Does CBD get you high? The most important facts and myths at a glance

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are probably the two best-known active compounds from the cannabis plant. While THC is psychoactive and causes the well-known "high," CBD is often used for its calming and health-promoting properties, without, however, having psychoactive effects.

Nevertheless, we often receive the question of whether consuming CBD—possibly even in higher doses—could still get you high. In this article, we'll take a look at all the facts on the subject, illuminate the chemical causes of psychoactivity, and the differences between CBD and THC. We'll also provide tips on how to correctly select and dose CBD products.

THC and CBD differ both in their chemical structure and in their effects on the human body. While THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid and causes the well-known "high" feeling, CBD has no psychoactive effect but does have other very positive effects on health.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is found, for example, in marijuana or "weed," but also in very small amounts in CBD products. It affects the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, and leads to euphoria, relaxation, and an altered state of consciousness. CBD, on the other hand, interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a different way and has calming, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects – without causing intoxication.

You can find a comprehensive overview of the difference between THC and CBD in our article on THC & CBD.

THC and CBD are completely different molecules with different biological effects, even though both are derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa). Think, for example, of sugar and alcohol. Both are often obtained from one and the same plant (e.g., corn), and the molecules consist of the same atoms (carbon C, hydrogen H, and oxygen O), but the effect is definitely different. Or have you ever been drunk after a chocolate bar (without alcohol)?

Incidentally, THC and CBD also consist of nothing more than C, H, and O. CBD primarily interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system ( ECS ), which is responsible for maintaining balance in the organism. In contrast to THC, which binds strongly to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and thus triggers psychoactive effects, among other things, CBD acts rather indirectly on the ECS.

Studies have shown that CBD can even inhibit the CB1 receptor and thus reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. In addition, CBD also has anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic properties.¹

In other words: CBD alone can definitely NOT get you high, but it has many other very positive effects.

Nevertheless: If you look online, you'll repeatedly find reports of people feeling like they've smoked a joint after consuming CBD products. Is it all just imagination?

On the one hand, anything you read online should naturally be treated with caution. On the other hand, CBD products (e.g., full-spectrum oils) also contain small amounts of THC. This is generally a good thing: if the entire spectrum of cannabinoids is covered, the effectiveness is higher, and it is also a less highly processed and more natural product.

However: The THC content for freely available CBD products is strictly regulated in Germany and Europe. CBD oils and other products may only be sold if they have a THC content below 0.2%. The concentration is so low that no psychoactive effects are possible—even if you consume very large amounts. In Switzerland, up to 1% THC content is allowed, but even here, no psychoactive effect is expected.

Of course, our body and psyche are very complex. If you experience effects or sensations that are unpleasant for you (e.g., dizziness), reduce the dose of your CBD product. Generally, side effects then disappear very quickly.

High-quality CBD oils from Hanfgeflüster

If you want to use a safe CBD product, always make sure to buy only from reputable suppliers from Germany or the EU. This way, you can ensure that the permissible and safe amount of THC is not exceeded. Furthermore, you will have influence over whether the product is manufactured according to high ecological and social standards.

For our products, we place great importance on working only with European cultivation companies and keeping transport routes as short as possible. This enables us to combine highest quality with maximum positive impact.

CBD intake can be individually adapted to you, your daily routine, and your needs. While some of our customers swear by pure CBD oil, which is usually dropped under the tongue, others prefer creams and balms for application to the skin, aroma oils (e.g., with turmeric), or sprays. The choice and dosage depend on the effect you want to achieve (e.g., better sleep, relaxation, or pain relief) and which product best fits into your daily routine. Because CBD oils and other products should ideally be taken over a longer period to achieve optimal effectiveness.

Convenient subscriptions make it particularly easy and affordable to integrate CBD into your daily life. Simply select "Monthly subscription" for your favorite product in the online shop, and you'll receive it regularly once a month at home.

1. Choose the right concentration: CBD products are available in various concentrations. For beginners, we recommend a lower dosage (lower CBD content and approx. 5-10 drops per day) to test personal tolerance.

2. Adjust dosage slowly: Start with a small amount of CBD and gradually increase it until you feel the desired effect. This gives the body time to get used to the substance.

3. Use of full-spectrum oils: Full-spectrum oils contain not only CBD but also other beneficial cannabinoids such as CBG or CBN, which can have synergistic effects (keyword entourage effect). This way, you get as many health benefits as possible at once.

4. Bioavailability: The bioavailability of CBD varies depending on the form of administration. For example, CBD oil is absorbed particularly quickly by the body sublingually because something is absorbed directly through the oral mucosa. Furthermore, oil is simply the more natural form of administration compared to capsules or tablets.

5. Seek advice: If you are unsure, have severe symptoms, or are taking medication, you should consult a doctor before taking it.

Although CBD is freely available in most countries, there are still uncertainties regarding its effects and safety.

In addition to psychoactivity, some users are unsure whether CBD is really not illegal. We assure you: CBD is completely legal in Germany, and the legal situation is quite clear. So you don't have to worry about getting into trouble with the police. CBD is also legal in many travel destinations. However, be sure to check whether you are allowed to take your product to your destination country before traveling.

Another misunderstanding concerns the side effects that CBD can have. Of course, CBD is not completely without side effects. A few users report unwanted effects such as dry mouth, fatigue, or digestive problems. However, these are usually very mild and subside once you adjust the dose.

And: Unlike THC, which can cause physical dependence by docking to CB1 and CB2 receptors, this danger does not exist with CBD.

In recent years, CBD has established itself as a great way to treat a variety of health problems – and without the psychoactive effects of THC, as medical cannabis brings with it, for example. Numerous clinical and preclinical studies confirm the therapeutic benefits of CBD, including for the treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and inflammatory diseases. This makes CBD a particularly promising and natural option for those who want to benefit from the positive effects of the hemp plant but do not want to get "high."

However, when using it, make sure to buy high-quality products from the EU to get the highest possible quality and safety. If you notice any side effects, reduce the dose and, if in doubt, consult your doctor.

 Full-spectrum CBD oils:

Medical Disclaimer