CAN CBD GET YOU HIGH?
It’s almost the first thing people will ask.
People see the leaf, or hear it’s from a certain notorious plant, and instantly think it will catch you a buzz.
Here’s the straight dope on CBD:
It will NOT get you stoned, or high.
Smoke it, eat it, rub it all over you until you turn green – you’re not going to get a buzz. Ever. Sorry, not sorry.
You see, because of the plant it comes from people often don’t understand. There is a difference between marijuana and hemp from which most CBD comes. The difference is that hemp plants don’t contain a large amount of the psychoactive component THC that causes the euphoric effect many associate with the plant. Generally, by law, CBD products can have no more than 0.3 percent THC. This isn’t enough to create any psychoactive symptoms; in fact CBD may even lessen the psychoactive feeling THC produces.
So, then, what is it good for?
A LOT of things actually! As research continues the benefits of this amazing plant only continue to grow. Along with potential use as a powerful anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever, research is discovering it as a way for doctors to help people with a variety of mental disorders to avoid side effects of antipsychotic medication.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD AND THC?
While CBD and THC are both cannabinoids that exist in cannabis, they are very different. The both impact cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain, but they do so through different methods. While THC activates these receptors, CBD is a CB1 antagonist, meaning it blocks those same stimulating effects while still providing many of its other benefits.
HOW DOES CBD WORK?
It’s because of your ECS!
The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of cell receptors and neurotransmitters that are responsible for maintaining balance in your body. Spread throughout the entire body, the largest concentrations exist in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and in the immune system. The ECS improves the communication between all those systems. THC and CBD both interact with your endocannabinoid system in powerful but very different ways!
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-intoxicating component of the cannabis plant, often referred to as hemp. CBD doesn’t have a strong binding affinity for the two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), but it does act through various receptor-independent pathways delaying the reuptake of other neurotransmitters and inhibiting the binding abilities of other proteins. This may seem like psychobabble, but as a real world example, when the CBD influences the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1), it effectively blocks pain signals from reaching the rest of the body.
We can’t make medical claims in regards to cannabidiol, or the effectiveness of CBD products, but we recommend doing further research into the benefits of this amazing plant and how it may benefit you!
