After reading all the benefits of CBD products, perhaps you’re planning to give it a try. But, perhaps you’re not sure ‘What does CBD feel like?’ Or, maybe you’ve experienced one type of CBD product and are planning to explore other options. But you’re still not sure how those products will feel. Whatever the reason, you’re in the right place for some quality information covering ‘What does CBD feel like?’
What Does CBD Feel Like? Summarized
Long story short, anecdotal evidence shows CBD will make you feel relaxed and calm. Some say they’ve successfully used it for reducing their pain, inflammation, and cortisol level. Many users picked the phrase ‘runners high’ to best describe their experience.
‘Runner’s high’ is the situation where the body experiences an increased ability to focus. Many explain it as a heightened sense of awareness, which is rare to find in a 100% natural way. Unlike THC, CBD won’t get you stoned and allows you to enjoy feelings of relation and calmness by increasing the supply of endorphins.
How you feel after taking CBD depends on various factors. Some of these variables can include the plant the CBD was extracted from (hemp-derived or marijuana-derived CBD), additional compounds, and many biological factors. Keep reading to learn more about how people felt after taking a wide variety of CBD products.
Hemp-Derived vs. Marijuana-Derived CBD
Hemp and marijuana are two major categories of CBD-producing cannabis plants. Regardless of the type of the plants, the molecular structure of CBD is the same. This is because CBD is a cannabinoid, or cannabis compound. But, the chemical makeup of hemp and marijuana plants is not the same, leading to differing concentrations of CBD observed in each type of plant.
Hemp is an industrially-produced plant and is used in making rope, paper, clothing, and various other products. Though hemp is grown mainly for its seeds and fiber, it contains CBD.
Technically, hemp-derived CBD is legal in all 50 states of the USA as long as it contains under 0.3% THC. This restriction ensures hemp-derived CBD is very low in THC. Without excessive amounts of this psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD is enjoyable and calming without forcing consumers to worry about getting ‘high.’
On the other hand, marijuana is primarily grown for the notorious intoxicating chemical compound, THC. Marijuana-derived products can contain some CBD. But the concentration is usually lower than THC.
CBD products derived from this thick and densely leafed plant are illegal in some states. This is due to their high concentrations of the THC compound. Some states do not want this cannabinoid legal because of its intoxicating effects. But many activists are working hard to get it legalized throughout the US.
If you wish to embrace the intoxicating ‘runner’s high’ effects, then choose marijuana-derived CBD products. The products are legally available in the adult-use cannabis market for recreational and medicinal purposes. Before buying one for yourself, consider looking at this brilliant map from NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) with more information on state-specific legislations.
Tip: If you have drug screening ahead (within one month), we strongly recommend avoiding marijuana-derived CBD products. Most drug screenings test for the presence of THC rather than CBD. This in mind, CBD isolate never comes into contact with THC, so you’ll never have to worry about testing positive for this cannabinoid!
Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum vs. CBD Isolates
After deciding between hemp and marijuana-derived CBD, finding out what CBD feels like involves choosing between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Choosing the right one is vital here as each of the options offer differing effects. Let’s discuss how each type of CBD feels now.
Full-spectrum CBD Products
As the name suggests, full-spectrum CBD products contain various cannabinoids (including CBN, CBD, CBG, and THC), terpenes, and flavonoids.
As per laws in the US, THC content in cannabis flower for the CBD industry cannot exceed 0.3%. This amount is enough for many consumers. So, why should one go for full-spectrum CBD products?
Full-spectrum products are the most available and are reputed for their entourage effect. A 2005 study found that full-spectrum CBD is more effective for pain and anxiety-relief than CBD isolates.
Want to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the entourage effect? Then, full-spectrum CBD products are the best option. These products will make you feel more relaxed, calm, and anxiety-free than the other two alternatives.
Broad-spectrum CBD Products
Broad-spectrum CBD products are similar to the full-spectrum ones. The main exception is that the THC compound is extracted completely.
The truth of the matter? You can enjoy almost all of the benefits of cannabis plants without worrying about getting stoned or intoxicated.
If you’re sensitive to THC or prefer to avoid it, then go for broad-spectrum CBD products. These will allow you to enjoy the relaxing moments with the potential to experience a slight entourage effect.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is a pure white powder. Containing up to 99% of pure CBD, CBD isolate is what we have after extracting all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This stuff is perfect for those who just want to experience the purest form of non-intoxicating cannabinoid, not anything else.
In some cases, it’s possible to have CBD isolate that was made in a lab. This is the purest form of CBD available, and for people looking to avoid other cannabinoids, CBD isolate is the best option.
This odorless, tasteless powder can be used for various purposes, like drinking, vaping, or even topically. Measuring how much you are using is also more straightforward with CBD isolate. However, some users have said they miss the entourage effect. CBD isolate fails to meet their expected level of relaxation and calmness.
If you want to avoid all other compounds except CBD, CBD isolate can work for you. Otherwise, consider using broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD products to enjoy ultimate relaxation and calmness.
Methods of Administering CBD
Here’s what you can expect to experience from different CBD administering methods.
CBD Oil
The most common and widely used form of CBD is as oil. CBD oil typically takes around 1 minute to get absorbed after it’s dropped under the tongue.
Consumers love CBD oil for its moderate effects. Neither quick as smoking CBD nor slow as taking CBD capsules, it offers a pleasurable experience people love. CBD oil is also prevalent and effective for topical use in some cases.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are the easiest to administer. But they take a while for the effects to come on. It’s nearly impossible to determine how much CBD to consume using this method without knowing the precise dose in each capsule. So capsules don’t always work as expected. However, CBD capsules are becoming more popular for medical use, especially for people who have no desire to smoke or vape CBD.
CBD Vapor
The most effective one method of consuming CBD is vaping it. Vaping CBD oil-infused vape juice sends the cannabinoid to the lungs where it’s absorbed almost instantaneously. This method of consumption is especially popular for people looking for quick effects. Though some avoid this as vaping has been known to damage the lungs.
No matter which administration method you choose, CBD’s effects depend on the other compounds and quantity you are using, as well as the bioavailability. The main difference is how long it takes for the effects to come on.
Side Effects of CBD
Compared to THC and many OTC medicines, CBD has far fewer side effects. Thus, in most cases, it’s considered safe or the safer option. However, no two individuals are the same, meaning you may experience the same amount differently than a friend.
Finding the sweet spot for CBD dosing is very important. Though CBD has an appealing safety profile, users have noted some adverse side effects too. These include:
- Tiredness,
- Irritability,
- Nausea,
- Diarrhea, and
- Changes in weight or appetite
Consult with a certified physician immediately if you experience any of these issues.
Final Words
How CBD feels depends on dosage, frequency, method, age, weight, genetics, bioavailability, and other medical conditions. We hope this article helps you decide what options you want to explore and gives you a good idea of what you can expect to feel.
Have you tried CBD before? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
