Can CBD Get You High? Understanding the Effects of Cannabidiol

Introduction

Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained immense popularity in recent years, touted for its potential therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis. As more people explore CBD for various health issues, a common question arises: Can CBD get you high? This article delves into the science behind CBD, its effects, and how it differs from its more famous counterpart, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

What is CBD?

CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, which is known for its psychoactive properties, CBD is non-intoxicating. This means that consuming CBD will not produce the "high" typically associated with marijuana use. According to a study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, CBD does not bind significantly to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which are primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC (Iffland et al., 2017).

How Does CBD Work?

According to research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that help regulate various physiological processes, including mood, pain, and immune response. While THC binds directly to CB1 receptors, CBD appears to modulate the ECS by influencing other receptors and pathways, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects without causing intoxication (Russo, 2011).

The Difference Between CBD and THC

The primary distinction between CBD and THC lies in their effects on the brain. THC is the compound responsible for the euphoric high associated with marijuana. In contrast, a study published in Behavioural Neurology found that CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties without the psychoactive effects (Singh et al., 2023). This makes CBD an appealing option for those seeking relief from conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, and epilepsy without the mind-altering effects of THC.

Research on CBD and Psychoactivity

Numerous studies have investigated the effects of CBD on the brain and its potential therapeutic applications. A review published in Neuropsychopharmacology highlights that CBD does not produce the same psychoactive effects as THC and may even counteract some of the anxiety and paranoia that THC can induce (Bergamaschi et al., 2011). Furthermore, a clinical trial published in The Lancet. Neurology demonstrated that CBD significantly reduced seizure frequency in patients with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy, without causing intoxication (Devinsky et al., 2016).

Conclusion

In summary, CBD does not get you high. Its non-psychoactive nature makes it a popular choice for individuals seeking the potential health benefits of cannabis without the intoxicating effects of THC. As research continues to unfold, CBD's role in health and wellness is becoming increasingly clear, offering a promising alternative for those looking to manage various health conditions.

References

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Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011 Aug;163(7):1344-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. PMID: 21749363; PMCID: PMC3165946.

Singh K, Bhushan B, Chanchal DK, Sharma SK, Rani K, Yadav MK, Porwal P, Kumar S, Sharma A, Virmani T, Kumar G, Noman AA. Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Neurological Disorders: A Comprehensive Review. Behav Neurol. 2023 Oct 12;2023:8825358. doi: 10.1155/2023/8825358. PMID: 37868743; PMCID: PMC10586905.

Bergamaschi MM, Queiroz RH, Chagas MH, de Oliveira DC, De Martinis BS, Kapczinski F, Quevedo J, Roesler R, Schröder N, Nardi AE, Martín-Santos R, Hallak JE, Zuardi AW, Crippa JA. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011 May;36(6):1219-26. doi: 10.1038/npp.2011.6. Epub 2011 Feb 9. PMID: 21307846; PMCID: PMC3079847.

Devinsky O, Marsh E, Friedman D, Thiele E, Laux L, Sullivan J, Miller I, Flamini R, Wilfong A, Filloux F, Wong M, Tilton N, Bruno P, Bluvstein J, Hedlund J, Kamens R, Maclean J, Nangia S, Singhal NS, Wilson CA, Patel A, Cilio MR. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial. Lancet Neurol. 2016 Mar;15(3):270-8. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(15)00379-8. Epub 2015 Dec 24. Erratum in: Lancet Neurol. 2016 Apr;15(4):352. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(16)00061-2. PMID: 26724101.