Many people get CBD confused with THC, especially when they hear that CBD can be extracted from marijuana and hemp. A common question we get surrounding CBD, is "does CBD give you a body high"? The fact is, is that CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, unlike THC.
Despite this, some users have reported that they get a body high when using CBD. But does CBD give you a body high? In this article, you'll learn how CBD actually affects the body and brain and what sort of effects it has on you.
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid that comes from cannabis; the CBD oil sold in CBD stores in Canada comes primarily from the hemp plant, as it is high in CBD and low in THC.
To date, there are over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified, but only a select few have actually been thoroughly studied; CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and CBC.
Many Canadians use cannabinoids like CBD to treat a wide range of ailments, including anxiety, chronic pain, depression, even acne. The secret behind why it seems to work for so many things lies in how it interacts with our Endocannabinoid System.
The Endocannabinoid System runs throughout us and contains a vast number of receptors, called CB1 and CB2. CBD binds primarily to CB2 receptors, while THC binds strongly to CB1 receptors.
These receptors, when activated by cannabinoids, tell the cell it is attached to how to respond. This may include increasing or decreasing hormone levels, depending on what it deems necessary.
The Endocannabinoid System's whole purpose is to keep everything in check or balance and is called homeostasis.
The differences between CBD and THC
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which means that it does not produce any mind-altering effects. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), on the other hand, does.
When you ingest THC, it binds with CB1 receptors, located mainly in the brain and nervous system, and creates this response. CBD does not bind well with CB1 receptors and can actually counteract some of the more negative effects of THC.
Different forms of CBD have different levels of THC in them. Full Spectrum CBD will have traces of THC (0.3% or less) and will affect you differently from Broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate; both don't have THC in them.
THC causes a unique chemical response in the brain; when combined with CBD, it can result in the feelings of a body high, even at low levels.
Does CBD give you a body high?
CBD has a wide range of benefits attached to it and is most noted for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
Its use as a treatment for anxiety and stress relief has been well studied, with countless anecdotal reports from users claiming it has helped them.
Among these statements, users reported feeling a body high from CBD after ingesting it. What exactly is a body high? Regular cannabis users report that a body high can feel like intense relaxation; muscles and limbs may feel heavy, and you may experience lethargy and heightened physical sensation.
CBD may not give you a body high, exactly, but the relief you get from it may be powerful enough to trigger one or all of the sensations of a body high.
Anxiety and stress relief from CBD
Multiple studies have confirmed CBD's ability to relieve a wide variety of anxiety disorders, as well as being able to lower the stress hormone cortisol effectively.
- 2015 study reporting CBD's positive effects on OCD, PTSD, general anxiety disorder, and panic disorders.
- 2010 study showing a significant decrease in symptoms of generalized social anxiety disorder
- 2011 study where CBD was shown to have promising results on patients with social anxiety disorder
CBD may reduce inflammation and pain
CBD has been thoroughly studied for its possible uses as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.
- 2016 study showing topical CBD to reduce inflammation
- 2008 study of the use of CBD to manage hard to treat pain
How does CBD make you feel?
CBD affects users differently. What one person feels may not be another's experience, so it is important to take these claims with a grain of salt.
Many users report that taking CBD feels kind of like getting into a warm bath and feeling your stress slowly melt away.
Others describe it as having a sort of security blanket cover their entire body. These types of reports are purely subjective; however, you're mileage may vary.
Through many studies, researchers have found that CBD has the ability to reduce anxiety and stress, lower inflammation, treat chronic pain, and relieve topical aches and pains.
Depending on the type of CBD you take, it may also cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Overall, CBD users' consensus is that they feel relief when they take it, be it reduced stress and anxiety, less pain and inflammation, or an increase in focus and positive mood changes.
How long does CBD stay in your system?
CBD is stored in the body's fat cells and is gradually eliminated from the body through human waste. Depending on the person's size, it may take quite some time for all of the CBD to fully leave the body.
While it may stick around for quite a while, you won't necessarily still be feeling the benefits of it after about 8 hours have passed.
Users can generally feel the effects of CBD about 15-20 minutes after taking it (edibles like gummies or capsules will take longer) and can last up to 6-8 hours.
How much CBD do I need to take to feel a body high?
There isn't a clear-cut answer to this. Because we are all different and taking CBD for different ailments, our doses won't be the same.
Some people can feel a body high from CBD oil after taking just a small amount. Others may need much more to feel the same effects.
Your weight and body mass, your metabolism, and the dose of CBD you're taking will all affect how you feel after taking it.
Have you experienced a body high when taking CBD? How did it feel? Let everyone know in the comments!