The short answer is, No. CBD oil will not get you high. At least not the hemp-derived variety, which is different from marijuana-derived CBD and legal in all 50 states.
CBD Doesn’t Contain THC
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which sounds suspiciously similar to cannabis. It is related to marijuana, but it doesn’t always contain THC. When it does, it usually doesn’t have enough to intoxicate you.
To be clear, THC is tetrahydrocannabinol, a compound that can make you feel euphoric, relaxed, creative or woozy. It is a psychoactive drug, which means that it can change your mood, behavior or awareness.
Both THC and CBD are found in cannabis plants, such as marijuana and hemp. While marijuana, which can get you high, contains CBD and THC, hemp contains minimal THC. In fact, to be classified as such, hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent THC, which is a negligible amount.
The Difference Between THC, CBD and Hemp Oil
CBD oil is usually extracted from the stems, flowers or leaves of hemp plants, which have much more CBD than THC. However, CBD is only one component of the cannabis plant.
Some manufacturers make oils from the marijuana plant. These may contain THC and are usually referred to as cannabis oils, but that’s not always the case. CBD that’s isolated from marijuana won’t get you high unless THC has also been extracted and added to the oil. Products that contain other active marijuana plant compounds may be called full-spectrum oils.
You might come across hemp oil if you’re looking for CBD. This is made by pressing hemp stalks or seeds. The main difference between hemp and CBD oil is that hemp oil is always made from the hemp plant, while CBD oil can be extracted from marijuana or hemp plants.
Check the label on any product that you buy to verify whether it contains THC. If it does, it can get you high.
CBD Has Multiple Uses
Marijuana is typically smoked or eaten to produce psychoactive effects. It can also be used topically. Even if a lotion or cream contains THC, though, it’s not likely to make you high.
Because it doesn’t contain THC, CBD oil is much easier to access in a variety of forms. The Washington Post reported on a spa that uses topical products that are infused with CBD. The aesthetician at the facility also takes CBD gummies, which help her sleep, reduce her chronic pain and alleviate stress.
CBD products are available to calm your pets, rub on sore muscles and drink out of a bottle. Some companies even sell CBD-spiked coffee. As with anything else, the quality of CBD varies between manufacturers, so it’s important to do your research to find the best CBD oil.
According to Healthline, both CBD and THC have health benefits. Both affect the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates a variety of bodily functions. Some say that CBD has more medical advantages than THC.
Can CBD do it all? Perhaps; it just won’t get you high.