THC vs CBD: Why Hemp Won’t Get You High

The use of CBD-containing cannabis is growing ever popular, from the office, to family and pets, to retirement homes. Everyone and their grandma (literally) have been enjoying the benefits of CBD.

But what is CBD? 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana and hemp. CBD does not get you high, thus it does not impact how you behave, feel or perceive reality. However, It is closely related to THC, which is the stuff in cannabis that does get you high. 

Hemp will always have less than 0.3% THC. This is equivalent to a non-alcoholic beer sized serving. When the plant exceeds 0.3% THC it is considered marijuana, and quickly becomes illegal depending on the State it is grown in.

Most drug tests will look for THC. Although CBD products contain next to none, CBD will build up in your system over prolonged use. 

Therefore, individuals have failed their drug test due to the consumption of CBD. If you know you will be undergoing a drug test, we suggest abstaining from CBD or trying a guaranteed Zero THC CBD product.

THC and CBD: Why Only One Gets You High.. 

Well, for starters, we need to learn some new words. 

There is a little (but big) thing called an endocannabinoid system (ECS). Every mammal (including humans, cats, dogs, and horses) have one. 

The ECS is essential for our well-being. It acts through a variety of endocannabinoids, which are a form of neurotransmitters. Like any neurotransmitter, these endocannabinoids bind to specific receptors. 

To put it simply: They help our cells to communicate with each other. They act like a telephone line. 

CBD acts as an outside force on the receptors, influencing from a distant. THC, on the other hand, directly binds to receptors, and gets you high. In a sense, THC is more invasive in our system than CBD.  

So Why Is The Endocannabinoid System Important? 

Our endocannabinoid system helps to regulate some very important processes in the body. These include: 

                        • Pregnancy & fertility
                        • Pre & Postnatal development
                        • Appetite 
                        • Pain & Inflammatory responses
                        • Mood and memory

It is also responsible for the medicinal (psychoactive and non-psychoactive) effects of cannabis. 

Branches of the Endocannabinoid System are found throughout all major functioning organ systems. No one can live without an endocannabinoid system. We are designed by nature to benefit from CBD.

CBD’s Role: 

CBD acts on two receptors found in the ECS: CB1 and CB2. CBD stimulates activity in these receptors, and so it has an effect on any cell that contains either receptor. 

Incredibly, CB1 and CB2 are present throughout the entire body, so CBD tends to have a systemic effect. 

CBD’s stimulating effect on the ECS encourages homeostasis, or balance in the body, and can reduce pain and inflammatory responses.  

What about THC? 

THC acts slightly different than CBD in the ECS. THC will actually bind to CB1 and CB2, rather than stimulate their activity like CBD. 

This results in a more profound effect, which is the psychoactive aspect of THC. This can cause an imbalance in the ECS because it can be more “invasive”. This is likely why some people’s excessive use of THC can have negative implications on their well-being. 

It is important to note that THC can have many positive effects on the ECS, such as pain management, reduction in nausea and increase in appetite. 

Why CBD is so beneficial.. 

There is no doubt that CBD has beneficial effects on the body. However, it may raise doubt when you start reading claims of CBD as a “cure-all” for everything from cancer to autoimmune disease to depression. 

It seems too good to be true. At times, it is. 

Disease is an extraordinarily complex study, and the root cause is different on a case-by-case study. One person may consume CBD for pain and find benefit, while another not so much. This depends upon the imbalance in the body and the ECS.  

However, when we start to dive into the study of the endocannabinoid system, and its crucial role in so many bodily functions, we can understand why CBD can have so many positive effects. 

Of course, if the ECS is found throughout the entire body, and CBD has a positive influence on this system, it stands to reason that CBD could be an effective remedy for a broad range of disorders. 

We live in an imbalanced world. It does not take a genius or a guru to inform us of this. We are part of this world, and so many of us experience physical, mental and emotional imbalances. 

Anything that can help our body return to, and maintain a state of balance, is a strong ally. This is why many people are finding incredible results from the regular consumption of CBD. 

To Summarize.. 

CBD has a wide range of benefits, particularly its influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

ECS receptors are found throughout the entire body, and so the ECS influences a variety of essential bodily functions. Therefore, because CBD has positive effects on the ECS, CBD also has the potential to positively influence a broad range of symptoms and health issues. 

Unlike THC, which binds to ECS receptors, creating a “high”, CBD simply influences those receptors to function more effectively. As a result, CBD does not get you high. 

CBD is safe and effective for most individuals, however if you have health issues you should consult with a qualified medical professional before using CBD oil. CBD is legal in all 50 states and is non-psychoactive. 

Patriot Hemp 

At Patriot Hemp, our mission is to provide high quality CBD oil to those who can benefit from it. We focus particularly on government employees, veterans, people suffering from PTSD, military personnel, nurses and those in positions of service. That is why we offer several CBD products that contain zero THC. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of CBD without the risk of THC. Find our products and more at https://patriotcbd.org/