It’s been a misconception that CBD is non-psychoactive. Psychoactivity refers to an altering of the mind. The definition does not indicate that intoxication or inability to function must accompany that alteration.
In this article, we’ll explain why CBD is truly psychoactive – just not in a way you’d expect.
Why CBD Isn’t Non-Psychoactive
CBD does alter the mind, but not in an intoxicating or incapacitating way. So, yes, CBD is psychoactive. It’s often said that CBD is non-psychoactive because it doesn’t make you high, but that’s not the right way to explain this cannabinoid.
When it comes to CBD, you won’t feel foggy or drowsy . When CBD begins working in the body, alterations do occur but you don’t necessarily “feel” anything.Alterations (changes) in the brain/mind do happen – but it’s something you’ll just notice and not actually feel.
We’ll get into how CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the next section. This will help you understand how alterations do occur but aren’t impairing.
CBD and Cannabinoid Receptors
CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body. It docks itself on binding sites since it is incapable of directly binding to the receptor itself. A benefit of CBD is that it can bind to multiple docking sites to influence multiple receptors in the body. It’s called an allosteric modulator, which means that it indirectly influences receptors. It doesn’t directly activate receptors to send signals, but does influence how it responds to specific stimulation.
CBD can’t bind to all cannabinoid receptors, but it can park nearby to influence them. Docking sites are located near cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. The docking sites can send signals or trigger functions. When the cell or receptor is influenced, it reacts accordingly.
Closing Thoughts
Much of the CBD industry is now referring to CBD as being non-intoxicating. You should see fewer mentions of CBD being non-psychoactive as more science indicates that it is. Is CBD non-psychoactive – no, but it won’t make you high or impaired either.
