Does CBD Syrup Get you High?

Does Actually CBD Syrup Get You High?

 

The straightforward answer is no. CBD syrups will not make you ‘high’. As the name suggests, CBD syrups are made with CBD, and CBD in its pure form has no psychoactive effects. Psychoactive substances are anything (e.g., THC) that affects your brain and mood. Since CBD syrups lack a substantial amount of THC as well, they don’t make the same buzzy effects associated with recreational marijuana. Plus, it doesn’t have a risk for substance misuse.  
 
Besides, CBD is non-intoxicating as well. This means it will not affect your ability to control movement and decision-making. Think about alcohol. When you drink a lot of alcohol, you lose the balance and control of your brain as well as movement. This occurs because alcohol is considered an intoxicating substance. This is not the case with CBD-infused products like CBD syrup. It is neither considered psychoactive nor intoxicating.

 

Why CBD Syrup Does Not Get You High?

 

CBD syrups will not make you high because it doesn’t interact with your brain like other psychoactive substances. When you consume cannabidiol either orally or sublingually, it enters into the bloodstream. Then, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and delivers the therapeutic benefits. 
 
We have a Central Nervous System (CNS) which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. When you consume recreational marijuana that contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it partially activates one of the brain receptors called CB1. This causes you ‘high’ feelings or euphoria. However, CBD doesn’t directly activate CB1 receptors. That’s why it cannot deliver the ‘high’ feelings. 
 
In short, CBD and THC, both are cannabinoids and are found in the same cannabis plants. But they don’t function in our body similarly and that’s why the effects are not similar either. This means that if CBD compound doesn’t get you high, CBD syrups will not make you ‘high’ as well.  

 

Do Full-Spectrum CBD Syrups Get You High?

 

You might have heard that there are three types of cannabidiol (CBD). These are – full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and Isolate. 
 
Full-spectrum CBD syrups contain all the phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids including THC. Since THC is a psychoactive compound, then it is not uncommon to think that full-spectrum CBD syrups will make you high as well. But this is not true! 
 
There is a catch!  
 
All CBD products are actually extracted from hemp plants, not cannabis plants. Hemp plants are those cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). According to the 2018 Farm Bill, the federal government legalized hemp-derived CBD products only. 
 
So, the small amount of THC present in the full-spectrum syrup is considered too small to cause you ‘high’. On the contrary, full-spectrum syrups are more likely to deliver effective results and benefits compared to broad-spectrum and CBD Isolates. 

 

Can I Get High If I Overdose on CBD Syrup? 

 

Technically yes, you can overdose on CBD syrup. But it can’t be said, you’ll get high from it. First, let’s talk about overdosing on CBD. 
 
Overdosing simply means when you take something more than the recommended amount. Research indicates that up to 1500mg of CBD has been repeatedly shown to be well-tolerated in humans. A whole bottle of CBD syrup usually contains 500mg to 2500mg of CBD concentration. So, it’s quite a difficult requirement to be overdosed on CBD.  

However, when someone takes too much CBD syrup, they may experience the most commonly reported side effects mentioned below: 

 

• Dry Mouth 
• Fatigue 
• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness 
• Changes in Appetite 
• Nausea or Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

 

Note that these effects are mild and can occur only in rare instances. Plus, there is not even a single case of fatality from CBD overdose. 
 
Now what about getting ‘high’ after you overdose on CBD Syrup? If you consume a broad spectrum or CBD Isolate, you’ll not get high as they lack tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But in the case of full-spectrum cannabidiol liquid syrup, the story is slightly different! 
 
Taking too much full-spectrum CBD syrup increases your body's THC intake. This may lead you to feel 'high'. But the possibilities are very low. Because CBD syrups are edible versions of CBD. It must travel through your first-pass metabolism, where its bioavailability is significantly reduced. It means that many THC molecules will be wasted before they reach the system and have any meaningful effects. 
 
However, contrary to this popular belief, a study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers discovered that relatively large dosages of cannabidiol (CBD) may worsen the harmful effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

 

Why Some People Think I Can Get High From CBD Syrup?

 

There are misconceptions about CBD and THC. It’s because they derive from the same plants. 
 
Here's why some people think they can get high from CBD syrup: 

 

1. They confuse CBD with THC, the compound that does make you high. 
2. Sometimes mislabeled CBD syrups contain a high level of THC that may lead to psychoactive effects. 
3. Some people may feel different effects from CBD, like relaxation, and think it’s a high. 
4. Sometimes CBD syrup may accidentally contain THC. 
5. They might believe it causes a high because they expect it to, even if it doesn’t. 

 

What To Do If I Accidentally Get High?

 

Though CBD syrups are not supposed to produce high feelings, they can accidentally contain a higher THC and make you feel euphoric. But don’t panic! It’s not fatal and will pass quickly. This can happen as CBD products are not regulated by the FDA. So, the quality of the products might be compromised. 
 
Here's what you should do if you feel “high” due to taking CBD syrups: 

 

 

However, If you feel extremely uncomfortable or experience adverse effects, reach out to a trusted friend or healthcare professional for assistance and guidance. 

 

How to Avoid the Potential Risk of Getting ‘High’?

 

There are several things that you need to keep in mind to avoid any potential risk of “high” feelings. For instance, if you’re new to CBD, you should start with low doses. 
 
Besides, taking high-potency syrups or tinctures may not be a good option for you if you’re trying it for the first time. Plus, to err on the side of caution, ingesting CBD Isolate or pure CBD that contains nothing but CBD is the safest option for you. 
 
Here is a checklist for you to avoid any kind of potential risk of “high”: 

 

1. Purchase your CBD products from reputable companies that provide transparent information about their sourcing, extraction methods, and third-party lab testing results. 
2. Check product labels to make sure they contain only CBD and minimal THC.  
3. You can look for terms like “THC-free”, “Isolate CBD”, or “Broad-Spectrum” to indicate products without THC. 
4. Before you purchase any CBD syrup products, understand their compositions, potency, and intended effects. 
5. Read what other customers are saying about the products. 

 

If you’re new to CBD, start with low doses and gradually increase it as needed. 

Most importantly, avoid full-spectrum products to avoid any potentially intoxicating effects. 

To avoid any unpleasant side effects or adverse reactions, avoid taking edible CBD syrup with alcohol and certain prescription medications. 

 

In the end, we would recommend you store CBD syrup in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight/excessive heat to maintain its potency and purity. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

 

Here are some relevant questions and answers related to cannabidiol syrups and its potential psychoactive effects. 

 

Does CBD Syrup Show Up in a Drug Test? 

Drug tests do not screen for CBD but for THC. So, even if a drug test finds CBD, it won’t cause any issues. However, generally, CBD syrup doesn’t show up in a drug test. However, consuming too much full-spectrum CBD syrup may potentially lead to positive drug test results. Still, the possibilities are not that high! 

 

What’s The Difference Between CBD Tincture and CBD Syrup?

CBD syrup is a liquid containing cannabidiol (CBD) and other sweeteners or flavors. The raw syrup can be consumed directly or mixed with tea, coffee, or other beverages. CBD tincture, on the other hand, is a concentrated herbal extract made by soaking CBD-rich hemp flowers in alcohol. It’s usually taken sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption into the bloodstream.

 

The Bottom Line

 

CBD syrup does not get you high. It’s non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive. That’s why you don’t have to worry much about its psychoactive effects or ‘high’ feelings. Yes, it might be a different case with the full-spectrum CBD syrups, but they are also unlikely to make you high because they contain negligible amounts of THC. 
 
While CBD syrup may induce a sense of relaxation or calmness, it does not alter your state of mind in the same way as THC. However, to be on the safe side, always choose reputable and trustworthy brands, and read product reviews, and product labels to ensure you’re getting a safe and non-intoxicating CBD syrup. 

 

 References:  

 

• Kicman, A., & Toczek, M. (2020). The effects of Cannabidiol, a Non-Intoxicating compound of Cannabis, on the cardiovascular system in health and disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(18), 6740. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186740
• Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
• Martinez, M. (2023, February 13). CBD may increase the adverse effects of THC in edible cannabis products, study shows. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/02/cbd-may-increase-the-adverse-effects-of-thc-in-edible-cannabis-products-study-shows