The answer might surprise you…

Although the famous cannabinoid THC is usually a hot topic for those with interests in the world of cannabis, a component called CBD has begun making waves, branching the knowledge of marijuana’s benefits far outside their usual circle. CBD, known scientifically by its full name, cannabidiol, is a widely discussed and debated cannabinoid, sourced from either the marijuana plant or from hemp.

Numerous individuals have turned to CBD for relief from a variety of medical conditions and ailments, which is in part why cannabidiol has become such a topic of interest recently. Research continues to pour out pertaining to CBD’s effectiveness for the lessening of certain ailments, yet there is endless misinformation pertaining to this cannabinoid. The purpose of this article is in part to address the question of how much CBD it would take to get an individual high, but also we hope to clear up misinformation and present some of the real facts related to CBD.

What Exactly Is CBD – Understanding the Basics?

CBD, a.k.a. cannabidiol is one of a series of organic chemical compounds solely present in the cannabis plant, whether that be the classic, well-known marijuana, or the hemp plant. These compounds are called cannabinoids, and it is still under investigation as to how many of them are present in the cannabis plant. Some scientists estimate the number of identified cannabinoids at around 100, but there may be more that have not yet been researched or isolated.

Pure CBD is 100% natural, meaning that it is not produced by means of anything artificial. Along with CBD, THC is also a commonly discussed cannabinoid, and the reason why these two are the most frequently talked about probably has to do with the fact that together they make up about 90% of the cannabinoid content present in cannabis. This is also why they are easier to extract and manufacture on a consumer scale.

The categorization of cannabinoids, however, does not just stop at varying compounds, it extends further into other subdivisions, which are important to note in order to understand better how CBD works within the body and its related systems.

CBD and Other Cannabinoids

CBD, the kind that you can administer from a dropper bottle as an oil or tincture, is known formally as a phytocannabinoid. That is because this CBD derives from the cannabis plant and does not already exist within the body. Phyto is a root word that is used when there is a relationship to plants, so when cannabidiol is present in an organic, extracted form (from plant origins), it is classified as a phytocannabinoid.

Since it is common knowledge that consumable CBD is usually from plant origin, the topic of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids being present already within the body might seem strange. This process has to do with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which we will explain in greater depth later on in this article. For now, it is just important to note that if a cannabinoid is already present in the body, it is termed an endocannabinoid, not a phytocannabinoid.

Some common additional phytocannabinoids include CBN, THC, CBC, CBG, and CBL, just to name a few.

What Is CBD Used for?

There is still an immense amount of research that needs to be conducted in order to fully understand the complete benefits and therapeutic possibilities of cannabidiol, but studies have shown that CBD may be helpful at managing or even improving over 50 different types of medical conditions, symptoms, and ailments, including:

Acne

ADHD

Depression

Parkinson’s Disease

Epilepsy/seizures

Autism

Bipolar disorder

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Migraines,

Diabetes

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Nausea

Sleep disorders

CBD may even help with issues relating to addiction.

The selections listed here are only a tiny glimpse into the full spectrum of what CBD is capable of doing, and this is why there desperately needs to be further funding for cannabidiol related research. It is important to note that CBD is not known to cure anything. This term gets thrown around a lot, but there simply is not enough proof to make hefty claims like this one; rather it can be said that CBD helps treat the symptoms of certain conditions.

How Does CBD Work with the Body?

The reason why we experience CBD and other cannabinoids within the body in the ways that we do is directly related to how these organic compounds interact with that aforementioned endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is a system of receptors and neurotransmitters that assist the body with important regulatory functions, such as mood, sleep patterns, appetite, cell production, pain response, immune response, and so many others. It essentially functions as a means to maintain homeostasis, or balance, within the body.

When there is an imbalance in cannabinoids, the body can be affected negatively or in bizarre ways, some of which scientists do not fully understand. Endocannabinoid receptors can be found all over the body, mostly clustering in the brain and throughout the central nervous system, as well as within certain other peripheral organs. The ECS relates to cannabis because these endocannabinoid receptors can bind the phytocannabinoids we mentioned earlier.

The cannabinoid-like compounds within the endocannabinoid system are referred to as endocannabinoids, as opposed to the plant-sourced phytocannabinoids. The ECS is seen as one of the most vital internal systems for human function, yet because it was only discovered in the 1990s, discussions about the endocannabinoid system have only recently begun to unfold.

Effects on the Endocannabinoid System – Will CBD Make You High?

CBD plays into this entire system because it has an indirect effect on both of the known receptors, by affecting signaling between them. The ECS, as of now, has two major known receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 is mostly connected with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) because this cannabinoid binds solely with one receptor, which is what triggers and produces those psychoactive effects correlated with THC. CBD, on the other hand, does not actively stimulate CB1 or CB2, rather it works indirectly on those receptors and in other areas.

For this reason, the brain is not inclined to produce psychoactive results when cannabidiol is ingested, which is why those who ingest this compound do not find it to be mind-altering, yet the compound still has its numerous medical benefits. Some incorrectly say that CBD is non-psychoactive, but more specifically it is non-intoxicating, in that it does not affect cognition as its fellow cannabinoid THC does. This is simply because the two are processed throughout the ECS in different ways.

It’s worth noting that even CBD products from reputable brands that are extracted carefully and skillfully do not normally contain zero THC. There is typically a miniscule percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol still present, usually under 0.1%, but the amount is so small that you almost certainly won’t feel high from it.

THC sneaking into your CBD oil is a different story. If you are not familiar with your manufacturer, you may find that the product you take does make you feel a bit high. This almost certainly has nothing to do with the CBD itself, and everything to do with the way the cannabidiol was extracted and whether some THC was able to fall into the mix.

Final Thoughts on Whether or Not CBD Can Make You High:

In order to understand the way that CBD will make your body respond, it is useful to dig into the science behind how this cannabinoid reacts throughout the endocannabinoid system (ECS). There is an endless conversation about CBD and its relations to its fellow cannabinoid component THC. However, in this article we clear up the misunderstandings about cannabidiol, and why you should not expect to feel high next time you consume it.

It is not scientifically accurate to make the concrete claim that CBD is non-psychoactive, but certainly this cannabinoid is processed within the ECS in a way that it will produce very different effects from THC, which is heavily intoxicating.

That being said, CBD is an especially medicinal compound that should be researched further, because little is still understood in the large scale of things about its presence in the body. For those who do not want to get high, but still desire the medicinal qualities of marijuana, cannabidiol is, by far, the most favorable solution to achieve these results.

We hope you not only found this article to be entertaining, but also educational and informative. It is important to remember that the consumption of cannabis is the sole responsibility of the user, and discretion should always be taken.