Is CBD really a non-psychoactive substance?
In almost every article about cannabidiol (CBD), you'll find a mention that this cannabinoid found in medical hemp is not psychoactive. The definition of psychoactive substances is entirely clear, yet the unfortunate label "non-psychoactive" is often used for CBD. Because this is a highly discussed topic, we decided to look at how this classification actually works. What are the differences between famous cannabinoids in their effectiveness and influence on the human mind? Can we see certain synergy in the mutual cooperation of individual hemp substances? Finally, we'll look at the opinions of experts who have been dealing with hemp for many years.
The entire problem begins with the word "psychoactive", which has slight discrepancies in interpretation. The vast majority of commercial and non-commercial information sources (websites, television, newspapers, etc.) use this designation in connection with CBD, which is quite misleading. However, the public should have a certain understanding of this approach, as this attribute has become somewhat domesticated, and it doesn't change the view of CBD's effectiveness for users or the general public. In reality, experts suggest using the phrase "non-intoxicating", where intoxication means poisoning or addiction. We'll introduce some of the used terms in the following lines.
What to imagine under the term "psychoactive"?
Chemical substances labeled as "psychoactive" have the ability to primarily affect the central nervous system (CNS) and thus change brain functions, leading to temporary changes in perception, consciousness, mood, or behavior. For this reason, the title "psychoactive" is more often attributed to the second most famous cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is most frequently associated with all these changes at physical and psychological levels. CBD is known for its positive effects on depression, anxiety, or insomnia, so we could classify it as a chemical substance that changes perception, consciousness, mood, and ultimately behavior. If we realize that this is indeed the case, we could respectfully label CBD as highly "psychoactive". We can also occasionally encounter the term "psychotropic substance", which represents a substance that changes our mental state – our sense of perceiving reality and the surrounding world. This expression is particularly associated with cannabis containing THC, as CBD-preferring users simply cannot experience a state like reality distortion.
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