Does CBD Get You High? This Is What the Science Says

Do CBD joints get you high? And what about taking CBD oil? It's the doubt that holds many people back before trying CBD for the first time, and the answer is the same in both cases: no, CBD does not get you high. Unlike THC, CBD produces no euphoria and does not alter your state of consciousness. What people who use it describe is almost the opposite: a feeling of calm and relaxation, without ever losing mental clarity.

So why is there so much confusion? Because CBD and THC come from the same plant (Cannabis sativa) and look very much alike. But there are differences between CBD and THC and they have very different effects on the brain. THC gets you high; CBD does not. Let's see why, based on what science and the World Health Organization (WHO) say.

Does CBD get you high? The short answer is no

No, CBD does not get you high. It is worth stressing this from the outset: even though it comes from the cannabis plant, cannabidiol does not cause the "high", the buzz or the euphoria we associate with marijuana.

The World Health Organization (WHO) settled the debate on CBD safety in its Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) report, where it concluded that CBD exhibits no effects indicative of abuse or dependence and that it is not associated with public health problems (1).

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp, just as THC is the most abundant in marijuana. Both compounds have been studied extensively, and with the current scientific evidence it is fair to say that THC and CBD act very differently in the brain, that their effects differ, and that CBD does not get you high, does not alter perception and does not cause addiction.

Why doesn't CBD get you high?

Because, in the brain, CBD barely binds to the CB1 receptors. These receptors are the points where THC acts and they are concentrated in areas that regulate memory, mood, perception and movement control. When THC is consumed, those receptors are activated and the "high", the euphoria and the altered perception appear.

CBD, on the other hand, does not bind to the same brain receptors as THC, so it doesn't trigger that psychoactive effect. Instead it modulates their activity and works through other pathways (we look at them below). In fact, some research suggests that CBD could reduce the effect of THC (2).

Today, CBD is used in many ways: CBD drops, smoked, vaporised or applied topically, depending on the format and the country; we cover this in the guide on how to use CBD.

CBD versus THC: key differences

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa), but they play very different roles.

THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for marijuana's intoxicating effects: euphoria, altered perception and the feeling of being "high". It is concentrated above all in marijuana strains, where it can exceed 15-30% THC.

CBD, by contrast, is the predominant cannabinoid in industrial hemp, a cannabis variety very low in THC. Since they contain no meaningful amount of THC, hemp-derived products are not intoxicating: their THC content is too low to produce psychoactive effects. That difference in concentration and effect is also what explains the different legal status between hemp and marijuana.

The key difference, therefore, is that CBD and THC do not produce the same psychoactive effect, because each one acts differently in the brain. We summarise it in this table:

Why marijuana gets you high and CBD doesn't

Why does marijuana get you high?

When marijuana is smoked or ingested, THC binds to and activates the CB1 receptors, which are spread throughout the brain. That activation sets off a cascade of effects in the nervous system: euphoria and altered perception, what we call the high or the buzz. Like when someone glances at the clock convinced that a good while has passed when, in reality, it has only been a few minutes.

In addition, THC stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain's reward system, which reinforces the feeling of pleasure. It also affects the areas that process what we see and hear, so the perception of time, sound and colour is distorted while the effect lasts: music seems to sound different, images become distorted or a fit of hunger sets in (the munchies).

If you're interested in the detail, we cover it in the effects of marijuana on the brain.

Why doesn't CBD get you high?

CBD acts in another way. It barely binds to the CB1 receptors, so it doesn't activate them the way THC does; in fact, it can even dampen their effect when the two coincide (3).

And what does it do instead? It works through other pathways in the brain —above all the serotonin (5-HT1A) and TRPV1 receptors—, linked to mood, anxiety, pain and sleep (4-10). That is why, at a medical level, it is studied for its calming and neuroprotective potential (11, 12) and why those who use it describe relaxation and wellbeing without losing clarity, rather than a "high".

In short, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system without altering perception or causing intoxication.

The ultimate difference is tiny and lies in the molecular shape of these cannabinoids: the atoms of CBD are arranged in a line, whereas those of THC form a closed ring at one end. That is why some bind to one type of receptor and the others do not.

What does taking CBD feel like? The real effects

If CBD doesn't get you high, what do you feel? What users describe isn't a "buzz", but a feeling of calm and relaxation, physical and mental, with no loss of control or changes in perception.

Unlike THC, it does not impair coordination or short-term memory (1). That is why it is associated with moments of rest and wellbeing, and not with a recreational effect. You'll find the detail in our guide on what effects CBD has.

"I smoked CBD and got high": what could have happened?

I got high smoking CBD, can that happen? No, it's not what usually happens. Smoking CBD produces no sensation similar to smoking marijuana with THC, and neither do CBD hash or oils.

That said, it's worth distinguishing two things: noticing "something" is not the same as getting high. CBD is not an inert substance: CBD and terpenes are bioactive compounds, so consuming them can indeed be noticed: the most common is a feeling of relaxation, and there are sensitive people who feel slightly light-headed, just as someone might feel queasy from the smell of tobacco alone. But that is not a psychoactive effect: there is no euphoria, no distorted perception and no "high".

If what you noticed when consuming or smoking CBD was a real psychoactive effect —a buzz similar to THC—, it is most likely that the product was not pure CBD. There are two common causes:

1. It contained more THC than permitted. Some products of dubious origin exceed the legal THC limit and can indeed cause a psychoactive effect. This does not happen in established CBD shops, which face penalties (or more serious liability, depending on the case) for selling products with more THC than allowed, but rather with products that have no quality control or lab testing.
2. It carried semi-synthetic cannabinoids. Some buds are sprayed with compounds such as HHC, H4CBD, THCP or Delta-8-THC, which do have a psychoactive effect and are not CBD. These compounds have an unpredictable effect (especially when combined) and can lead to effects that are not typical of CBD. On top of that, they are very hard to detect in the lab. At Cannactiva, we have never worked with synthetic cannabinoids or chemicals added to hemp flowers. We only sell 100% legal CBD products that comply with the permitted THC limits and contain no added chemicals, with lab testing for every batch.

Other myths and facts about whether CBD gets you high

Is CBD psychoactive?

Many everyday substances affect the brain and could be considered psychoactive, such as caffeine, nicotine or alcohol. Strictly speaking, CBD is too, because it acts on the central nervous system, albeit gently.

But, from a scientific point of view, "psychoactive" is not a synonym for "getting you high". None of those everyday substances produce the effect of THC, and neither does CBD. That is why, to avoid confusion, the scientific literature prefers to describe CBD as "non-intoxicating" rather than "non-psychoactive" (13): it influences some mental processes, but it does not alter consciousness or get you high.

Is CBD psychotropic?

No, CBD is not psychotropic. "Psychotropic" is sometimes used as a synonym for "psychoactive", but they are not the same.

A psychotropic substance acts on the brain and produces temporary changes in perception, behaviour or consciousness. The term is used mainly in medicine, for drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics or anxiolytics (14). CBD's effects do not fall into that category.

Does CBD have side effects?

Like any substance, CBD can have side effects, especially at high doses. The most recent reviews of clinical trials describe them as mild and infrequent: tiredness, drowsiness, changes in appetite or digestive discomfort (15, 16).

The most important point is another one: CBD can interact with some medicines (those metabolised in the liver through cytochrome P450) (15). So, if you are on medication, it is best to check with your doctor.

We go into more depth in CBD side effects.

Frequently asked questions about whether CBD gets you high

Does CBD get you high like THC?

No. CBD barely binds to the brain's CB1 receptors, so it produces no euphoria or altered perception. The WHO confirmed in 2018 that it has no effects of abuse or dependence.

Does smoking or vaping CBD get you high?

No. CBD flowers and hash contain traces of THC (below 0.3%), an amount too low to produce a buzz. You'll notice aroma and relaxation, not a high. As for smoking or inhaling, bear in mind that it is not regulated in every country: Cannactiva products are not intended for consumption and are sold for external use.

CBD flowers contain traces of THC: do they get you high?

No. That amount of THC (below 0.2%) is too low to produce euphoria or a "high". What it provides is the effect of CBD together with that of the other cannabinoids and terpenes in the plant —what is known as the entourage effect—, without altering consciousness. Experiences vary: some people barely notice anything, while others enjoy the aroma and flavour of cannabis without its psychoactive effects. It's worth qualifying this on the legal side: only in countries where CBD is regulated for smoking can it be used that way; in Spain and most of the EU, CBD flowers are not intended for consumption and are marketed for aromatic, decorative and collector purposes.

Does CBD test positive on a drug test?

Pure CBD does not, because drug tests look for THC. But a full-spectrum product with traces of THC could test positive. We explain it in does CBD test positive on a drug test?.

Is it legal to drive after taking CBD?

CBD does not affect driving, but it is advisable not to drive if you are using CBD for the first time, so you can observe how it affects you. As for roadside checks, they detect THC, not CBD. More detail in driving and CBD.

Is CBD addictive?

No. The World Health Organization, in its ECDD report (2018), concluded that CBD exhibits no effects indicative of abuse or dependence (1). We expand on this in does CBD cause addiction?.

How long does CBD stay in the body?

A few days, depending on the dose and the method of use. We detail it in how long CBD lasts in the body.

Are hemp and marijuana the same?

No: they share the same species, but hemp is rich in CBD and low in THC. We explain it in differences between hemp and marijuana.

Can CBD help you quit THC joints?

It is one of the uses that sparks the most interest. The evidence is still preliminary, but several studies and surveys suggest that CBD could help reduce cannabis use with THC and cope with withdrawal symptoms. We analyse it in depth in CBD to quit THC joints.

In short, does CBD get you high?

No. CBD does not produce the THC "high": no euphoria, no altered perception, because it barely binds to the brain's CB1 receptors. It is psychoactive in the broad sense —it gently influences mood—, but it is not intoxicating: what it provides is calm and relaxation, without losing clarity.

Cannactiva CBD products are not medicines and are intended for external use. This article is informative and does not replace medical advice: consult your healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have any health condition.

References

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