What’s the biggest thing people get wrong about CBD? Answer: It does NOT get you high, even though many folks are still convinced it does.
Even using it daily won’t lead you down a hazy, trippy path to Cheech and Chongdom—no matter what your well-meaning mom or grandma told you.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms CBD doesn’t produce effects indicative of abuse or dependence potential.
Interestingly, there’s some evidence that CBD may even be helpful as an intervention for addictive behaviors and treatment for substance abuse disorders.
Wrong About CBD: Why you might think CBD gets you high
It’s easy to see why so many people think it can get you high, given the similarities.
CBD does come from cannabis, after all, which is the same plant that gives us marijuana. And like THC – the psychoactive chemical in cannabis that produces the high – CBD is also a cannabinoid. Confusing right?
Both THC and CBD affect the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain. The effect they have on them, though, is entirely different.
THC binds CB1 receptors and activates them, causing the euphoric high that your mom warned you about.
CBD doesn’t do that. Instead, CBD is a CB1 antagonist and seems to block the intoxicating effects. We don’t want to get all science-y on you, but just know that it won’t get you high. Also, you can’t overdose on it.
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So why use CBD if it’s not going to make you high?
CBD doesn’t make you high but it does produce some side effects, many of which have benefits for a person’s health.
Research into these effects is ongoing, but there’s mounting evidence that CBD can make you feel calm and relaxed, lower your anxiety, and improve your mood. It can even help you fall asleep – in a helpful and useful for insomnia sort of way—not the passed-out-after-a-bender sort of way.
Also Read: These are the three biggest misconceptions about CBD.
And yes, as long as you purchase from a high quality, respected brand — CBD is safe
Experts have more to learn about CBD and its potential uses and benefits, but one thing they do know is that to date, there’s been no evidence of health issues related to the use of pure CBD.
CBD is generally well tolerated when used as directed, even in high doses. That said, everyone is different and your experience won’t be exactly the same as someone else’s.
Some people do experience side effects from CBD, like diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. These are usually mild.
Like any supplement or drug, CBD can interact with some medications, so it’s important to speak with your doctor before giving CBD a try.
Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a freelance health and lifestyle writer that has written for Healthline, Medical News Today and Verily Magazine just to name a few.
