Does CBD Make You High?

Field of hemp plants for CBD

If you’re new to CBD, you might be wondering: “Wait… doesn’t this come from the same plant as marijuana? Am I about to end up giggling on the couch with a bag of chips or a pint of ice cream?”

While we can’t account for your eating habits, we are happy to share that you won’t get those cravings because of CBD oil.

While CBD and THC may share a family tree, they behave very differently in your body.

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Early bud on hemp plant

CBD vs. THC: Why the Distinction Matters

If you’re new to CBD and you’re more familiar with cannabis or marijuana, starting with an understanding of how CBD is different is essential. Think of the cannabis plant like a citrus tree. From citrus trees, you can get lemons, oranges, and even grapefruit, but each fruit tastes (and acts) a little differently.

Both THC and CBD can come from either the hemp plant or the marijuana plant because they’re actually the same species: Cannabis sativa.

The difference comes down to how the plants are classified legally and how they’re bred:

  • Hemp
    • Legally defined in the U.S. as cannabis plants with 0.3% THC or less.
    • Naturally higher in CBD.
    • This is where most CBD oil on the market comes from (because it’s federally legal).
  • Marijuana
    • Cannabis plants with more than 0.3% THC.
    • Typically bred to be high in THC.
    • It can still contain CBD, but usually in smaller amounts compared to hemp.

So, CBD and THC both exist in hemp and marijuana. The ratio of each compound is what makes the difference. Hemp leans toward CBD, marijuana leans toward THC.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound responsible for the classic cannabis “high.” It binds directly to receptors in your brain that influence perception, coordination, and mood, which is why folks get the buzz.

CBD (cannabidiol), on the other hand, doesn’t interact with those receptors in the same way. Instead of altering your state of mind, it works more like a supportive friend to your body’s endocannabinoid system, helping with things like relaxation, pain relief, and recovery, but without the mind-altering effects.

CBD Product Types: What’s in Your Oil?

Most CBD products, especially full-spectrum ones, contain only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), which isn’t enough to make you feel intoxicated. And if you want zero THC, no exceptions, CBD isolate is your go-to—it’s pure cannabidiol, with everything else stripped away.

So, while CBD and THC come from the same plant family, they’re like very different siblings: one is the wild party-starter, the other is the calm, steady type who makes sure you drink enough water and get to bed on time. Let’s take a closer look.

Full Spectrum CBD

Think of full-spectrum CBD oil as the “whole orchestra.” It includes CBD plus all the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds found in hemp. Yes, that means that, in full-spectrum CBD, trace amounts of THC (legally less than 0.3%) are present, but again, that’s not nearly enough to make you feel high.

Instead, researchers suggest that keeping all the plant compounds together may create what’s called the “entourage effect,” where everything works together in harmony for a potentially stronger impact— the full orchestra.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum is like the orchestra minus the trumpet section (in this case, the trumpet is THC). You still get the other cannabinoids and terpenes, so you might still experience some of that entourage effect — just without the THC at all. This option is popular for folks who want the benefits of multiple hemp compounds but want to steer clear of THC for peace of mind.

CBD isolate

CBD Isolate

Isolate is the solo act. Just CBD, no extras, no entourage. It’s the purest form available, so it’s a great choice if you want to be absolutely sure you’re avoiding THC. While you don’t get the synergistic boost of full- or broad-spectrum, isolate can be easier to dose and is often used in capsules, gummies, or powders for precise control.

Why Someone Might Want THC-Free CBD

We get it. Not everyone is comfortable with even trace amounts of THC, and that’s totally valid. While full-spectrum CBD can be great for some, others may prefer a THC-free option for peace of mind. Here are a couple of the most common reasons:

  • Drug testing concerns – While attitudes towards marijuana are shifting, many workplaces still test for THC, not CBD (1). Even though full-spectrum CBD only contains up to 0.3% THC, using it consistently over time could result in a false positive. If that’s a dealbreaker, broad-spectrum or isolate is your safest bet.
  • Personal preference – Some people just don’t want THC in their system at all, whether for lifestyle, religious, or wellness reasons. Isolate and broad-spectrum give you the benefits of CBD without the worry.
  • Extra reassurance for newbies – If you’re brand new to CBD and feeling hesitant, starting with THC-free products can be a good way to dip your toes in without any “what ifs” floating around your mind.

Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

Here’s the good news: drug tests are not looking for CBD itself. Standard tests only check for THC metabolites. That means pure CBD isolate won’t trigger a positive.

The catch? If you’re taking full-spectrum CBD, the trace THC might add up enough to register on a test, especially with long-term or high-dose use. If avoiding that risk is important to you, stick with a broad-spectrum or isolate product. Both will still give you the calm, clarity, and wellness support of CBD, minus the THC baggage.

Hemp plant in flower

The Truth About Trace THC Levels

We’ve already touched on this a bit, so we’ll keep it brief. Even legal, full-spectrum CBD can contain tiny amounts of THC. A 2022–2023 study found 65% of CBD oils tested had detectable THC, though most levels were too low to cause intoxication (2). Some products labeled “THC-free” still had trace amounts, ranging from 0.015–0.65 mg/mL.

For most people, these levels won’t cause a “high,” but if you use large amounts daily or face drug testing, even trace THC could matter. That’s why lab-tested CBD products are the safest choice for truly THC-free CBD.

How CBD Oil Will and Won’t Make You Feel (Without the High)

CBD won’t get you high, but people do report subtle, positive shifts in mood, sleep, and stress. Clinical studies show that even modest doses can lead to meaningful effects without intoxication.

What You Will Feel with CBD

  • Better sleep quality — In a randomized controlled trial, just 15 mg/day of CBD (isolate) for 4 weeks significantly improved sleep disturbance, with 56-75% of participants reporting clinically important improvements (3).

  • Enhanced feelings of well-being  — In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, five weeks of CBD administration were shown to significantly improve psychological well-being and reduce fatigue/vitality compared to the placebo (4).
  • Reduced stress/anxiety in physical terms — Some trials where people took repeated doses (around 300 mg) showed reductions in bodily symptoms of anxiety after sustained use (5). 

What You Won’t Feel With CBD

CBD supports balance and wellness, but it doesn’t produce the classic “high” effects associated with THC. That means when you take CBD:

  • No intoxication — You won’t feel euphoric or impaired.
  • No altered perception — Your coordination, focus, and reaction times remain normal.
  • No mental fog or “stoned” sensation — Unlike THC, CBD promotes calm and clarity rather than sedation.

In other words, think of CBD as a gentle helper for your body and mind. It won't get you high, but it can support relaxation, mood, and sleep without disrupting your daily life.

SuperTrees Botanicals CBD Oils

Choosing the Right CBD for You

With so many CBD options on the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming,  but it doesn’t have to be. Consider these simple guidelines:

  • Know your goals: Are you looking for comprehensive wellness support, stress relief, sleep aid, or targeted recovery? Your goal will help determine whether full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate makes the most sense.
  • Understand THC tolerance: If you want the entourage effect and don’t mind trace amounts of THC, full-spectrum is a solid choice. If you need zero THC for work, testing, or personal preference, choose broad-spectrum or isolate.
  • Check quality and transparency: Look for products that include third-party lab reports confirming potency, purity, and the absence of contaminants.


Ultimately, the right CBD product is the one that fits your lifestyle, comfort level, and wellness goals, and, most importantly, is backed by quality you can trust. With decades of experience, our products are developed with quality and purity in mind, informed by input from naturopathic doctors. 

Ready to find your perfect CBD match? Explore SuperTrees Botanicals’ full-spectrum and THC-free CBD isolate to discover the option that works best for you.


Sources:

1. ARCpoint Labs of Omaha. (2025, May 9). How companies drug test for marijuana and 2025 test trends. https://www.arcpointlabs.com/omaha/blog/companies-drug-test-cannabis-2025/

2.Johnson, E., Kilgore, M., & Babalonis, S. (2022, August 1). Cannabidiol (CBD) product contamination: Quantitative analysis of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) concentrations found in commercially available CBD products. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 237, 109522. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9899037/

3. Saleska, J. L., Bryant, C., Kolobaric, A., D’Adamo, C. R., Colwell, C. S., Loewy, D., Chen, J., & Pauli, E. K. (2024). The safety and comparative effectiveness of non-psychoactive cannabinoid formulations for the improvement of sleep: A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Nutrition Association, 43(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/27697061.2023.2203221

4. Dujic, G., Kumrić, M., Vrdoljak, J., Sutlović, D., & others. (2024). Chronic cannabidiol administration mitigates excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue in patients with primary hypertension: Insights from a randomized crossover trial. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2024.0028

5. Gournay, L. R., et al. (2023). The effects of cannabidiol on worry and anxiety among high trait worriers. Psychopharmacology, 240(10). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37552290/

 

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