Full spectrum CBD products may just be the most efficient and effective type of CBD, but how do they differ from others? Can they produce a high?
Though full spectrum CBD does contain cannabinoids other than CBD, it does not produce a psychoactive high. Full spectrum CBD sold on the market comes from hemp plants, which contain little to no THC, the molecule responsible for a high. CBD does interact with the brain in various ways, though.
Because CBD interacts with the brain, nervous system, and other parts of the body, it’s not quite as simple as saying that CBD itself isn’t psychoactive. Things get complicated depending on how the word psychoactive is defined and understood. CBD products can interact with the endocannabinoid system, a unique cell-signaling system within the body, and influence mood, appetite, sleep, and other aspects of mental and physical health.
Why It’s Better Than the Rest
Full-spectrum CBD will not get you high, even though it contains trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Here’s why:
Full-spectrum CBD products derived from hemp legally contain less than 0.3% THC, which is far below the amount required to produce psychoactive effects. Consuming such small levels of THC generally does not lead to intoxication or a “high” feeling. For comparison, marijuana products typically contain much higher concentrations of THC, which are responsible for the characteristic high.
Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, which are responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC. Instead, CBD interacts with other receptors and mechanisms in the body, promoting therapeutic effects like mood stabilization and anxiety reduction without causing intoxication.
While CBD is technically psychoactive because it affects the brain and mood (e.g., reducing anxiety or improving relaxation), it is not intoxicating. This distinction explains why full-spectrum CBD is considered safe for use without the risk of feeling “high”.
Full-spectrum CBD includes other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that may enhance its therapeutic benefits through a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.” The trace THC present in full-spectrum CBD can contribute to this synergy without inducing intoxication.
Full-spectrum CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, which is insufficient to cause a high.
CBD itself does not produce intoxicating effects because it interacts differently with brain receptors compared to THC.
Full-spectrum products may offer enhanced therapeutic benefits due to the entourage effect but remain non-intoxicating.
A psychoactive substance is generally considered one that alters the mind– it may do so through changes in behavior, awareness, thought processes, emotions, and similar systems. Because this definition is broad and encompasses a wide variety of substances both controlled and otherwise, it can be difficult to understand what is and isn’t classified as psychoactive or predict how certain substances may impact your own body.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a phytocannabinoid found within cannabis plants. Though CBD does interact with the brain in various ways, it does not produce the same “high” that other cannabis products, specifically those with THC, do.
In the U.S., CBD products sold to and marketed toward the general public come from hemp plants – cannabis plants containing 0.3% or less THC – rather than other cannabis plants with a higher potency of THC. The trace amounts, if any, THC found in CBD products sold commercially is so little that it won’t produce the effects outlined above.
Still, the way we define psychoactive matters, at least in the context of this discussion. If a psychoactive substance is merely one that interacts with the brain and causes changes as a result, then it is indeed fair to say that CBD can be considered psychoactive.
It is highly unlikely that full-spectrum CBD will cause a “buzz” because it contains only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), which is not enough to produce psychoactive effects. Additionally, CBD itself counteracts THC’s effects by modulating CB1 receptors in the brain, further reducing the likelihood of intoxication.
However, individuals who are highly sensitive to THC or consume very large amounts of full-spectrum CBD might experience mild effects. For most people, full-spectrum CBD provides therapeutic benefits without making them feel high.
Full-spectrum CBD oil is most commonly described as promoting a sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being without causing intoxication or a “high.” Many users report feeling less anxious, experiencing relief from pain, and having an easier time falling asleep or staying asleep. Some people also notice improved mood and reduced stress levels, which may contribute to a more balanced emotional state.
The effects are attributed to the combined action of cannabinoids (including trace amounts of THC), terpenes, and flavonoids in the oil, which work together through the “entourage effect” to enhance therapeutic benefits. While the small amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil is not enough to cause euphoria or a high, it may help amplify the calming and soothing effects of CBD for some users.
Most people tolerate full-spectrum CBD oil well, but a minority may experience mild side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or digestive discomfort, especially at higher doses. Rarely, individuals who are sensitive to THC may feel slight anxiety or discomfort, but this is uncommon with standard dosing.
No, full-spectrum CBD is generally not intoxicating. While it contains trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), this minimal concentration is insufficient to cause the “high” typically associated with cannabis. Additionally, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a way that counteracts THC’s psychoactive effects, making intoxication unlikely.
For most users, full-spectrum CBD provides therapeutic benefits like relaxation and pain relief without impairing mental clarity or causing intoxication. However, individuals who are extremely sensitive to THC or consume very high doses may experience mild effects, though this is uncommon.
Full-spectrum CBD is unlikely to make you paranoid, but it can cause anxiety or discomfort in some individuals who are sensitive to THC. This is because full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), which, while not enough to cause intoxication, may trigger anxiety or paranoia in those particularly sensitive to THC’s effects.
Factors like dosage, individual tolerance, and prior experiences with cannabis can influence this reaction. To minimize the risk, start with a low dose and monitor your response, or consider THC-free alternatives like broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate.
Why They’re Better Than the Rest
Full-spectrum CBD is generally considered safe, but it can cause side effects in some individuals. These effects vary depending on factors such as dosage, individual sensitivity, and the presence of other medications. Below are the potential side effects and risks associated with full-spectrum CBD:
CBD does not generally produce intense side effects, but that doesn’t mean that the side effects it does cause aren’t still disruptive and uncomfortable. If you experience side effects while using CBD or after switching products, a good plan of action is to discontinue use or consider an alternative option.
To minimize the risk of negative side effects, start with a low dose of full-spectrum CBD (10-20mg) and gradually increase it while monitoring your body’s response.
Yes, full-spectrum CBD can potentially show up on a drug test due to its trace amounts of THC, which are legally limited to less than 0.3%. Drug tests typically screen for THC and its metabolites, not CBD itself. Regular or high-dose use of full-spectrum CBD can lead to THC accumulation in the body, increasing the likelihood of a positive test result, especially with sensitive tests like urine or hair analyses.
To minimize this risk, individuals concerned about drug testing might consider using broad-spectrum CBD (which removes THC) or CBD isolate (pure CBD without THC). It is also important to choose products from reputable manufacturers with third-party lab testing to ensure accurate labeling of THC content.
Whether or not full spectrum CBD or CBD in general is psychoactive really does depend on your definition of the word. In terms of creating a psychoactive high – that is, a high that produces significant changes in coordination, memory, thoughts, mood, movement, etc. – there’s not much to worry about; CBD products are derived from hemp, which contains little to no THC, the molecule responsible for a cannabis-induced high.
Full spectrum products in particular may be of concern to some individuals because it includes a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, other molecules, and a small percentage of THC in addition to CBD. Full spectrum products do not filter out these additional contents, and trace amounts of THC are present as a result. Therefore, those looking to completely avoid THC might not prefer full spectrum products.
Still, even with trace amounts of THC, full spectrum CBD oil won’t make you high. The amounts of THC that exist in these products is so insignificant that it’s highly unlikely to actually impact your body. Those looking to benefit from the entourage effect and maximize the benefits they experience from their CBD products will likely find these sorts of products ideal.
It’s not completely fair to say that full spectrum CBD and CBD in general aren’t psychoactive at all, though, at least if you consider psychoactive substances to be those that interact with the mind or body and create certain effects. CBD does do both of these things: it interacts with the body via the endocannabinoid system to produce desired effects, and it also interacts with different parts of the body.
So, to put it simply, it’s complicated. CBD plays a large role in pain management, mood management, and treatment for a wide variety of conditions both mental and physical, so the fact that it interacts with the body isn’t necessarily something to be afraid of. The endocannabinoid system is active regardless of whether or not you put cannabis in your body, so there’s no permanent changes or harm caused to your body by ingesting these sorts of products.
Ultimately, full spectrum CBD is not psychoactive in the way that many of us think of the word, but it does have the ability to uniquely interact with various parts of the body and mind. The positive effects we experience from CBD and cherish are thanks to this reality, so the word psychoactive doesn’t necessarily have to mean intoxicating. It’s important to be open-minded and considerate during these discussions; our public and professional understanding of CBD is constantly evolving and changing, and so too is the way that we use it to treat conditions. Full spectrum CBD is an ideal option for many, but if it isn’t for you that’s okay too. There are many other options out there – what’s important is that you safely and thoughtfully medicate.
As we’ve mentioned a few times, buying trustworthy CBD products from a reputable source is absolutely critical in ensuring you get the treatment you need and the product that was promised. That’s why we’ve put together a database of all the best brands in the business. You can access our online directory for free here.
FABCBD Oil
✔️ Three Different Potencies and Five Tasty Flavors
✔️ Full-Spectrum of Cannabinoids and Terpenes
✔️ Bottles are Made to Order Ensuring Freshness
✔️ 60 Servings Per Bottle
✔️ 12 Month Shelf Life
✔️ 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
FABCBD CBG Oil
✔️ 1:1 Ratio of CBD to CBG (cannabigerol)
✔️ Three Delicious Flavors: Citrus, Mint, & Natural
✔️ Full-Spectrum of Cannabinoids and Terpenes
✔️ Bottles are Made to Order Ensuring Freshness
✔️ 12 Month Shelf Life
✔️ 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
CBDA, or cannabidiolic acid, is one of the lesser-known compounds of the cannabis plant. While…
While it’s tempting to combine multiple CBD products, the result of doing so may or…
If you’re a regular user of CBD oil, you might wonder whether food and water…
CBD isolate powder is used to treat a wide range of health conditions from inflammation…
CBD gummies pack much more of a punch than other products in terms of longevity…
THC, found in marijuana, is infamous for its ability to send you to the kitchen…