Do CBD Dabs Get You High? How They Compare to THC

Since the federal legalization of CBD several years back, CBD dabs have gained traction among people seeking the benefits of cannabis flower with its hallmark psychotropic effects. Maybe you’re curious about whether they work (at least for the type of experience you’re seeking), or you’re wondering if there’s any truth to the claim that CBD can get you high in large doses.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about CBD dabbing: what it is, how it compares to THC, and what you can realistically expect to feel through CBD dabbing. 

What is CBD Dabbing?

We have two essential points to address here: what is CBD, and what is dabbing?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the hemp plant’s most abundant compound. You’ll find substantially more CBD than THC in industrial hemp, unlike in marijuana, which is THC-dominant. While you can also dab THC-rich extracts (if anything, that’s the side of dabbing most people are familiar with), CBD dabbing refers specifically to hemp concentrates.

Dabbing is just one way to consume cannabis products, or, in this case, cannabis concentrates like liquid diamonds THC, CBD wax, shatter, or budder. Waxy concentrates are known for their high cannabinoid and terpene content. Although hemp bud might test between 15% and 25% CBD, concentrates can contain as much as 90% or more. It doesn’t take much of the extract to feel the effects in full.

The vapor produced from a dab is dense and potent, giving users a strong, sometimes more immediate sense of CBD’s physical and mental effects. This intensity is partly why some people mistakenly assume CBD dabs can get you high: when in reality, they’re simply experiencing a more concentrated dose of a non-intoxicating cannabinoid.

How to Dab CBD?

You can dab with a wax pen, concentrate vaporizer, or traditional dab rig. There are different ways to dab CBD. 

A dab rig looks the closest to a bong but uses a heated surface (called a nail or banger) instead of a bowl. Once you heat the nail to the desired temperature (usually between 450°F and 600°F for CBD), you apply a small amount of concentrate and inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece. It’s straightforward enough, but it can take some finesse and isn’t the most beginner-friendly method. 

Wax pens and portable vaporizers are a better pick if you’re looking to optimize discretion and ease of use. They don’t require a torch and usually heat the extract to an optimal temperature automatically. Much simpler, overall. 

Dabbing is distinct from smoking because the extract is vaporized rather than combusted (not that you should be smoking concentrates, regardless). This allows for a cleaner flavor and higher cannabinoid retention, plus less exposure to harmful byproducts created during combustion. 

All that said, dabbing can take some practice, and it’s essential to start with a small CBD dose. CBD concentrates are ultra-potent, and even a tiny CBD dab delivers a strong effect. Believe it or not, some people are sensitive to CBD and might respond poorly, although this isn’t extremely common. CBD tends to be well-tolerated.

What Are Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD Dabs?

Before diving into the details, CBD dabs fall into three categories: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. Each type differs in cannabinoid composition. For example, isolate only contains CBD (nothing else), and broad-spectrum contains CBD and possibly other cannabinoids except for THC. Meanwhile, full-spectrum includes trace THC and a full range of plant compounds. 

If you’re willing to sacrifice some CBD concentration, then broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD extracts are worth exploring. These dabs preserve more of hemp’s natural chemical makeup, not just CBD, but also trace cannabinoids, flavonoids, and the cannabis plant’s complex terpene profile. 

Live resin and live rosin are both beloved full-spectrum extracts that can be dabbed. Despite their lower percentage of CBD, full-spectrum hemp concentrates can be incredibly potent thanks to the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect is when cannabis compounds mingle together and act in tandem; this potentially enhances the extract’s overall impact. Science hasn’t fully worked out how this mechanism works yet, but many cannabis users report that full-spectrum extracts feel richer or more balanced than isolates. 

Broad-spectrum extracts are similar, but with one core distinction: they contain no detectable THC, unlike the trace amount in full-spectrum CBD extracts. They’re a solid choice for anyone who wants to avoid THC altogether while still benefiting from a range of hemp compounds. 

That’s not to say pure CBD or high-CBD waxes aren’t worth your time. Isolates can deliver a uniquely clean CBD experience, free of other cannabinoids, which some users prefer for consistency or sensitivity reasons. It all depends on the kind of experience you’re seeking. 

Do CBD Dabs Get You High?

No, you won’t get high by dabbing CBD-rich cannabis concentrates, regardless of how much you consume. Unless the extract in question also contains THC, it isn’t psychotropic. 

With that in mind, CBD is a psychoactive cannabinoid, as is the case for any substance that alters brain function or mood. But it doesn’t activate CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human endocannabinoid system the way THC does, so CBD is non-intoxicating. THC’s direct activation of these receptors is what produces the traditional cannabis high.

Instead, CBD interacts more indirectly with the endocannabinoid system, potentially influencing receptor activity and other signaling pathways, such as serotonin and adenosine. These mechanisms are central to CBD’s calming and balancing effects, even if they don’t cause intoxication. 

There’s also evidence that CBD might moderate THC’s effects by partially inhibiting its binding power to CB1 and CB2 receptors. Meaning, if you consume both cannabinoids together, you might feel a less intense high than if you’d used THC alone. Of course, this will depend on the person taking it, the ratio of cannabinoids present, and the doses involved. 

If your goal is to get stoned, then CBD dabs aren’t the way to go. That said, CBD does have unique effects of its own and is absolutely worth exploring if you’re looking to unwind, reset, or simply experience cannabis in a nonintoxicating form. 

What Do CBD Dabs Feel Like Instead?

While CBD dabs aren’t psychotropic, they do impact the brain and body in noticeable ways. 

As with any cannabinoid, CBD’s effects vary from person to person. Your chemistry, metabolism, and even recent food intake can all influence how you respond to the compound. One person might feel deeply relaxed, while another may feel more clear-headed and centered.

CBD dabs can be both physically and mentally soothing. Since concentrates deliver large amounts of CBD very quickly through the lungs, the onset of effects is fast—perhaps even faster than other inhalable forms of cannabis, but as always, it depends. Many CBD users report feeling a wave of calm or lightness through their bodies, possibly accompanied by reduced muscle tension and a more balanced mood. 

Research into the therapeutic effectiveness of CBD is still developing, so it’s difficult to make any hardline claims. But anecdotal reports and early studies point to possible benefits for daily strain, discomfort, and general mood regulation. 

Easing tension is one of the most common motivations for using CBD, and one of the areas where this cannabinoid appears to shine the brightest. Many users say it helps them unwind and loosen up after a long day. Just make sure you’re not using it as a substitute for medical care or any treatment prescribed by your doctor (unless you’re prescribed Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug for treatment-resistant epilepsy). 

How Does Dabbing CBD Compare to THC?

Whether you’re dabbing CBD or a Delta 9 THC concentrate, the core methodology looks the same: you have the same potential equipment, and it’ll often take just a small amount of wax to feel the effects.

In terms of effects, again, don’t dab CBD if you’re aiming to get high. While Delta 9 THC is far from the only cannabinoid with psychotropic effects, there’s also Delta 8 THC, Delta 10 THC, among others—CBD doesn’t fit into that category. 

The experience of dabbing THC versus CBD could hardly be more different. THC dabs produce an intense, rapid onset high that can be overwhelming for inexperienced users or those with low tolerance. You might feel euphoric, giggly, or deeply introspective, along with the classic sensory changes associated with being stoned. 

CBD dabs, on the other hand, offer clarity without intoxication. There’s no impairment, no altered perception, and no risk of feeling too high or anxiety-addled.

Feature	CBD Dabs	THC Dabs
Main Compound	CBD	Delta 9 THC (or Delta 8, Delta 10, etc.)
Intoxicating	None	Yes
Legality	Federally legal (≤0.3% THC)	Federally illegal (varies by state)
Psychoactive	Mildly (non-intoxicating)	Strongly psychoactive
Mental Effects	Clear-headed, relaxed, focused	Altered perception, giggly, introspective, sometimes anxious
Physical Effects	Soothing, tension relief, body ease	Heavier body sensations, possible couch-lock
Functionality	Stay alert and functional	Impaired motor skills or slow reaction time
Best For	Daytime use, relaxation, stress management	Recreational use, creativity, or unwinding deeply
Tolerance	Well-tolerated	Can overwhelm beginners or sensitive users

Why Some People Prefer CBD Dabs Over THC?

In general, if someone wants to relax without getting high, then they’re far more likely to reach for CBD than THC. That much is a given. 

Some individuals are highly THC-sensitive, finding even small doses uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing. For those people, CBD offers a way to experience the perks of cannabis concentrates without the mental fog or paranoia that can, sadly, sometimes accompany THC use. Others simply don’t enjoy being intoxicated but still want the potential wellness benefits that cannabinoids can provide. 

CBD dabs are similarly appealing to those who need to stay functional throughout their day. You can dab CBD in the morning or afternoon without worrying about impairment at work or when driving. This makes it a practical option for managing discomfort or stress during waking hours, something that isn’t exactly an option with THC, unless your tolerance is sky high, of course. 

There’s also the legal angle. While cannabis laws vary widely by location, hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in many places where marijuana isn’t. This accessibility makes CBD dabs a more viable option for people living in restrictive areas of the United States. 

Why Some People Think CBD Dabs Get You High?

Although some CBD users report feeling “high” after consuming large doses of CBD, this isn’t via a true psychotropic effect. No matter how much CBD you ingest, it won’t bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors in the way THC does, and you aren’t going to feel high in the same sense. 

But as before, CBD is a psychoactive compound, and it still influences the brain and nervous system. It’s not traditionally sedative, either, but CBD can have a mentally soothing effect that some users might mistake for mild intoxication, especially if they’re new to cannabinoids entirely. The reduced tension and shift in mental state can feel significant, particularly when you’re dabbing concentrated forms of CBD. 

There’s also the placebo effect to consider. If someone expects to feel altered after dabbing any cannabis product, they might interpret CBD’s calming effects as a light high. The ritual of dabbing itself, the equipment, the vapor, and the intensity, can create associations with getting stoned, even when the actual cannabinoid profile is completely different. 

Safety and Things to Consider When Dabbing CBD

Start Low and Go Slow

First, always abide by the age-old tenet: start low and go slow, even with cannabinoids that aren’t psychotropic. 

Once more, unpleasant side effects from CBD aren’t unheard of. Some people report nausea or other digestive mishaps, for instance. You shouldn’t be consuming large doses of any supplement right out of the gate, even if we’re looking at a generally well-tolerated CBD. Begin with the smallest dab, check how your body responds to the dose, and adjust it accordingly. You might also want to be aware of some potential drug interactions. 

Be Careful Around Traditional Rigs

If you’re using a traditional dab rig, be mindful of the torch. Be careful around open flames and hot surfaces. Accidents can happen if you’re careless or unfamiliar with the process of using traditional dab rigs. This is why many people opt for dab pens or electric vaporizers specifically to avoid this hassle.

Control the Dabbing Temperature

Temperature matters, too. Dabbing at excessively high temperatures can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, producing harsh vapor and potentially creating harmful byproducts. 

Go for CBD Dabs with Transparent Lab Results

Quality control is another essential consideration. Not all CBD products are developed with the care and attention they (and you) deserve. Look for products that have been third-party lab tested for potency, purity, and maybe even contaminants like residual solvents from the extraction process. 

Should You Try CBD Dabs?

CBD dabs offer a unique way to experience cannabis without the intoxication coming from THC. They’re potent, fast-acting, and deliver effects that many users find calming.

That said, CBD dabs won’t get you high. If you’re looking for a psychotropic ride, THC is what you’re after. But if you want the potential benefits of cannabis without impairment, CBD dabs could be the solution. Just remember to start small, choose quality products, and listen to your body as you figure out what works best for you.

CBD dabs aren’t the only way to enjoy hemp’s benefits. The Hemp Doctor’s vast offering of CBD tinctures, CBD gummies, and CBD softgels delivers the same calm and clarity in smoother, convenient forms. All are crafted from premium US-grown hemp, precisely formulated, and verified through third-party lab testing.

FAQs