When it comes to CBD products, many people have a lot of questions about the cannabinoid. Many wonder if CBD will get you high, or how CBD will make them feel. If you’ve never taken CBD before, you may be surprised to learn that the effects are probably not what you’d expect.
CBD is often confused with THC, which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana. Even in 2020, there is a negative stigma when it comes to the cannabis plant. But, what many people don’t understand is that the cannabis plant comes in two varieties. Hemp contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. Marijuana, the other type of cannabis plant, is the exact opposite.
Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of what CBD is and how it makes you feel.
Cannabinoid 101
Hemp plants contain hundreds of different cannabinoids. Each of them has its own medicinal and therapeutic benefits. The two most commonly used cannabinoids are CBD and THC. While somewhat related, it’s best to compare these two compounds as distant cousins.
CBD naturally occurs in high levels in the hemp plant. It offers a wide range of medicinal and therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief, lowered stress and anxiety, and even improved recovery. CBD may also help those who have problems falling asleep or staying asleep.
Unlike THC, according to Penguin CBD, CBD won’t make you feel high, intoxicated, or altered in any way. This is because CBD has no psychoactive effects, while THC does.
On the other hand, THC is more abundant in the marijuana plant. While it does cause psychoactive effects, the cannabinoid is known for many medicinal benefits, including tumor reduction, pain relief, and even depression relief.
What CBD Makes You Feel Like
CBD and THC have very similar medicinal and therapeutic benefits, but how each cannabinoid will make you feel is very different. CBD offers feelings that can be compared to the runner’s high. This is when the body is flooded with endorphins (feel good chemicals) which quickly lift the mood, making you feel good. While you will feel happier and calmer, you won’t feel that euphoric high that THC offers.
After taking CBD, you may also experience:
- Feeling more focused
- A heightened sense of awareness
- Level-headedness
In simplest terms, taking CBD will make you feel a sense of well-being and happiness. These feelings are much needed after long, stressful days.
Do CBD Products Contain THC?
Depending on the type of CBD product you purchase, it may contain trace amounts of CBD. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, legal hemp products can contain up to 0.3% THC.
If you’re looking for a CBD product that contains no THC, you’ll want to look for those made with CBD isolate. This is CBD that has been isolated from all of the other compounds in the hemp plant, including THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes.
While CBD isolate is effective, it’s not as effective as products that contain broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD. This is because broad and full-spectrum CBD contain trace amounts of THC, along with flavonoids, terpenes, and amino acids. Working together, CBD, THC, and the other compounds are able to enhance medicinal and therapeutic benefits.
This is known as the entourage effect. So, if you’re looking to get the most relief possible, look for CBD gummies, oils, or capsules that use a full or broad-spectrum CBD versus CBD isolate.
How Long Do the Side Effects Last?
How long side effects last and how noticeable they will be depends on a lot of factors. If you’ve taken a higher dosage of CBD, you’ll of course feel more noticeable effects, and they may last longer.
If you’ve never taken CBD before, the side effects will eventually be very noticeable. But over time, feeling less anxious or less pain will become your new normal.
How you take CBD will also impact the quickness and longevity of the effects. Products such as oils, oral sprays, capsules, and vapes all allow CBD to enter the bloodstream faster. This means that you’ll feel the effects almost immediately. Edible and topical CBD can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to be effective.
CBD Is Most Effective for These Common Ailments
The benefits of CBD will definitely be more noticeable for people who suffer from certain ailments. For example, if you experience chronic pain, CBD will likely provide the relief that you desire. Some have even reported that CBD was able to treat crippling pain, which allowed them to return to normal daily functions.
CBD can minimize any inflammation within the body. This means it may be quite beneficial for athletes who spend hours a day exercising in the gym. CBD can also be helpful for people with physical jobs who experience a lot of inflammation in the bones, joints, and muscles.
Struggle with stress, anxiety, or depression? CBD may be your golden ticket. The cannabinoid is well-known for its ability to activate serotonin receptors in the brain. This helps to combat feelings of anxiety and sadness. Instead, you’ll feel happier, more focused, and even calmer.
Last but definitely not least, if quality sleep is rare, CBD can make it a nightly occurrence. CBD can be used by people who struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep. This is because it calms your mind and puts an end to racing thoughts and nighttime worries. There are many CBD products on the market that contain melatonin to further improve your sleep cycles.
Conclusion
Despite all of the misconceptions and confusion surrounding CBD, the fact remains that the compound may be a ray of hope for many people. While many common ailments can be treated with prescription medications, an all-natural option offers less side effects and risks.
Now that you know how you can expect CBD to make you feel and how you can benefit your life, you can make an informed decision when choosing to buy any kind of CBD product.
