Health & Fitness

Is There Such a Thing as a CBD High?

Americans bought $238 million worth of CBD products in 2018, and that number is set to keep growing. Suddenly, CBD is everywhere.

It has many people asking questions. Some wonder what health benefits CBD has. Others wonder if a CBD high is possible.

We take a look at the science and separate fact from fiction.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid. There are hundreds of cannabinoids, including CBD’s more famous cousin THC.

Cannabinoids are natural substances found in some plants. Cannabis sativa plants have a high concentration of these compounds. Different strains of marijuana may have more THC or more CBD.

How CBD Acts in the Body

Cannabinoids are neurotransmitters, meaning they send signals throughout the body. They do this by attaching themselves to special receptors.

Cannabinoids attach to two specialized receptors in the body, known as CB-1 and CB-2. These receptors are the basis of the endocannabinoid system.

When a cannabinoid like CBD or THC connects with these receptors, it then sends signals to tell the body what to do. In CBD’s case, the message may tell the brain to relax, leading to a feeling of calm. It might also tell the immune system to calm down, reducing inflammation.

Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the body. You can find them in the brain, the digestive system, and the central nervous system. This means cannabinoids can have widespread effects on many different functions.

CBD in particular also binds with other receptors, such as those for opioids and the neurotransmitter serotonin. This ability may be why CBD can help people manage pain or feel less anxious.

Exploring a CBD High

One of the interesting things about CBD is that it actually can’t get you “high” in the traditional sense. While CBD does act on the brain, it doesn’t have the psychoactive effects associated with THC.

In fact, CBD reduces THC’s effects. If you happen to take too much liquid THC, for example, your best bet might actually be to take some CBD to counter it.

That said, CBD does still have effects on the body and brain. So, how does CBD make you feel?

Many people report that CBD can help them feel calmer or more relaxed. Some people find CBD helps them focus. Some users even find it helps them feel more energized.

CBD does also have effects on the sleep cycle, though, so it’s possible you might feel a little drowsy.

This is quite different from THC, which can make people fall asleep, feel paranoid, or even hallucinate.

Why Take CBD?

Since there’s no such thing as CBD high, you might be wondering why people take it. CBD actually has a boatload of health benefits, including:

  • Pain relief
  • Better sleep
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties

THC can also provide some of these health benefits. Since it has psychoactive effects, though, most people don’t like to take it for day use. Taking the best CBD oil or vaping CBD won’t get you high, but provides all the health benefits.

Discover More about CBD

Now that you know about the so-called CBD high, you might be curious to learn more about this cannabinoid. We have more insights, and even tips on how to grow your own cannabis.

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