According to a 2019 Gallup poll, 14% of American adults say they use CBD products. Judging by the rapidly increasing popularity of this cannabinoid, one can reasonably assume that the percentage is even higher now in 2021.
However, there are a lot of misconceptions about what CBD is and what it isn’t. Because it is extracted from hemp or cannabis, many people assume that CBD will make you feel high.
Is that true? What does CBD feel like?
Let’s take a look at what you need to know.
Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System
Our bodies have an endocannabinoid system which is made up of receptors that cannabinoids can bind to as well as enzymes. THC and CBD activate different receptors in this system which is thought to be why they impact the brain and body differently.
It is believed that the way that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system can create feelings of improved mood and relaxation. While CBD is highly promoted in the wellness world as a part of a general health and wellness regimen, there are also studies and anecdotal stories that point towards the medicinal benefits of CBD.
Some studies suggest that CBD can help to reduce inflammation, treat chronic pain, and reduce anxiety. It also might be a reasonable treatment for conditions such as MS, Alzheimer’s disease, and nerve pain.
Does CBD Make You Feel High?
Because both CBD and THC occur naturally in cannabis, many people assume that CBD has similar effects to marijuana. However, CBD on its own is not intoxicating. That means that it won’t make you feel high.
In states where medicinal and recreational marijuana isn’t legal, the CBD that is available is hemp-derived. This means that they don’t have more than 0.3 percent THC. So while some CBD products do have trace amounts of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC, it isn’t enough to create feelings of intoxication.
That doesn’t mean that you don’t feel any effects from CBD. Research has found that this cannabinoid can reduce some of the symptoms of anxiety and depression, for example. However, this is quite distinct from the mind-altering effects of cannabis.
You also might feel uplifting effects from taking high concentrations of CBD. You still won’t get high from it, though.
What Does CBD Feel Like?
There is no cut and dry answer to the question of “what does CBD feel like?”. This is because everyone is different, and different people will react to CBD in their own way. This is similar to the way that individuals can feel drastically different effects when using the same strain of cannabis.
There are also differences in effects depending on the product you use. You can choose to buy CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, or broad-spectrum CBD. CBD isolate is pure CBD, while full-spectrum is an extraction that includes other cannabinoids including THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD is CBD isolate that has had other cannabinoids added back in but without THC.
There are also different product types including oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and more. Depending on how you use CBD, the effects can feel quite different. All that being said, let’s take a look at some of the effects that you might feel.
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Calming
Many CBD users report a feeling of calmness when they use the cannabinoid. CBD is thought to help reduce some of the common symptoms of anxiety including increased heart rate, racing thoughts, and restlessness.
One common reason that people use CBD is to help them fall asleep. For people who struggle to get their minds to turn off before bed, CBD can be a lifesaver.
Energizing
It may seem strange, but CBD can actually be both calming and energizing. CBD can lead to an increase in dopamine, which might help you manage your mood. However, it’s not a stimulant like coffee and the sense of energy from CBD is quite different than you might expect from caffeine.
You can, however, use CBD to help reduce the effects of a caffeine overdose.
CBD also has antioxidative properties. This can help both boost your energy and improve your immune system. Some believe that CBD can help your body reach a sense of internal balance (homeostasis). This can help reduce your anxiety and stress and improve your overall well-being.
More Awake
If you’re feeling foggy-headed and sluggish, CBD oil can be a useful pick-me-up. One study found that CBD can lead to an increase in dopamine production, which plays a part in learning, mood enhancement, and attention.
Basically, taking CBD can help to activate parts of your brain that make you more alert.
Are There Negative Side Effects of CBD?
CBD is considered to be generally safe and well-tolerated. However, there are some known side effects that could impact you. These include:
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Reduced appetite
There are also some medications that are contraindicated with CBD. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check with your physician before you start to take CBD.
Is It Time for You to Try CBD Products?
Many Americans swear by the effects of CBD products on their lives. Some people take it for pain while others might take it for anxiety, sleep problems, or stress. It’s worth understanding that even CBD products that have 0.3% THC content don’t have enough of the psychoactive chemical to make you feel high.
Did you find this article asking “what does CBD feel like?” interesting? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more informative and useful content.
