One of the biggest barriers for people trying CBD for the first time is the fear of getting "high" or feeling out of control. It’s a valid question: if CBD comes from the cannabis plant, surely it has similar effects to marijuana?
The short, definitive answer is: No. CBD does not get you high.
Unlike its cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive in the way that recreational cannabis is. It won’t alter your perception, impair your judgment, or give you the "munchies."
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly why CBD doesn’t get you stoned, what it does feel like, and how to ensure the product you’re buying is 100% safe and compliant.
The science: CBD vs THC
To understand why CBD doesn't get you high, you have to look at how it interacts with your body's Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
THC (The "High")
THC binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain. This direct binding is what causes the euphoric, intoxicating "high" associated with cannabis use.
CBD (The "Helper")
CBD does not bind directly to CB1 receptors. Instead, it works indirectly. It modifies the receptors' ability to bind to cannabinoids and encourages the body to use its own natural endocannabinoids more effectively.
This means you get the benefits (calm, balance, reduced inflammation) without the intoxication.
What does taking CBD actually feel like?
If it doesn’t get you high, what does it do?
Most people describe the feeling of CBD not as a sudden "buzz," but as the absence of negative feelings.
- Instead of feeling "stoned," you might just feel less frazzled.
- Instead of sedation, you might feel a quiet mental clarity.
- Instead of euphoria, you might feel a subtle sense of grounding.
Many users report feeling:
- Relaxed but alert
- Less physical tension in the shoulders or jaw
- A "quieting" of racing thoughts
- Easier drift-off at bedtime
It’s often described as feeling like "yourself on a really good day."
Read more: CBD Oil for Anxiety: Does It Work?
Can any CBD product get you high?
Technically, yes—but only if the product is illegal, mislabelled, or extremely poor quality.
1. Full-Spectrum CBD with high THC
In the UK, legal CBD products must contain non-detectable or extremely low levels of THC (often less than 1mg per container). However, in other countries or unregulated markets, "full-spectrum" oils can contain enough THC to cause mild psychoactive effects if taken in large doses.
2. "Medical Cannabis" Oils
CBD oils prescribed by a doctor for specific conditions often contain higher levels of THC. These can get you high, but they are prescription-only medicines, not high-street supplements.
3. Mislabelled Products
Tests on random gas-station or unregulated online CBD products have occasionally found high levels of THC. This is why buying from a reputable, lab-tested brand is non-negotiable.
How to choose a non-intoxicating CBD oil
To be 100% sure your CBD won't cause a high, look for these indicators:
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: This type contains CBD and other helpful terpenes but has the THC removed.
- CBD Isolate: Pure CBD with zero other compounds (though you miss out on the "entourage effect").
- Lab Reports (COAs): Always check the brand's third-party lab results. They should show high CBD and non-detectable (ND) or legal trace levels of THC.
Why Evopure CBD is non-psychoactive
At Evopure, we use Broad-Spectrum CBD in our core range.
This means we extract the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes (like those found in Flow and Sleep) but undergo an extra process to remove THC to non-detectable levels.
- Flow CBD Oil: Focus and calm without the fuzziness.
- Sleep CBD Oil: Deep relaxation without the "stoneover" next morning.
You get the plant power without the high.
Frequently asked questions
Will CBD make my eyes red?
No. Red eyes are a side effect of THC, which lowers blood pressure and dilates blood vessels. Pure or broad-spectrum CBD does not cause this.
Can I drive after taking CBD?
Yes. Because CBD is non-intoxicating, it does not impair your ability to drive. However, if you are taking a sleep-specific blend that makes you drowsy, you should avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
Does CBD feel like a body high?
Some people describe a feeling of "body relaxation" or "lightness," especially if they carry a lot of tension. But it is not a disorienting or "trippy" sensation.
Is CBD addictive?
No. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.
Final thoughts
CBD is a wellness tool, not a recreational drug. It’s designed to help you feel more like yourself, not less.
If you want the benefits of cannabis—calm, sleep, balance—without the high, stick to high-quality, lab-tested Broad-Spectrum CBD.
Shop Flow CBD Oil for clear-headed calm.
