How Does CBD Make You Feel? What To Expect From CBD Products
Airi Macaluso
Medical Hemp Expert, Hemp Wellness Consultant, and Long-Time Cannabinoid Writer
Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular choice for those looking to support their overall well-being. But how does CBD actually work, and what can you expect when incorporating it into your routine?
In this article, we’ll dive into the basics of CBD, how it interacts with your body, and what it feels like to use CBD products.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors that influence various physiological processes. These receptors, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, are scattered throughout your body, from your central nervous system to your gut’s immune cells. CBD gently stimulates these receptors without altering their function, promoting their natural efficiency.
Instead of changing how your body operates, CBD supports and encourages your body to do what it was designed to do. The positive effects of CBD result from your body’s response to this gentle stimulation.
Think of CBD as a motivational coach that energizes your ECS, helping it support other systems more effectively.
What Does CBD Feel Like?
You know how fire feels hot, and ice feels cold, right? These sensations are universal, and everyone experiences them in the same way.
CBD, on the other hand, offers a more subjective experience. Different people might have similar encounters with CBD, but that doesn’t mean your experience will exactly match that of your bestie.
CBD gently nudges your body and mind in the right direction, supporting your body’s natural balance. It might not feel like a specific sensation — you probably won’t notice the exact moment it “kicks in” as it gradually takes effect.
Folks who use CBD regularly often liken it to how they feel after yoga, meditation, a leisurely stroll, or a long, soothing bubble bath. It can be a calming and relaxing experience, but it won’t detach you from your clear-headed state. You’ll stay present and enjoy the gentle uplift.
Does CBD Make You Drowsy?
Many people expect CBD to make them feel sleepy or drowsy because it’s often used to support better sleep. However, the effects of CBD are nothing like those of sleep aids or prescription medications for sleep.
CBD doesn’t force you into a sleepy state. Instead, it supports your circadian rhythm and natural relaxation processes, helping you unwind when bedtime rolls around. You won’t feel loopy or groggy. You’ll feel naturally relaxed, and you won’t experience a “hangover” effect after a night of restful sleep.
There are various CBD products designed specifically for nighttime use. These often incorporate other natural sleep aids like melatonin, chamomile, or lemon balm, gently nudging CBD’s effects towards a relaxed feeling.
Does CBD Cause a High?
The sensation of being high results from cannabinoids binding to receptors in your brain. These compounds act like tiny puzzle pieces, attaching to your receptors and altering the way your brain and body send, receive, and perceive signals. This interaction leads to the experience of being high.
CBD, however, isn’t particularly keen on binding to anything — it’s more of a free spirit. CBD has decided it’s not an ideal match for any of your receptors. It’ll give them a little nudge, and they’ll respond, but ultimately, the effects of CBD come from your own body doing what it naturally does, rather than CBD altering your processes.
As a result, CBD won’t get you high, although it might subtly influence how you feel. Most people would describe its influence as similar to the influence of relaxing activities, like yoga or meditation.
Why Might CBD Make You Feel High?
CBD shouldn’t make you feel high since it’s not psychoactive. If you’re experiencing a high, there might be a minor cannabinoid playing tricks on you or even an unexpected amount of THC, thanks to a serving size mistake on your part.
Let’s dive into a few reasons why you might feel high after using a CBD product — spoiler alert: none of them involve CBD itself.
You Might Have Used Too Much (Oops!)
Full spectrum hemp products can’t contain over 0.3% THC. If you’ve used a full spectrum CBD product and feel high, you might have gone a little overboard.
It’s tough to accidentally overdo it with CBD oil. The issue isn’t the CBD quantity, but rather the cumulative effect of small amounts of THC. To experience any psychoactive effects from such minimal THC levels, you’d likely need to consume the entire bottle in one veryenthusiastic sitting.
Overindulging in CBD gummies is more common, however. A serving is typically one gummy, and the suggested maximum daily amount depends on the CBD content. Usually, it isn’t more than five gummies per day.
Don’t overindulge, friend. Always be sure to follow the packaging’s recommended serving size for CBD products.
Your CBD Might Contain Sneaky Psychoactive Minor Cannabinoids
While the law is strict about delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it’s more relaxed about related psychoactivecannabinoids. Delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, THCV, THCA, PHC, and HHC can all be a little mischievous. Some CBD products include these minor cannabinoids, which can make you feel high.
If a CBD product includes these cannabinoids, their presence will be clearly listed on the label. Even though most of these cannabinoids naturally occur within hemp, they’re usually in such tiny amounts that they wouldn’t produce an effect.
A company would have to intentionally fortify their CBD products with these cannabinoids to create psychoactive effects.
If they did, they’ll let you know. So, always read the label (knowledge is power!).
Your CBD Is Derived From Traditional Cannabis Sativa Versus Hemp
The majority of CBD products come from hemp, but some CBD products are derived from THC-heavy strains of cannabis. These products must be sold at a recreational or medical marijuana dispensary. You won’t find them online or on standard store shelves.
High-CBD, high-THC cannabis products are still generally used for wellness benefits, but the THC adds that extra euphoric sensation that’s limited to recreational states. It would be challenging to accidentally purchase and use them without proper authorization if you don’t live in a state where recreational cannabis is legal, and even if you do, budtenders usually ensure you know what you’re buying.
If you’ve been buying CBD from a dispensary in a recreationally legal state, ask your friendly budtender about hemp-derived CBD products or non-psychoactive alternatives. Many dispensaries also cater to people who want to enjoy CBD benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. Your budtender is your buddy, and they’ll be able to help you out!
How Long Does it Take CBD To Work?
The answer to this question comes in two parts: about an hour and a month. Yup, you read that right! CBD offers both immediate and long-term effects.
Typically, CBD reaches your endocannabinoid system within an hour, regardless of the form you take. Inhaled CBD can work in as little as five minutes, while ingested CBD might take up to two hours if you’re using it on a full stomach. An hour is the average time for products like CBD gummies and CBD oil — they’re in it for the long haul.
Being consistent is crucial for reaping CBD’s long-term benefits. Imagine this: having grilled chicken and a green smoothie for lunch may make you feel good for a day. Making it your daily lunch for a week? That’s when you’ll see the long-term goodness. Committing to a CBD routine helps produce the most noticeable results.
It takes about a month of regular use for CBD’s benefits to reach their full potential. Your body appreciates long-term holistic support and consistent choices that put your wellness first.
If you didn’t feel like CBD did much for you the first time, don’t worry. Finish up your bottle of oil or bag of gummies, using a serving every day. Re-evaluate how you feel when the container is empty.
What Is the Best Type of CBD?
To be honest, there isn’t objectively a “best” type of CBD. The ideal option for you depends on factors like your desired effects, whether you want to avoid THC, and the kind of routine you can commit to. The best type of CBD is the type you feel comfortable using every day. It’s your wellness routine — you’ll only be able to enjoy the benefits by listening to your body and doing what feels right for you.
That being said, we might have a soft spot for full spectrum and broad spectrum products, which encourage the entourage effect.
Full Spectrum
Full spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and phytonutrients the hemp plant has to offer. Whole hemp extract is believed to promote the entourage effect, which is the synergy that occurs when cannabinoids and terpenes work together.
Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum CBD contains everything except the small amounts of naturally occurring THC from hemp extract. The THC is isolated and removed until no detectable amounts remain. It may not fully promote the entourage effect, but it comes pretty close compared to CBD isolate.
CBD Isolate
CBD is flying solo with CBD isolate. In this type, CBD is isolated from the hemp extract and incorporated into an oil base or mixed into a CBD gummy formula. CBD isolate only provides the benefits of CBD, and it doesn’t contain any detectable amounts of terpenes, THC, or other minor cannabinoids. It’s like dining at a table for one.
Is CBD Oil Safe To Use?
CBD supplements are loosely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has announced that they intend to take more steps to regulate the CBD industry.
You should always review a CBD company’s third-party lab testing policy before using a CBD product. Third-party labs can review each batch of a company’s product for product label accuracy and product purity. It may give you peace of mind to know that you’re getting exactly what the label says you’re getting.
If you ever have concerns about using a new product like CBD, you should speak to your doctor.
How Long Does CBD Last?
The effects of CBD can last a short time or a long time. It all depends on how often you take it. CBD oil drops, CBD softgels, CBD gummies, and CBD edibles can last up to eight hours. The effects may wear off within six hours if you have a very fast metabolism. You can use more CBD to maintain a continuous stream of benefits throughout the day.
If you vape or smoke CBD, you’ll notice the effects much sooner. They’ll also wear off much faster. All the CBD will enter your system at once, and your body will immediately begin to phase it out. CBD you swallow is slowly released as it’s digested, so the effects last a little longer.
All Aboard!
The only way to know for sure how CBD makes you feel is to try CBD for yourself. Our high-quality, hemp-derived CBD products are third-party lab tested, non-GMO, and formulated just for you.
Shop our selection of CBD products and find the right fit for your wellness routine!
Sources:
The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator | Journal of Young Investigators
Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis | The Permanente Journal
