Is CBD Psychoactive? What CBD Does and Doesn’t Do
CBD acts on the body and brain, but it is not intoxicating the way THC is. Here is the difference between psychoactive and intoxicating, how CBD and THC differ, and how to avoid surprises.
One of the first things people ask about CBD is whether it will make them feel intoxicated. The short answer is no, CBD is not intoxicating. It does not cause the altered state associated with THC, the main active compound in marijuana.
Whether CBD is “psychoactive” is a slightly different question, and the answer depends on how you define the word. This guide explains the difference, how CBD and THC compare, and why the product you buy matters.
Key takeaways
- CBD is not intoxicating. It does not impair you the way THC does.
- Scientists sometimes call CBD psychoactive in a broad sense, because it acts on the brain.
- CBD and THC work very differently at the CB1 receptor.
- Some CBD products contain THC. A lab report showing THC not detected avoids surprises.
Psychoactive vs. intoxicating
Psychoactive is a broad word. It describes any substance that acts on the brain and can affect mood, perception or behavior. By that definition, caffeine is psychoactive, and so are many common medicines.
Intoxicating is narrower. It describes a substance that impairs your thinking, coordination or judgment, the way alcohol or THC can.
CBD acts on the body and brain in several ways, so some researchers describe it as psychoactive in the broad sense. But it is not intoxicating. That is why the World Health Organization’s 2017 review described CBD as showing no effects that indicate abuse or dependence potential, unlike THC.
How CBD and THC differ in the brain
Your body has an endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and signaling molecules involved in many processes. Two receptors in this system are known as CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are especially common in the brain.
- THC binds strongly to CB1 receptors and activates them. That activation is what produces THC’s intoxicating effects.
- CBD does not activate CB1 receptors in the same way. Research suggests it works through a range of other targets and may even change how CB1 responds to THC.
CBD and THC have the same atoms arranged slightly differently. That small difference in shape is enough to give them very different effects.
What does CBD feel like?
Most people say CBD does not make them feel “different” in an obvious way. Some describe feeling relaxed or sleepy, especially at higher amounts. Others notice nothing at all. Research on how CBD feels is limited, and experiences vary from person to person.
CBD products sold in stores are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and you should be wary of products that promise specific effects.
Can a CBD product make you feel intoxicated?
Pure CBD should not. But a CBD product can, if it contains enough THC. That can happen in a few ways:
- Full spectrum products contain up to 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. In a large serving of a strong oil, that can add up to several milligrams of THC.
- Mislabeled products may contain more THC than they state. A 2017 study of CBD products sold online found THC in about one in five.
- Products that mix cannabinoids may combine CBD with THC on purpose.
The way to avoid surprises is to read the lab report for the batch you buy. Look at the THC rows, including Total THC, and make sure the batch number matches. Our guide on how to read a CBD lab report shows you where to look, and CBD isolate vs. full spectrum explains which types contain THC.
Will CBD affect my ability to drive or work?
CBD is not intoxicating, and a 2020 study in the journal JAMA found that CBD on its own did not impair simulated driving, while THC did. Even so, CBD can make some people drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how CBD affects you, and never if you feel sleepy. Read can you drive on CBD? for more.
Will CBD show up on a drug test?
Standard drug tests look for THC, not CBD. The risk comes from products that contain THC. See will CBD show up on a drug test?
Our products
Airlie CBD products are made with CBD, and every one links a lab report showing THC as not detected. That includes our CBD gummy jars, CBD topicals and ElixiRx tincture. You can see every report on our lab results page.
If you take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition, talk with your doctor before using CBD. CBD can interact with some medicines.
Frequently asked questions
Is CBD intoxicating?
No. CBD does not impair you the way THC does.
Is CBD the same as THC?
No. They come from the same plant and are chemically related, but they act very differently in the brain.
Is CBD a mind-altering drug?
CBD acts on the brain, but it does not produce the altered state that THC does.
Can CBD topicals affect your mind?
Topicals are designed to stay where they are applied, and very little CBD reaches the bloodstream.
How do I know my CBD has no THC?
Check the batch-matched lab report for THC and Total THC results shown as not detected.