Many people know that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) consumption causes a “high,” but what does taking CBD feel like?
With the legalization of cannabis in different states around the US, the recreational and medicinal use of products containing its extracts has been gaining more and more attention in recent years.
If you’re one of those who want to try CBD-infused products but fear experiencing discomfort or other unpleasant sensations, we’ve compiled the information you need to know here. Discover what taking CBD oil and other products feel like from this guide we’ve prepared.
What Is Cannabidiol?
Before discussing how taking CBD oil and other products feel, let’s first define what CBD is.
Cannabidiol, more aptly known as CBD, is among the 113 compounds found in the cannabis plant, more commonly known as hemp. According to Harvard Health Publishing, it’s the second most prevalent chemical compound found in the said plant.
Due to its potential benefits, experts have been studying its effects on the human body, particularly how it can help treat different conditions. There’s even one product that contains CBD that the Food and Drug Administration approved for medicinal purposes.
What Does Taking CBD Feel Like?
If you have the question, “what does taking CBD oil feel like?” in mind, the answer to that depends on what your body needs.
CBD acts as an adaptogen, meaning it provides support to the body’s ability to handle different emotional and physical stresses and influences the body in a way that promotes overall health and wellness.
It activates the endocannabinoid system and triggers receptors within the body’s peripheral and central nervous systems located in the immune system, organs, spinal cord, and brain.
Every person reacts differently to CBD consumption, but there’s one that experts agree on — it helps the brain have more effective communication with the body. This effect translates to restored and maintained overall health and wellness.
Here’s what taking CBD feels like:
1. It promotes calmness and relaxation.
Unlike taking THC-infused products, taking CBD-infused products for medication can make you feel calm and relaxed. It may be due to CBD being an antipsychotic compound that counteracts the effects of THC. It only takes about 15 to 45 minutes for you to feel its calming effects.
2. It induces wakefulness and regulates sleep.
Another thing you might feel when you take CBD products is increased wakefulness, based on the findings of a 2014 study titled “Potential Effects of Cannabidiol as a Wake-Promoting Agent.” According to the same study, there are also contradictory reports saying that CBD helps induce sleep in some people.
3. It causes appetite changes.
According to a 2017 study published in the journal for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, CBD consumption can cause changes in appetite. The findings showed opposing effects from person to person: participants either experienced a decrease or increase in their appetites.
What Does Taking Too Much CBD Feel Like?
Many people think that taking higher doses of CBD products offers increased effectiveness. While this assumption makes sense for some drugs and medications, CBD tends to defy it. Here are some of the things you might feel or encounter after taking huge doses of CBD:
1. Decreased Effectiveness
Based on the findings of a 2019 study, CBD behaves in a u-shaped fashion in terms of dosing: increasing the dose taken tends to decrease its effectiveness.
2. Temporary Tolerance
You are also likely to experience tolerance after taking too much CBD. This condition might cause you to feel no changes in your body at all; you’ll need to take a break from CBD consumption for about three to seven days to bring your tolerance back.
3. Intense Side Effects
Another problem you might encounter after taking too much CBD is intensified side effects. According to a report submitted to the World Health Organization, extremely large doses of CBD can cause lethargy, nausea, drowsiness, an upset stomach, diarrhea, and other unpleasant side effects.
Benefits of Taking CBD Oil and Other CBD-infused Products
CBD consumption offers many benefits, including:
1. Pain Relief
According to a 2017 study, marijuana has been used for pain relief since 2900 BC.
Based on the findings of a 2018 study published in the Journal of Pain Research, CBD can relieve chronic pain. The study also says that its pain-relieving effects are mostly due to its ability to interact with neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, and impact cannabinoid receptors.
The results of a 2005 study suggest that Sativex — an oral spray containing cannabis extract — can reduce pain due to arthritis. Patients who participated in the study experienced relief from pain while moving and while at rest. They also reported an improvement in sleep quality.
2. Reduced Anxiety and Depression
A 2018 study from The Permanente Journal shows that taking CBD oil can effectively reduce pediatric insomnia and anxiety due to post-traumatic stress disorder.
CBD also has antidepressant properties, according to a 2018 study conducted on mice.
3. Alleviation of Cancer-related Symptoms
According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, patients with cancer experienced a significant reduction in chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea.
Additionally, the findings of a 2010 study from the Journal of Pain Symptom Management suggest that CBD can help relieve pain caused by cancer.
4. Reduced Acne
According to the results of a 2014 study, CBD can halt the production of sebum, which can prevent the development of acne. The findings of a 2016 study also suggest the same benefits, thanks to CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Other Benefits
Aside from the previously mentioned benefits, here are some of the other benefits of taking CBD:
- Heart Health Benefits – The findings of a 2017 study suggest that a single dose of CBD can lower blood pressure in men.
- Neuroprotective Properties – Another 2017 study showed that CBD could reduce seizures in children diagnosed with Dravet syndrome.
- Anti-Tumor Effects – Based on the observations made in a 2015 animal study, CBD can help prevent the worsening and spread of some cancers, particularly lung, breast, colon, brain, and prostate.
In conclusion, taking CBD products won’t cause you to feel the same high sensation attributed to THC consumption. The most common effects you’ll feel are calmness, relaxation, induced wakefulness, regulated sleep, and appetite changes. Always follow the dose prescribed by your doctor to prevent side effects and other complications.
