With all the buzz surrounding CBD at the moment, it’s no wonder questions are floating around. Many people are wondering, “What does CBD oil feel like?” “What are the side effects of CBD oil?” “Do the different forms of CBD all feel the same?” These are all excellent and important questions!
CBD’s proximity to its well-known cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), has spurred some misconceptions about how CBD “feels” in your system. THC is psychoactive, meaning it can make you feel high. But, does CBD oil get you high? In this article, we’ll discuss what CBD is and what it feels like (spoiler alert: it can’t get you “high.”)
CBD oil is a liquid cannabidiol solution made from CBD extract and a carrier oil. This product is popular because you can take it in several ways. Feel free to put CBD oil under your tongue, mix it into food or drink, or even apply it to your skin!
But, what’s CBD, exactly? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in two types of cannabis plants: hemp and marijuana. Legal hemp contains high CBD levels and low levels (0.3% or less) of THC, making it non-psychoactive. Quality CBD oil comes from hemp and will not get you “high.”
There are two different formulations of CBD oil: full-spectrum, which contains 0.3% or less THC, and broad-spectrum, which contains no THC. As we mentioned, a natural carrier oil (typically hemp seed oil) balances the CBD potency, resulting in a consistent product. Let’s dive into the details of full and broad spectrum oils.
Full-spectrum CBD oil has a “complete cannabinoid profile.” This means that in addition to CBD and trace amounts of THC, it also contains low levels of the other cannabinoids found in hemp plants. This is why full-spectrum CBD oil produces the “entourage effect.”
The entourage effect occurs when two or more cannabinoids (plus other hemp compounds – terpenes and flavonoids) work together to increase each other’s efficacy. This results in an enhanced consumer experience compared to when CBD is consumed on its own.
While THC is not necessary to produce the entourage effect, it creates the most therapeutic experience. Full-spectrum CBD oil is a fan favorite for its ability to deliver the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids without producing psychoactive effects.
As we mentioned, broad-spectrum CBD oil doesn’t contain any THC. But, if full-spectrum CBD oil doesn’t make you feel high, why is there a broad-spectrum version with no THC?
Well, many people choose to avoid THC altogether for various personal reasons. Can the amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil make you feel high? No. However, taken over a long time, there is a chance that THC can build up in your system and show up on a drug test for work or athletics.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil provides a fantastic solution for those who need/want to stay away from THC. It contains all of the other cannabinoids in hemp, enabling it to produce an entourage effect. However, without THC, the experience is not quite as powerful as that of full-spectrum oil.
Humans have a body-wide network of cannabinoid receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a role in regulating bodily functions such as mood, digestion, pain response, and many more. In general, your ECS helps maintain your body’s homeostasis or internal balance.
The endocannabinoid system relies on cannabinoids to do its job. External cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) supplement the endocannabinoids our bodies naturally produce. Both types interact with the ECS and help it function.
Out of all the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, CB1 and CB2 receptors are some of the most essential in regulating crucial bodily functions. CB1 receptors are dispersed throughout the brain and influence fine motor skills, stress levels, memory, sleep cycles, and more.
Meanwhile, CB2 receptors exist throughout our major organs, including the skin! They help regulate things like kidney, heart, and liver function and support the immune system.
CBD has exploded in popularity over recent years, but did you know that hemp has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years? As researchers continue to uncover the full range of benefits and side effects of CBD, they look back on hemp’s long history as a “cure-all.”
Today, new research is emerging on CBD’s potential to benefit the endocannabinoid system (ECS). While more research is necessary to uncover CBD’s beneficial effects, current findings are promising.
Taking CBD oil may help ease discomfort caused by ailments related to ECS function. Remember, the ECS is responsible for regulating crucial bodily functions, so you absolutely want it operating at 100%. CBD can immediately help your body by:
So if hemp-derived CBD products don’t get you high, how does CBD make you feel and how long does it take for CBD oil to work? Well, the effects vary from consumer to consumer, but the most commonly reported “feeling” is a sense of calm and relaxation. CBD can make you feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
As we mentioned before, there are a few different ways to consume CBD oil. Each method yields slightly different experiences for the consumer. The onset and duration of effects vary with each type of application.
The most popular ways to take CBD are by mixing it into beverages or foods and dropping it on or under your tongue (sublingually). Let’s explore how each method works.
When you mix CBD oil into food or beverages, it can take between 30 minutes to two hours to feel the effects. Your body will digest the CBD oil with whatever you mixed it into before it reaches your bloodstream and takes effect.
Because the cannabidiol must pass through your digestive tract, CBD oil consumed in this way takes the longest to kick in. But, the effects also last a long time. You can expect to begin feeling a sense of calm followed by relief from discomfort or tension.
When you drop CBD oil on your tongue (swallow it directly), your body still needs to digest it before you feel the positive effects. While this method is not necessarily faster than mixing CBD into food or drinks, it does cut out the time it would take to, say, drink a smoothie with CBD in it.
It may not seem like it would make a difference to drop the oil under your tongue versus on top of it, but taking CBD oil sublingually actually yields the fastest and most effective results out of all three consumption methods. You can expect to feel effects within five to ten minutes of dropping CBD oil under your tongue.
Why is this? Well, the CBD doesn’t pass through the digestive tract in this method. The mucous membranes beneath your tongue absorb the oil, transporting the cannabidiol straight to your bloodstream.
While this method yields the quickest calming results, the effects last the least amount of time. Sublingual consumption is fantastic for quick relief from complaints such as discomfort or trouble sleeping. Still, if you’re looking for long-lasting soothing effects, we recommend swallowing the CBD oil (either with food or on its own).
Yes, CBD oil is well-tolerated by the majority of people. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in hemp plants that is very similar to the endocannabinoids we produce internally. That said, it works with your body in a natural way.
The National Cancer Institute notes that cannabinoid receptors “are not located in the brainstem areas controlling respiration,” and therefore, “lethal overdoses from cannabis and cannabinoids do not occur.” While certain people may exhibit minor adverse side effects, CBD is proving to be beneficial for humans.
One thing to note here is that cannabidiol (CBD) has not been thoroughly evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They have only approved the medical use of CBD in one anti-seizure medication, Epidolex.
Since there is no official FDA seal of approval, there is no “official dosage chart” for CBD products. Always make sure to follow guidelines from experts when consuming CBD. Our expertly reviewed dosage recommendation is 0.25mg (mild dose) to 0.5mg (strong dose) of CBD per pound of body weight.
For example, let’s say you weigh 140 pounds. To calculate your dosage range:
Your dosage range as a 140-pound adult is 35 mg to 70mg. However, you may benefit from amounts that are even higher (or lower) than this standard once you gain more experience with CBD. We recommend starting at the low end of your dosage range and working your way up if you feel like you need it.
CBD is well-tolerated and quickly gaining more attention than ever as part of a natural wellness routine. Though adverse side effects are uncommon and generally mild, some of the potential drawbacks from consuming CBD oil may be:
There’s a whole wide world of CBD out there – let’s explore it together!
CBD edibles are snacks or treats (typically gummies or baked goods) that contain pre-measured amounts of cannabidiol. Many people love CBD edibles for their discretion, flavor, and long-lasting beneficial effects. When you consume a CBD edible, you can expect to feel relaxing effects for up to six hours!
CBD vape cartridges provide some of the quickest results out of all methods of CBD ingestion. Each cartridge contains specially-formulated CBD e-juice. You should never vape with CBD oil, which is meant for swallowing or topical use only.
When you inhale from a CBD vape pen, you can expect to feel soothing effects almost instantly! But, the effects of inhaling do not last as long as those from edible CBD.
CBD hemp flower is another way to inhale and quickly feel the beneficial effects of CBD. It’s hemp in its natural form, containing all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the plant. People love CBD flower for its aromatic, fast-acting properties that deliver relaxation.
CBD capsules contain something called CBD Isolate. This pure powder form of CBD has been through a process to remove all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. CBD Isolate is incredibly potent, and when you consume a CBD capsule, you can expect to feel therapeutic effects for an extended time.
There are many different kinds of CBD topical products, including face masks, relieving salves, body lotions, and even lip balms! When you apply CBD topically, it doesn’t enter your bloodstream the way it does when you consume it. Instead, it acts as a localized soothing agent to relieve discomfort in the area applied.
That was a ton of information! We hope it helped you better understand how CBD works in the human body and how you might feel when you consume it. Let’s go over some significant takeaways:
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that comes from hemp plants. Federally legal CBD products are made from hemp and will not make you feel “high” or leave you with other negative side effects like red eyes.
The most common feedback reported by people who take CBD is a feeling of calmness and serenity. Discomfort, tension, and swelling tend to put people on edge. CBD’s ability to interact with the ECS may aid in the relief of those ailments that cause agitation.
People adore CBD around the world for its soothing properties and benefits. Researchers continue to investigate its potential as a natural alternative that can help a range of issues. The reported adverse side effects of CBD are mild and infrequent.
Find Hollyweed In Stores