Does CBD get you high? What are the benefits? Is it legal?
Nowadays, CBD is found in products everywhere, from oils to gummies to lattes in a coffee shop.
The compound is found mostly in the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. It’s one of many potent cannabinoids found in hemp and is renowned for supporting the body and mind in many ways. CBD is also used for general wellbeing, taken as a daily supplement.
If you’ve been wondering ‘what is CBD?’, you’re in the right place. We’re here to answer all the questions you’ve been curious about in our handy guide.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It's one of many chemical compounds made by cannabis.
Products like CBD oil, gummies, and lotions often feature the extract of cannabis or hemp that’s formulated to have high levels of CBD. They may also capture varying degrees of other plant compounds.
Products containing only CBD are not intoxicating. This is unlike products with THC, which cause the ‘high’ famously associated with cannabis. This makes CBD a much-loved remedy among consumers seeking clear-headed relief, which we’ll cover a bit later.
When shopping for products containing CBD, you’re likely to come across many different forms and types. We’ll cover some of these products later, along with how best to choose a quality brand.
What Are Hemp and Marijuana?
You may have heard the terms cannabis, hemp, and marijuana all used concerning CBD. So, what exactly are hemp and marijuana?
The Cannabis Sativa plant has two primary species. These are hemp and marijuana. Both species contain CBD.
But, there’s a much bigger percentage in hemp. Hemp also has extremely low THC levels compared to marijuana.
Hemp has less than 0.3% of THC, which, as mentioned above, offers that ‘high’ associated with cannabis.
Hemp oil is the oil taken from the hemp plant. There are no cannabinoids – either CBD or THC – in hemp oil. This skin-loving ingredient is often used in beauty products as it's very moisturizing and is full of healthy fats.
Is CBD Marijuana?
This leads us to another common question – Is CBD marijuana?
The answer is no. CBD derives from hemp plants, not marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are from similar plants, yet they're very different.
Hemp contains no more than 0.3% of the psychoactive compound THC. In marijuana, THC is found in higher concentrations. Hemp also has higher CBD levels, the non-psychoactive compound renowned for boosting the well-being of the human body.
Is CBD Legal?
Let’s take a quick history lesson. Industrial hemp was authorized for growing in the United States until Congress announced the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937.
Almost 80 years later, the 2014 Farm Bill said that states could regulate the cultivation of hemp, and from that, CBD. In 2018, President Trump endorsed a new Farm Bill that made growing hemp legal.
This means that across the United States, if consumers follow the guidelines from their state, they can grow and use hemp products. This includes the use of CBD.
So, yes, hemp can now be harvested freely under federal law. But while growing hemp is legal under federal law, it’s up to each state to enforce its own policy.
These policies vary. Marijuana and CBD are currently completely legal for both medicinal and recreational purposes in the following states:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Washington
In 23 states, marijuana and CBD are legal in some form, such as for medicinal help. Another 14 states approve just CBD oil. But marijuana and CBD are illegal in Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Learn more about the specific laws in each state here.
What Are the Effects of CBD?
Many consumers also wonder whether CBD cannabis will get them high.
The short answer is no. Most CBD products don’t provide a high. But that also depends on where you’re purchasing your CBD oil.
Alone, CBD is a non-impairing compound. Any CBD products bought online or at retailers such as health or drug stores must contain less than 0.3%. This small trace will not lead to any detectable euphoric highs.
But, it’s essential to check how much CBD and THC are in a product when shopping. Items that contain both CBD and THC are popular, and many cannabis retailers sell them to suit the needs of their customers.
But if you want to avoid any noticeable high, speak to your budtender and always read the labels of any products you’re interested in. Generally speaking, goods with less than 1% of THC or less than 2mg of THC will not get you stoned. But, of course, this varies from individual to individual.
While CBD may not get you high, that doesn’t mean your body won’t notice it. Depending on the dosage, your unique biology, and how you consume CBD, it can have a range of subtle effects.
Each body is different, so each person will have a different response. As hemp extract with cannabinoids works with the body’s Endocannabinoid System to promote positive health, the effect is personalized depending on what each person has going on internally. The best and easiest way to find out how CBD works for you is to try it for yourself.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
Many people use CBD to support their overall health. There are over 80 cannabinoids that are taken from hemp, including CBD. These plant compounds offer a better effect on the body when used together than separately.
So, CBD and all those other useful compounds can support the body a whole lot better than just CBD alone.
Does CBD Show Up On a Drug Test?
As mentioned, hemp contains traces of THC at less than 0.3%. Much like how the ingestion of poppy seeds may result in a positive drug test for opioids, the use of some hemp products may lead to a positive drug test for THC.
Remember, THC is inherently present in trace levels in hemp plants. The legal limit of THC in hemp is no more than 0.3%.
It’s essential to understand that the underlying science behind the conversation of specific cannabinoids to other related cannabinoids when consumed is not yet completely understood.
If you must undergo drug testing, it's recommended that you speak to your health care provider before using any hemp products. Individual biochemistry, the conversion of cannabinoids, and the chance of trace yet legal amounts of THC found in hemp products are all factors to consider.
Who Can Take CBD?
Many people can consume hemp extracts with CBD without any issues. Anyone who would like to enjoy the benefits of relief from it may enjoy the advantages of CBD and additional plant compounds.
Don’t forget your furry friends, either. CBD works well for dogs too. CBD is often available in dog biscuits. However, always check with your veterinarian before giving your pet CBD.
Are There Any Side Effects of Taking CBD?
CBD is generally well-tolerated and safe. As with any supplement, there is the possibility CBD could cause unfavorable reactions for some people. Or, CBD could interact with some medicines.
Like with any dietary supplement you intend to take, consult a medical professional before use. This is especially true if you’re pregnant, nursing, if you’re taking any other medicines, or have a certain medical condition.
What’s the Best Way to Take CBD?
There are various ways to take CBD, and your method should reflect on what your goal is and why you’re consuming CBD.
Some people don’t want to ingest CBD and prefer a topical cream, lotion, or ointment. Using a topical formula can help give a pleasant, localized release to muscles, joints, and ligaments that are in pain.
The most significant differences between tinctures, vape pens, and edibles are the speed of delivery and the length of effects.
Smoking CBD with a vape offers fast delivery, but the effects wear off faster too.
Edibles and tinctures take longer to work their magic. But, the effects last for around four to five hours.
A tincture looks like a little bottle of liquid, and you place it under your tongue. After half an hour, you should experience results.
If you prefer to taste something, opt for a CBD edible. This could be a gummy or a baked product.
How Do I Choose a Brand?
There are hundreds of CBD brands out there. But not all CBD products are created equally. Here are a few things you should consider when shopping for CBD goods.
Firstly, what does the label look like? We don’t mean the color, design, or font. If it’s a dietary supplement, the product should have a back panel with an FDA disclaimer and warning section.
Preferably, it would offer access to their third-party lab testing results too. CBD products should be tested by a third party to prove the label’s accuracy.
The lack of third-party testing is a real concern in the industry. One study tested 84 CBD products and discovered that 26% contained lower doses than written on the bottle.
To make sure your CBD product is as expected, look for a quality assurance stamp or certificate of analysis from a third party external from the brand. If you can’t find it on the products label, have a browse of the retailer’s website.
Consumers should also check if a CBD product makes any bold claims. Any brand that makes these claims is either willing to break the rules or isn’t aware of them. Both are red flags.
Finally, are there any additional ingredients in the product? Like with any supplement, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re ingesting. For example, some CBD manufacturers add melatonin.
Are You Ready to Try CBD?
Now that your question of ‘what is CBD?’ has been answered, are you ready to sample it?
When it comes to trying CBD, we’ve found that response times are just as unique as those consuming CBD. Remember, we all have different genetic and biochemical makeup and different lifestyle habits that play a role in our health.
When you start taking CBD, remember that you must be patient and consistent. Dietary supplements containing CBD are designed to work with your body naturally. The results come by way of solid improvement, making your health sustainable every step of the journey.
If you’re ready to try CBD, have a browse of our Magical shop online. Our CBD goods come in a variety of different forms from tinctures to gummies to topicals, so there’s bound to be a CBD product that suits your needs.
