Have you ever tried CBD flower and ended up feeling really high? You’re not alone.
While CBD is known for its non-psychoactive effects, some people have reported feeling a strong high after using CBD flower.
So what’s going on? Is it even possible to get high from CBD flower?
In this post, we’ll explore the reasons why some people may feel high after using CBD flower and what you can do to minimise the risk of experiencing psychoactive effects, if that’s what you wish.
Let’s dive in.
What is CBD flower?
CBD flower is the flowering top of the hemp plant. It can be dried and smoked, or used to make a variety of products, including oils and tinctures.
Hemp flower contains high levels of CBD, a non-psychoactive compound with potential health benefits. It is often used for its calming and relaxing effects.
It’s widely available in the United States after hemp was legalised in the 2018 Farm Bill. In the UK, the situation is confusing. While CBD flower is technically illegal, it’s widely and openly sold in headshops and online.
Read: The 10 Best CBD Hemp Flower Shops In The UK
THC levels
So, why do some people feel high after using CBD flower? One possible reason is the flower contains more THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, than stated.
Even if a CBD product claims to be THC-free, there is a chance that it may contain trace amounts of THC due to manufacturing processes or cross-contamination.
CBD flower will almost certainly contain at least trace amounts of THC as it’s impossible to grow hemp without it.
In the United States, CBD flower must contain less than 0.3% THC to be legally sold. However, it is possible for CBD flower products to contain higher levels of THC due to manufacturing processes or cross-contamination, especially if they are not third-party tested.
If you are sensitive/have a low tolerance to THC and consume a high dose of CBD flower, you may feel its psychoactive effects.
Terpenes
Another reason for feeling high after using CBD flower is the “entourage effect”. This refers to the idea that CBD and THC work together to enhance each other’s effects, and other compounds in the cannabis plant may also contribute to the overall effects. While some people may find this synergistic effect to be desirable, others may find it overwhelming.
Individual differences in sensitivity to CBD and THC may also play a role in whether or not you feel high after using CBD flower. Some people may be more sensitive to the effects of CBD and THC and may feel high at lower doses compared to others.
So what can you do to minimise the risk of feeling high after using CBD flower? Here are a few tips:
- Choose high-quality, third-party tested CBD products to ensure that they contain the amount of CBD and THC stated on the label and are free of contaminants.
- Start with a low dose of CBD flower and gradually increase it until you find the right amount for you.
- Avoid using CBD flower if you are sensitive to THC or have a condition that could be worsened by its effects, such as anxiety or psychosis.
- Consider using other forms of CBD, such as tinctures or capsules, which may be less likely to cause psychoactive effects due to their mode of administration.
THCa flower
In the U.S Farm Bill that legalised hemp, there is a loophole that seemingly allows for the production and sale of hemp high in THCa (the precursor to THC) so long as it has less than 0.3% THC.
This is because the limits only apply to delta-9 THC (the cannabinoid that gets you high) and not THCa (the cannabinoid that turns into THC when heated).
So we now have hemp flower “legally” available nationwide that is effectively the same as regular THC weed, although it usually has high levels of CBD too.
Without a doubt, if you consume hemp flower with high levels of THCa, you will feel high. While the CBD may balance the buzz out a little, the psychoactive effects will be pronounced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CBD flower can provide lots of benefits without causing psychoactive effects for most people.
However, it is important to be aware that some people may still experience psychoactive effects due to various factors, such as contamination with THC, the “entourage effect”, or individual differences in sensitivity to CBD and THC.
To minimise the risk of feeling high after using CBD flower, it is recommended to choose high-quality, third-party tested products and start with a low dose until you find the right amount for you. You may also want to consider using other forms of CBD, such as tinctures or capsules, which may be less likely to cause psychoactive effects due to their mode of administration.
Remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is important to pay attention to your own body.
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