Much like any product related to cannabis plants, CBD products may be stigmatized, especially depending on the state you live in and how cannabis friendly it is.
As with any stigma, it’s important to understand what’s behind the stigmatized reputation. If you’re curious about trying CBD products, such as CBD gummies or CBD oil, or maybe just want a more informed opinion on the increasingly trendy supplement, let’s talk about what CBD really is and-most importantly — if CBD can get you high.
Do CBD Gummies Get You High?
The short and direct answer is no, most CBD gummies do not get you high.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main active ingredient in CBD gummies, so let’s discuss a little more what that means.
The CBD extract found in CBD gummies is typically derived from the hemp plant.
Most CBD gummies made with full spectrum hemp extract may contain trace amounts of THC, but it’s usually not enough THC to make you feel the psychoactive effects associated with the “high” experience.
THC is a compound that may cause psychoactive effects in dosages as small as 2 mg. In order to meet federal regulations on THC, CBD products typically contain less than 0.3% THC content by dried weight. That being said, you can find high concentration CBD gummies made from hemp with THC content that could produce mild psychoactive effects if you’re sensitive to the compound.
These aren’t as common, but the brand will stipulate whether or not the gummies could produce psychoactive effects.
Some CBD gummies are made with CBD isolate (pure CBD) products that contain no THC. Another THC-free CBD gummy alternative are broad spectrum CBD extracts, which are made with a special filtering process to remove THC entirely without compromising the other cannabinoids and terpenes. These could be great options for dodging the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC but wants to enjoy the benefits of CBD.
Do Hemp Gummies Get You High?
Hemp gummies will not get you high.
Hemp gummies lack THC, the compound that products psychoactive effects. They also lack cannabinoids (that can be found in CBD gummies), which means hemp gummies can be sold on online retailers, such as Amazon.
The missing THC and cannabinoids mean that they cannot get you high, but it also don’t produce the same benefits to the endocannabinoid system for supporting mood, stress, or sleep. Hemp gummies offer their own benefits like supplementing omega-3 and 6, but generally have quite different effects compared to CBD gummies, so we think it’s important to do research before purchasing hemp gummies.
Can You Get High on CBD Gummies?
So, just to double down, you cannot get high on CBD gummies.
CBD oil is the primary active ingredient in CBD gummies, and it does not contain a high enough concentration of psychoactive components. There are different kinds of CBD gummies, though, so it’s important to understand the differences between them.
Full spectrum CBD from high-quality CBD brands will contain trace amounts of THC in them, less than 0.3% typically. This is because there are potential health benefits to the combination of CBD and THC.
If you don’t want full spectrum CBD but want something similar without the traces of THC, then you can try broad spectrum CBD. Broad spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids, just without the THC, so it is a good option for those who want additional benefits with their CBD but can’t have THC in their system.
CBD isolate is the other option that is completely THC-free. It’s also free from the cannabinoids that you can find in broad or full spectrum CBD, so it may lack some of the additional benefits you can receive from the other types of CBD, but it can still be the right choice for you if you’re after a pure CBD experience.
What Gummies Can Get You High?
So now that we’ve cleared up that even strong CBD gummies and hemp gummies typically do not get you high — which gummies can?
THC is the compound found in cannabis plants responsible for producing psychoactive effects, so if you want gummies that can get you high, then you need gummies with a higher THC content.
These gummies will be advertised as THC gummies.
It’s important to note that if you want gummies that can get you high, then you need to live in an area where that is legal. Or purchase Farm Bill compliant THC gummies made from hemp. The ingenuity of product formulation today has paved the way for creating hemp-based gummies that adhere to this legal limit “0.3% THC guideline” while still possessing the potential to produce psychoactive effects.
What to Expect When You Take CBD Gummies
So they can’t get you high, but you can feel some of the similar effects that you feel when consuming THC? How does that work?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body, which is involved in regulating various physiological functions, including mood, stress response, sleep, and pain perception.
With that in mind, it’s important to remember the effects and durations can vary from person to person. However, there are some commonly reported effects and experiences from personal anecdotes.
So, let’s talk more about the primary effects you may feel when taking CBD gummies:
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Relaxation: CBD indirectly influences the ECS by modulating the activity of the cannabinoid receptors and other neurotransmitter systems. By modulating these receptors and systems, CBD may help promote a sense of calmness, which will make you feel more relaxed.
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Improved Mood: The same CBD and ECS interaction that promotes relaxation, also functions to improve your mood. It makes sense that an interaction that promotes calmness may also indirectly improve your mood.
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Potential Pain Relief: CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for reducing pain associated with inflammatory conditions [1]. There are also studies that show that CBD has shown promise in managing neuropathic pain [2].
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Potential Anxiety Relief: Many people interested in CBD are interested in its potential role in reducing anxiety. CBD has been found to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT1A receptor [3]. By modulating serotonin signaling, CBD may help regulate mood and reduce anxiety levels [3]. Stress can be a trigger of anxiety, so in connection with our discussion about the relaxing effects of CBD, the reduction of stressful feelings may also indirectly help you reduce your anxiety.
Many people interested in CBD are interested in the effects and potential health benefits it has to offer.
Through current research and personal testimonies, there have been positive signs that high-quality CBD can be a positive addition to your wellness routine [4].
We need to mention that CBD is still being researched and it’s crucial to discuss your health and possible CBD implementation and appropriate doses with a healthcare professional.
References:
- Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.
- Xiong, W., Cui, T., Cheng, K., Yang, F., Chen, S. R., Willenbring, D., ... & Zhang, L. (2012). Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors. The Journal of experimental medicine, 209(6), 1121.
- Resstel, L. B., Tavares, R. F., Lisboa, S. F., Joca, S. R., Corrêa, F. M., & Guimarães, F. S. (2009). 5‐HT1A receptors are involved in the cannabidiol‐induced attenuation of behavioural and cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats. British journal of pharmacology, 156(1), 181-188.
