Last updated: October 2026
No, CBD doesn’t get you high. The high from cannabis comes from THC, which activates CB1 receptors in the brain; CBD doesn’t. In a controlled study, even 750mg of CBD felt no different to placebo for “drug liking”. But some products sold as CBD contain THC or synthetic cannabinoids, so a lab report matters.
This guide explains why CBD isn’t intoxicating, what it actually feels like, which products can get you high, drug tests and driving, and how to choose a CBD that won’t.
Why CBD doesn’t get you high
| THC | CBD | |
|---|---|---|
| Effect on CB1 receptors | Activates them, causing the high | Doesn’t activate them |
| Intoxicating? | Yes | No |
| Abuse potential | Yes | The WHO found no evidence of abuse potential |
| UK status | Controlled drug | Legal as a food supplement if THC-free |
In a 2018 study, recreational drug users were given single doses of prescription CBD (750mg, 1,500mg and 4,500mg), a sedative, THC or placebo. At 750mg, CBD was no different to placebo for “drug liking”; at the highest doses, the difference was tiny compared with THC. See CBD vs THC and is CBD addictive?
What does CBD feel like?
Most people feel little at everyday amounts. Some describe feeling a bit more relaxed or sleepy, especially when they take it in the evening. There’s no euphoria, altered perception or “munchies”. Possible side effects include tiredness, dry mouth and, at high doses, an upset stomach. See CBD side effects and how long CBD takes to work.
When a “CBD” product can get you high
- It contains THC: UK testing has found measurable THC in a large share of CBD products bought online and in shops.
- It’s a disguised synthetic: some vapes and edibles sold as “CBD” have contained synthetic cannabinoids (“spice”), which can be dangerous.
- It’s a “legal high” cannabinoid: products marketed with delta-8 THC, HHC or similar are intoxicating. See delta-8 THC in the UK.
- It’s from abroad: full spectrum products legal in some countries contain more THC than UK rules allow.
Drug tests and driving
Drug tests look for THC, not CBD. A CBD product with no detectable THC shouldn’t cause a positive test, but products containing traces of THC, especially full spectrum, have caused positives. Roadside tests in the UK also check for THC. See how long CBD stays in your system and drug tests and CBD and driving.
How to choose a CBD that won’t get you high
- Broad spectrum or isolate, not full spectrum. See full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate.
- A batch lab report showing THC “not detected”. See how to read a lab report.
- A brand on the FSA public list.
- Avoid unlabelled vapes and edibles, and anything marketed as giving a “buzz”.
Our oils and capsules are broad spectrum, and every batch is tested by an independent lab.
See also is CBD legal in the UK, and how much THC is allowed.
FAQs
Does CBD get you high?
No. CBD isn’t intoxicating. The high from cannabis comes from THC, which works on brain receptors in a way CBD doesn’t.
Can CBD make you feel weird?
Some people feel relaxed or sleepy, and side effects like dry mouth or an upset stomach can happen. If a product makes you feel high, it probably contains THC or another cannabinoid.
Can you get high from CBD oil if you take a lot?
No. Even at hundreds of mg, CBD didn’t produce a meaningful high in studies, though large amounts can cause sleepiness and stomach upset.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
Tests look for THC, not CBD. A product with no detectable THC shouldn’t cause a positive, but full spectrum products can.
Is CBD addictive?
The World Health Organization found no evidence that CBD has abuse or dependence potential.
Can you drive after taking CBD?
CBD itself doesn’t affect driving like THC does, but don’t drive if you feel drowsy, and use a product with no detectable THC.
Sources
- Schoedel KA et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to evaluate the subjective abuse potential and cognitive effects of cannabidiol. Epilepsy Behav, 2018.
- World Health Organization. Cannabidiol (CBD) critical review report, Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, 2018.
- Home Office. Drug licensing factsheet: cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids.
- National Health Executive. Centre for Medicinal Cannabis testing of UK CBD products, 2019.
