Why THC Gets You High & CBD Doesn’t

Today, cannabis is more acceptable than ever. Many states now allow adults to use cannabis for recreational purposes, and many others have medical programs that allow approved patients to obtain medical marijuana. However, CBD has become a fast-rising alternative to cannabis for users who don’t want to get high. So why does THC get you high but CBD doesn’t?

Both of these cannabis-derived chemicals have a fair bit in common. They both work in similar ways and both impact the endocannabinoid system. Research even suggests they can provide many of the same benefits. However, the effects you’ll feel when you consume THC and CBD are vastly different. Here’s a guide on why THC gets you high and CBD doesn’t.

What’s The Difference Between THC and CBD?

THC and CBD are two of the chemical components known as cannabinoids found in various strains of cannabis plants. Both of these cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors in the body when consumed, resulting in various physical and mental effects. However, there are some significant differences in the way they interact with the body and the effects they produce.

The most prominent difference between THC and CBD is that THC gets you high whereas CBD doesn’t. Using THC gives users euphoric effects and physically soothing body tingles, whereas CBD is completely free from psychoactive effects and you won’t get any kind of high when you use it.

Despite that, many people still use CBD for various reasons. Research suggests that, by activating the endocannabinoid system, CBD can provide many of the same benefits as THC without getting you high. It’s often offered by medical cannabis programs as an alternative to marijuana for users who don’t want to get high. You can also buy legal, hemp-based CBD products across the country.

Why THC Gets You High and CBD Doesn’t

THC, short for Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the sole psychoactive chemical found in cannabis. It’s the chemical that’s responsible for delivering the intense euphoria, physical relief, and heightened senses which users get from smoking marijuana. Research shows that THC activates reward circuits in the brain, hence its mood-boosting effects. THC can also provide a host of medical benefits.

CBD, short for cannabidiol is a completely non-psychoactive cannabinoid. While CBD can be found in marijuana, it’s usually extracted from hemp plants which contain high levels of CBD with low levels of THC. When you use CBD, you may feel some therapeutic effects, but you won’t feel any kind of high.

The reason for this is that THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors to activate various processes in the body. It’s effects on CB1 receptors are responsible for the intoxicating effects. CBD also interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body, but does not bind to CB1 receptors and can even reduce the effects of THC on these receptors. As such, you won’t feel any kind of psychoactive effects from consuming CBD alone.

Why THC Makes You Fail a Drug Test and CBD Doesn’t

Another important difference between THC and CBD is that THC will make you fail a drug test whereas CBD won’t. Using THC in any form can result in a failed drug test unless your body has been cleansed of it. If you only use pure CBD, you won’t have to worry about it impacting a drug test whatsoever.

Drug tests for marijuana check for THC metabolites in the system as THC is the chemical which produces the psychoactive effects of marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, is seen as a safe and high-free chemical which users can use safely for non-recreational purposes.

The use of marijuana is still illegal in many parts of the states and, by extension, so is the consumption of THC. Due to this, THC detected in your system can still result in a failed drug test. Using products with high levels of both THC and CBD can also result in a failed drug test. However, using pure CBD products with trace levels of THC is safe.

Is It Better To Use CBD Than THC?

Both THC and CBD can be useful for various reasons, and you may want to choose one or the other depending on your purposes. If you want to get high, then THC is for you. CBD has no psychoactive effects and is not used as a recreational substance whereas THC can produce enjoyable psychoactive effects.

There are many reasons why users might opt for CBD over THC. It can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in a similar way to THC but won’t produce any psychoactive effects. Many users find CBD to be a suitable therapeutic alternative to medical marijuana.

CBD is also beneficial due to how safe it is. There’s no risk of overdose or addiction with CBD, and you also won’t have to worry about failing a drug test. It’s also much more widely available. Even in states where cannabis is illegal, you can buy legal hemp-based CBD products without any need for a medical card.

Where To Buy Legal CBD

Legal CBD products are now widely accessible for all users. These products are derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC, meaning they won’t make you high or make you fail a drug test.

You can find safe and legal CBD products online at JustCBD. These organic products are all thoroughly lab tested to ensure they’re of the highest quality with no unwanted impurities or contaminants.

Most users use CBD Oils such as Daily 25 CBD, which gives you a daily dose of 25mg of CBD. Just apply the oil under your tongue and hold it there. Other products are also available, such as CBD Balm and CBG Oil.

Conclusion

While both THC and CBD interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body, THC activates more and is the only cannabinoid which offers psychoactive effects. However, CBD is still practical for users who don’t want to get high. CBD is also useful for users who want to avoid side effects or a failed drug test. However, both of these cannabinoids can be beneficial for different reasons.