IS CBD PSYCHOACTIVE?

IS CBD PSYCHOACTIVE?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid compound extracted from cannabis plants. Most users do not report psychoactive and euphoric effects after using CBD products. Furthermore, CBD has three types: isolates, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. Unlike CBD, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a molecule derived from marijuana, has psychoactive effects. Here are facts revealing whether CBD is psychoactive.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid compound extracted from cannabis plants. Most users do not report psychoactive and euphoric effects after using CBD products.  Meissner et al. (2021) noted that CBD controls epilepsy, depression, inflammation, and Lennox and Dravet syndromes. These actions have led to the popularity of CBD as an important agent in controlling disorders. It also describes the mechanism of CBD when interacting with receptors. CBD is non-psychoactive. CBD appears in three varieties, namely broad-spectrum, full-spectrum and isolates. Consumers report that CBD is non-psychoactive. This article focuses on the definition of CBD, types of CBD, its legality in the United Kingdom (UK), and whether it is psychoactive.

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD is one of the popular cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis Sativa. It is highly concentrated in hemp, a variety of cannabis. The use of cannabinoids (CBD) has grown rapidly in the world. Many consumers target the benefits of CBD. Some consumers are reluctant to use tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) because of its psychoactive impact. Consumers who experience such negative impacts choose  CBD products. Since CBD is federally accepted in the United States, several citizens are amazed whether CBD is psychoactive.CBD is not psychoactive; hence it does not cause impacts related to cannabis Sativa (marijuana). However, when CBD is combined with other compounds, such as THC, it can cause psychoactive effects. Psychoactive effects arise from the interaction of CBD with the endocannabinoid system.

Cohen et al. (2019) explained that CBD is a cousin to Tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD), a compound responsible for intoxication. CBD interacts with the body in different ways resulting in different outcomes. CBD is claimed to cause some effects on the brain but varies from those of THC. The use of CBD extract in manufacturing CBD products is legally allowed in the United States.

TYPES OF CBD

Theoretically, there can be many types of CBD. The type of CBD depends on the concentration of cannabinoids and the extraction method. The common types of CBD you are likely to encounter include:

CBD ISOLATE

This is a separate form of cannabidiol. This CBD has the highest degree of purity since it lacks inherent substances of the cannabis plant. Their purity depends on the extraction method; highly purified CBD Isolate performs well. The absence of THC in this isolate makes it more marketable since many people try to avoid the psychoactive effects associated with THC. In case you are interested in non-aromatic CBD products, CBD is the best option.

FULL SPECTRUM CBD

This relates to the oil-rich CBD. It contains little amounts of THC and flavors. Several people enjoy using full spectrum CBD because it is more effective; combining it with THC delivers the best performance. This type of CBD contains several terpenes and flavors, which are also important. Hence this CBD can be good for you if you don’t require highly refined products. This type of CBD is no longer available in the United Kingdom (UK) due to the food regulatory body. Full spectrum CBD has small amounts of THC, making obtaining a license for this type of CBD difficult.

BROAD SPECTRUM CBD

Broad spectrum CBD has small quantities of cannabis contaminants. It also lacks THC, although it may contain some traces. This type of CBD has remarkable impacts because it has additional substances that supplement one another.

IS CBD LEGAL IN THE UK?

Although CBD has gained popularity in the United Kingdom (UK) because of its ability, it is still new to some people. It can be mistaken since many people relate it to THC, which is prohibited in the UK. Understand the rules and regulations governing the use of CBD in the UK. CBD is legal in the UK. However, misunderstanding arises because cannabis is among the listed drugs in the UK. This issue has made people think that people can grow cannabis in their homes which is not the case. Gibbs et al. (2019) stated that CBD farmers and sellers are licensed in the UK. Licenses are obtained in governmental offices.CBD products are entitled to proper labeling regarding laws that govern food.

WHAT DOES PSYCHOACTIVE MEAN?

A psychoactive drug is any substance that alters the brain’s normal functioning, bringing changes in behavior. They can be used for fun or as medicines to change an individual’s reasoning ability. In addition, psychoactive substances can be entheogenically or spiritually used. Most psychoactive substances have therapeutic qualities; they can treat epilepsy, anesthesia, depression, and inflammation of body muscles. Individual mood changes due to psychoactive substances may be advantageous or disadvantageous, depending on the individual. Although these substances aid in the performance of the brain, they are capable of causing addiction. Getting out of psychoactive substances may be quite difficult; this contradicts because they are also used in rehabilitating drug users; psychoactive substances are known to be unpleasant, and it takes courage to use them. Misuse and the addition of psychoactive substances have led to arguments and the formulation of laws. The government has fully controlled these substances’ processing, distribution, and prescription.

IS CBD PSYCHOACTIVE?

Blebea et al. (2019) argued that CBD is non-psychoactive. This is true because it does not alter the normal working of the brain, although it affects the mood. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for psychoactive effects. CBD and THC work differently with the nervous system. CBD attaches to cannabinoid neurotransmitters. THC straightly involves cannabinoid neurotransmitters rendering to brain effects. CBD does not affect the surrounding cells while interacting with receptors. CBD can cause liver damage, and therefore it is important to control the use of CBD.

CONCLUSION

CBD is a cannabinoid compound majorly found in hemp. It is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not affect the brain.CBD has therapeutic properties that enhance mood through serotonin production. This cannabinoid reduces anxiety and over-excitement. The popularity of CBD in the United Kingdom has been accelerated by its non-psychoactive nature. It can be used in the production of drugs and CBD products. The United Kingdom government monitors its production and manufacturing to avoid misuse of CBD. Although there are medical benefits associated with CBD, it can result in more complicated disorders. Therefore, consumers should check CBD concentration levels in every desirable product before buying.

REFERENCES

Blebea¹, Costache, & Negreș (2019). The Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis Of Cbd In Hemp Oils By Uhplc With Pda And Applications.

Cohen, & Sharfstein (2019). The Opportunity Of Cbd—Reforming The Law. N Engl J Med, 381(4), 297-9.

Gibbs, Yates, & Liebling, (2019). Cbd In The Uk. London, Uk: Centre For Medicinal Cannabis.

Meissner, & Cascella (2021). Cannabidiol (Cbd). In Statpearls [Internet]. Statpearls Publishing.

Ieva Kubiliute
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Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

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