There has been a lot of information circulating about cannabidiol (CBD), however, it seems that many are still under the impression that CBD is psychoactive.
First, let’s talk about what psychoactive actually means.
The simplified dictionary definition defines psychoactive as “affecting the mind.” When a drug is defined as psychoactive, it implies that the drug changes brain function and results in alteration of perception, mood, consciousness, cognition or behavior.
It also implies that the drug changes brain function and results in alteration of perception, mood, consciousness, cognition or behavior. Such substances may be used medically, for instance for anesthesia, or recreationally to induce alertness, euphoria and more.
So, is CBD Psychoactive?
The bottom line is no. CBD IS BY NO MEANS PSYCHOACTIVE. Whether you want it to or not, CBD will not get you high. So where did this misconception originate from in the first place?
In one word: cannabis.
While CBD is just one of many other naturally occurring molecules and compounds in the cannabis plant, there is one that is most associated with it: Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Consuming THC in any form will affect your mind, or in other words, get you high.
This is exactly why cannabis as a whole was initially defined by legislators as a controlled substance and illegal for purchase and consumption including for medicinal purposes. The following is an in-depth explanation of the difference between CBD and THC.
How is CBD Psychoactive (or not) in the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system is a network of cell receptors and corresponding molecules in the nervous system, organs, immune system, connective tissues, and glands. When certain cannabinoids bind with key cannabinoid receptors, they relay messages and give cells specific instructions.
Our bodies naturally produce some cannabinoids, while other cannabinoids exist in plants (phytocannabinoids) such as hemp or marijuana. Others can be created synthetically. THC binds with two human cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, an interaction that gets you high. As a clinical professional, you know that CBD does affect the body, but how does it do this exactly?
It is now thought that CBD does so by directing the body to use more of its own cannabinoids. CBD does not bind with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and therefore, does not get you high. On the contrary, CBD actually partially blocks these two receptors so not only will you not get high, but it can actually theoretically dampen some of THC’s psychoactive effects.
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So CBD Is Not Psychoactive. What About its Legality?
You know how it goes – if you hang out with the bad kid, you may soon find yourself with the same reputation. And this is exactly the case with CBD. Historically, legislators labeled cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, deeming CBD illegal.
Increased restrictions and labeling of cannabis as a poison began in many states from 1906 onward, and outright prohibitions began in the 1920s. By the mid-1930s, cannabis was regulated as a drug in every single state, with the first national regulation placed in 1937 under the Marijuana Tax Act.
It wasn’t until 81 years later, in 2018, cannabis was reclassified and finally removed from the list of controlled substances, as long as THC levels remain below 0.3%.
And Yes, You Can Keep Your Job Even If You Use CBD
Among the common concerns is that if you consume CBD, you’ll fail a drug test. This scenario is very unlikely to impossible. To begin with, drug tests are designed to spot traces of THC.
- If an extract contains no THC at all, such as a broad-spectrum extract or a CBD isolate, then the test will come back 100% negative.
- A full-spectrum CBD extract does include THC, however, by law, levels must be below 0.3%. This is an extremely negligible level that will not show on a drug test.
To ensure you are using CBD products with no or non-traceable amounts of THC, choose a product made by a reputable company that ensures quality testing and assurance.
CBDMEDIC™ products are broad-spectrum, meaning that the hemp oil we use is completely THC-free. Our products do not enter the bloodstream so you can rest assure you are “legit,” and do not have to worry about failing a drug test. For a more detailed explanation on this matter, visit: CBD and Drug Testing – There’s No Need to Worry!
While CBD has been removed as a Schedule I drug, it is still not entirely accepted due to the stigma and association with marijuana. Many professional and collegiate sports organizations still ban the use of CBD products.
With such an impeccable record, it’s time to put aside all those archaic misconceptions and concerns and start enjoying all the benefits CBD has to offer.
