Something that we get asked all the time from those who are about to begin a hemp routine for the first time is, “How does CBD make you feel” or, “What does CBD feel like?” We’ve known for a long time the way in which cannabinoids work with the human body, but explaining the mechanisms at play when one takes CBD doesn’t necessarily explain the way in which the user will feel when they administer it to themselves.
Clearing Up the myths about cbd
Today, we’ll be answering that question by explaining its effects in as much detail as possible, while also going into the overall feeling that you can expect when you take CBD. Some people are hesitant to try it because they’re afraid it will make them feel overly sleepy, or simply not like themselves. Therefore, we’d like to provide as much information on the topic as possible so that first-time users can know what to expect.
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How Does CBD Make You Feel?
First things first: what is the overall feeling one will experience when they take CBD? It’s easy to see why many people assume that cannabinoids will get them high, because the hemp plant is a cousin to marijuana, as both plants belong to the cannabis genus. But, CBD and hemp in general will not get you high, because hemp is a non-psychoactive plant.
Still, people do describe a unique feeling when they take CBD. So, what is that feeling, exactly? If you’re hoping for a powerful feeling of the CBD “kicking in” so to speak, you might be disappointed. CBD doesn’t work like a drug, in that it suddenly and dramatically alters the way in which you feel. Cannabinoids are simply more subtle than that. What most people describe is a gentle feeling of enhanced wellbeing, and often, people report noticing that something that was troubling them becomes less intense.
CBD, Cannabinoids, and the Endocannabinoid System
CBD is cannabidiol, which is a cannabinoid that’s native to cannabis. Cannabis possesses hundreds of unique cannabinoids which absorb into the body in basically the same manner. They bind with cannabinoid receptors found all over the body, which belong to the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a regulatory system that promotes homeostasis through the binding process between cannabinoids and receptors. Different cannabinoid receptors regulate different functions of the body, pertaining to everything from mood to pain levels. Also, cannabinoid receptors can only perform these regulatory actions if they are fed cannabinoids like CBD.
This unique process that the endocannabinoid system takes on results in a gentle, subtle, and holistic type of effect, but it is an effect, nonetheless. Therefore, while you might not “feel” the CBD aggressively acting, the cannabinoids are working hard behind the scenes to boost your overall sense of equilibrium. And, because cannabinoids seem to work in a cumulative manner, you might find that you feel the effects of CBD gradually over the course of a couple weeks of taking it daily.
What are the Effects of Cannabidiol?
In order to answer that question, we need to go straight to the source, which is the collection of clinical studies that have been performed over the last several years which intensively study the properties of CBD and hemp overall.
Clinical Study #1: CBD for Stress and Anxiety
CBD has been researched extensively for its potential effects on both stress and anxiety, with one study showing that cannabidiol may be able to be used for a wide range of anxiety disorders. Cannabinoid receptors in the brain have an influence over neurotransmitters, and so cannabinoids may be able to control the manner in which stress hormones are secreted from the brain.
Clinical Study #2: CBD for Sleep
Another series of findings points to a promising potential that cannabidiol has for improving sleep. Above, we talked about the role that cannabinoid receptors have in regulating neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters also have a crucial effect on sleep, like melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin. Therefore, it’s not surprising that scientists have surmised that cannabidiol may offer a more regular sleep cycle.
Clinical Study #3: CBD for Pain
More people are turning to CBD as a natural option for all kinds of pain, but what does the science say? Well, cannabidiol seems to offer analgesic properties that dull pain receptors in the brain, along with anti-inflammatory properties that regulate the body’s inflammatory response which is largely responsible for a wide range of pain-related issues. We know that many people take CBD for migraines and arthritis and use CBD when recovering from an injury as well.
Clinical Study #4: CBD for Digestion
Several studies have shown that CBD may calm inflammation in the digestive tract in order to promote better digestion and absorption of nutrients. Many common digestive ailments are the result of inflammation, especially within the intestines.
Clinical Study #5: CBD for Neurological Wellness
Given its regulatory effects on bodily systems, it’s not surprising that scientists have found a link between CBD and neurological wellness. Cannabidiol seems to strengthen neural pathways while simultaneously promoting neurogenesis and protecting neurons in the brain. For this reason, CBD is being considered as an option for those who suffer from dementia, epilepsy, and concussions.
Clinical Study #6: CBD for Appetite
Another property of CBD that has been studied by medical researchers is appetite enhancement, which can be quite useful to those who have lost their appetite and are therefore struggling to take in enough calories and nutrients to maintain good overall health.
Clinical Study #7: CBD for Skin
Research has uncovered that the topical application of cannabidiol may help with inflammatory skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis, as a result of the inflammation-regulating properties of cannabidiol.
Clinical Study #8: CBD for Immunity
Scientists have found that cannabinoid receptors in the immune system may help boost the function of the immune system as a result of CBD administration.
Clinical Study #9: CBD for Blood Pressure
Fascinatingly, studies have shown that CBD may lower blood pressure by regulating the circulatory system.
Clinical Study #10: CBD for Depression
We focus a lot on the link between CBD and anxiety, but cannabidiol might also be useful for depression, according to research pointing to a regulatory effect that the cannabinoid has on serotonin levels.
Clinical Study #11: CBD for Energy
CBD may offer a boost of energy if taken during the daytime, because of the potential to support the body’s natural energy cycle that peaks and dips throughout the day.
Factors that Influence How You Feel After Taking CBD
Now that you know the researched potential effects of CBD, let’s discuss the factors that influence how much you may feel these effects after taking it.
Factor #1: Delivery Method
For instance, using CBD topically may only provide effects directly to the area of application. Going with a CBD edible may give you much subtler effects, while vaping CBD may offer more potently felt properties, for a shorter duration of time.
Factor #2: Strength
CBD products come in different milligram strengths, and the milligram strength determines the potency of each dose you take. Obviously, higher milligram strengths can give you stronger effects.
Factor #3: Dosage
The dosage you take also plays a role, of course. Higher doses will likely lead to more noticeable effects.
Factor #4: Quality
Yes, the quality of the CBD product you take matters tremendously, as lower-quality goods may be made using cheaper extraction methods that result in a dulled potency.
Factor #5: Your Body
Everyone’s body responds to cannabinoids in a unique way, and that’s the case with just about anything that people take on a daily basis. Therefore, your experience with CBD may be different from that of another person’s.
Factor #6: How Long You’ve Been Taking it
We said that there’s a cumulative effect when it comes to CBD, where the longer you take it, the more effective it may become. Therefore, how long you have been using cannabidiol daily may influence how you feel after each dose.
Final Thoughts
The way in which CBD makes you feel is dependent on a number of factors, as you can see. But ultimately, you can expect a sense of wellness to occur, especially the longer you take it in most cases. Therefore, we encourage you to give cannabidiol a try, as there is really nothing to lose given its unique influence on the human body, as demonstrated in many clinical studies performed over the years.