Ever since cannabidiol (CBD) hit mainstream, everyone has been wondering about its effects: How does CBD make you feel? Does it get you high? Does taking CBD cure-all? The answer isn’t as simple as you think. In this article, we are going to look at how CBD sensation differs based on research and anecdotal evidence.
CBD's impact on individuals varies due to its diverse forms and dosages. Understanding its effects depends on various factors. First, let's go over what CBD does and doesn't do.
CBD Induces Relaxation
Many take CBD for a variety of reasons, and one of them being mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD helps provide a sense of calm or peace for users. CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Natural compounds like CBD connect with those receptors to help regulate moods, emotions, and overall balance bodily functions. When your body is imbalanced, CBD offers a soothing effect.
CBD Minimal Side Effects
Unlike pharmaceuticals, CBD presents minimal side effects when treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. CBD is a natural compound found organically in cannabis plants, and research shows minimal side effects for the user. One study indicates rare occurrences of lethargy and diarrhea, but overall CBD is generally safe and effective to use without a prescription, making it an attractive alternative.
CBD Doesn’t Get You High
Contrary to common belief, CBD doesn't induce a high. Most people assume because THC and CBD both derive from cannabis plants, it will get you high.
Cannabis plants have over 100 compounds in the flowers and stems. Two common ones are THC and CBD. Both are used in medical marijuana, but only THC has psychoactive effects. CBD is often sourced from manufactured hemp and is sometimes called hemp oil or CBD hemp oil. Although hemp oil is made from the stems of the plant and has very low CBD, if a product says hemp extract, higher levels of CBD are usually present. Overall CBD lacks intoxicating effects, making it suitable for various applications.
You Won’t Feel CBD Right Away
Expecting immediate effects from CBD is unrealistic. Depending on consumption method, the effects of CBD can take 15 to 90 minutes. Given CBD’s subtle impact, immediate sensations might not be noticeable. For those seeking for quick pain relief or sleeping issue resolution, CBD takes time to enter your body’s system so patience is key with CBD.
CBD Doesn't Make You Sleepy
One of the most common reasons people take CBD is in alleviating insomnia symptoms without inducing immediate drowsiness. Sleep disorders affect millions of people and could look different depending on the person. You could have a hard time falling asleep or you might wake up mid sleep-cycle and can't fall back to sleep. CBD works with the body's Endocannabinoid System to help relax and relieve stress. Rather than a sudden knockout effect, CBD facilitates gradual relaxation, paving the way for restful sleep. It lulls your mind and body into a peaceful state.
Now that we know what CBD does and doesn't make you feel, let's examine the different product choices, doses, and ingredients, all of which could have an effect on how they make you feel.
CBD Products
As CBD gains popularity, so did the availability and methods of consumption including; gummies, oils, vapes, edibles, creams, tinctures, and capsules.
Each method of CBD consumption produces distinct effects to the user. If you're in chronic pain, taking CBD oil or applying a topical cream might be the answer for you. Your skin has receptors that distribute the cannabidiol through the affected area and then into the Endocannabinoid System. This method might take a little longer for the effects to be felt.
However, if you're looking for a more immediate outcome, there are a few different methods of consumption with a quicker response. One of these would be a CBD vape, which this product contains CBD oil and has a much quicker effect. Vape juice enters the lungs, then the bloodstream immediately. Applying a few CBD drops under the tongue is another quick intake method. CBD capsules for sleep tend to take longer to expand throughout the body thoroughly. How long the dose lasts depends on the intake amount.
CBD Dose
CBD effects depend on the strength of the dose. Determining the right dosage is crucial for experiencing CBD's benefits optimally. While research on optimal dosages is ongoing for men and women, starting with a low dose (25 - 100 mg) of cannabidiol is advised. Because of the minimal side effect found with taking CBD, it is possible to take more than one dose a day for dosage effectiveness. Remember to follow the instructions on the label and consult with a qualified medical professional if needed.
Body Composition
Another factor determining CBD outcomes is body composition. Body composition plays a vital role in how CBD interacts with the body. Gender, metabolism, and hormonal balance affect absorption rates and overall outcomes. For example, men tend to process alcohol and medications faster because they generally have less body fat. More body fat slows down the digestion process and reaches the bloodstream slower. Although how you take CBD will matter in terms of how fast the effects can be felt regardless of gender, your body's personal hormonal chemistry determines CBD outcomes.
Pure CBD or Added THC
When you're first purchasing CBD, knowing what to look for is difficult. Some CBD products are pure cannabidiol with few added ingredients. While pure CBD suits many, some prefer full-spectrum products combining CBD with THC for enhanced effects. The full-spectrum, or whole body approach, believes that to truly benefit from medical marijuana you need to use the entire plant and all its compounds. Marijuana is now legal recreationally and medically in 24 states, and more will follow.
Common CBD Ingredients
Quality CBD often incorporates other natural oils. Common choices include coconut oil, olive oil, and lavender oil. These oils complement CBD, enhancing its absorption and offering varied experiences.
Understanding how CBD makes you feel opens doors to many of its healthful benefits. CBD helps relieve everything from chronic pain to insomnia. It might not be the secret to life, but it just might help you get the rest you deserve.