results to see what cannabinoids were actually detected in the product.

Does Full-Spectrum CBD Get You High?

This question is a little more complicated because full-spectrum CBD can contain THC.

A federally compliant hemp product may contain up to 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. How much THC you actually consume depends on the specific product, its concentration, serving size, and how much you take.

Full-spectrum CBD isn't the same thing as marijuana, but you also shouldn't assume that every full-spectrum product is completely THC-free.

If you want to avoid THC, check the product's COA before using it. You may also prefer a broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate product.

Does the Type of CBD Product Change How It Feels?

CBD comes in many forms, including oils, gummies, capsules, softgels, topicals, and inhaled products. The way you use CBD can affect how quickly it's absorbed and how long it remains in your system.

For example, inhaled CBD generally enters the bloodstream faster than swallowed CBD. Gummies and capsules have to pass through the digestive system first, so their timing is different. CBD oils are commonly taken under the tongue or swallowed, depending on the product directions.

A faster onset doesn't mean a product is getting you “high.” How quickly you notice something and whether a product causes intoxication are two different things.

You should also pay attention to other ingredients. Some products combine CBD with additional cannabinoids or ingredients that may affect how you feel.

What Happens If You Take Too Much CBD?

Taking more CBD doesn't turn CBD into THC or create the same type of high. However, taking a larger amount may increase your chances of experiencing unwanted side effects.

Potential CBD side effects can include:

• Drowsiness or changes in alertness
• Diarrhea or digestive discomfort
• Changes in appetite
• Irritability or agitation
• Interactions with certain medications

There are also questions about CBD and liver health, particularly at higher exposures and when CBD is combined with certain medications.

More isn't necessarily better. If you don't notice anything immediately, don't assume you need to take a much larger serving.

Follow the directions provided with your CBD product. If you take prescription medications, have an existing health condition, or aren't sure how much CBD is appropriate for you, talk with a healthcare professional before using it.

Can CBD Make You Fail a Drug Test?

CBD itself isn't typically what standard workplace drug tests are looking for. THC is the bigger concern.

Some CBD products, especially full-spectrum products, contain THC. Using these products could expose you to THC, which may affect the results of a drug test.

If drug testing is a concern, don't rely only on words like “hemp-derived” or “CBD” on the front of the package.

Look at the product's Certificate of Analysis and check the THC results. Broad-spectrum and isolate products may be options for people trying to avoid THC, but no CBD product should be treated as a guarantee that you'll pass a drug test.

 

How Do You Know How Much THC Is in CBD?

One of the easiest ways to learn what's actually inside a CBD product is to check its Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA is a report from a laboratory that can show the amounts of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids detected in the product.

When reviewing a CBD product, look for:

• Third-party laboratory testing
• CBD and THC results
• A batch or lot number that matches your product
• A recent testing date
• Clear ingredient information

Buying CBD from a company that makes its lab results easy to find gives you more information about what you're actually taking.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBD Oil Get You High?

No, CBD oil does not normally get you high because CBD isn't intoxicating like THC. However, full-spectrum CBD oils can contain THC, so check the product's COA if THC is a concern.

Can You Get High From CBD Gummies?

CBD itself doesn't create a marijuana-like high. However, some full-spectrum CBD gummies contain THC, so the cannabinoid content and serving size matter.

Does Broad-Spectrum CBD Get You High?

Broad-spectrum CBD is generally formulated without THC and isn't expected to produce a THC-like high. Check third-party lab results to verify the cannabinoid content of the specific product you're using.

Can CBD Make You Sleepy?

CBD may cause drowsiness or changes in alertness in some people. Avoid driving or operating machinery if a CBD product makes you feel drowsy or less alert.

Can CBD Make You Feel Different?

Yes, it's possible to notice changes in how you feel after taking CBD without being high. The experience varies based on the individual, product, serving size, and other ingredients.

Is CBD the Same as Marijuana?

No. CBD is a cannabinoid that can be derived from hemp or marijuana, while marijuana refers to cannabis that exceeds the federal THC threshold used to define hemp. Hemp-derived CBD products can still contain small amounts of THC depending on the extract.

 

Sum It Up

So, does CBD get you high? No, CBD itself doesn't produce the intoxicating high associated with THC. The two cannabinoids come from cannabis but interact with the body differently.

The important thing to remember is that not every CBD product is THC-free. Full-spectrum CBD can contain THC, while broad-spectrum CBD is typically formulated to remove THC, and CBD isolate contains isolated CBD.

If avoiding THC is important to you, don't rely on the front label alone. Check the product's third-party Certificate of Analysis to see exactly which cannabinoids were detected and how much is present.

The type of CBD, serving size, method of use, and your individual body chemistry can all affect your experience. CBD can also cause side effects and interact with certain medications, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about using CBD alongside medications or for a health condition.

 

GREENIVE CBD PRODUCTS

The statements made regarding these products and the potential benefits of CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.