CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound naturally found in the hemp plant, which has gained a lot of attention in recent years for its potential benefits. But CBD is also touted for its positive mental effects. So you might be wondering: what does CBD make you feel?

The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem, as the effects of CBD can vary depending on the individual, the dosage, the quality of the product, the time and method of consumption, and some other factors that are not yet fully understood.

Having said that, most people feel a sense of relaxation or calm from using CBD, although some may not feel any effects at all. The positive effects of CBD are often attributed to the fact that it works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating a variety of functions, including mood, appetite, and sleep.

The impact of CBD oil on one’s mental state is generally reported as positive, one of calm and relaxation. It helps with symptoms of stress, and improves your overall sense of well-being. It is supposed to be able to do all this by helping the body balance the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, the so-called “happiness hormone”.

CBD oil can also have a positive impact on your physical state. It might help improve your sleep as well, which further adds to its positive impact on your overall well-being.

Does CBD make you feel high?

CBD does not make you high because it does not interact with the same receptors in the brain as THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound in the cannabis plant that is responsible for the psychoactive effects or the “high” associated with marijuana use. CBD, on the other hand, does not interact with the same receptors, specifically CB1 receptors, in the brain that THC does. Instead, it works by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.

It’s important to note that while hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the cannabis plant, they have different levels of THC and CBD. Hemp, which is used to make most CBD products, contains very low levels of THC (<0.3%), which is not enough to produce the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.

How do different CBD products feel?

The effects of CBD can vary depending on the quality and type of the product as well as the method of consumption. For example, 

• CBD oil tinctures and softgels: Usually provide more consistent and controlled effects.
• CBD topicals and transdermal patches: Localized relief without the systemic effects. 
• CBD edibles: Take longer to take effect, but the effects can last longer.

Edibles might be a less appealing choice for some because of the non-plant ingredients in them. Keep in mind that products that have been third-party tested and have a certificate of analysis (COA) are considered to be of higher quality and are more likely to have consistent and accurate dosing.

How long does it take for CBD effects to begin?

The amount of time it takes for CBD effects to kick in varies depending on the method of consumption. Here are some general guidelines for what to expect regarding the onset time of effects for different methods of consumption:

• Inhalation (vaping): Effects can be felt within minutes, but this method is not recommended.
• Sublingual (under the tongue): Effects begin within 15-45 minutes.
• Ingestibles (softgels, capsules): Effects begin after around 30 minutes.
• Edibles (gummies, chocolates): Effects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to be felt, as the CBD has to be metabolized by the liver before it can enter the bloodstream.
• Topicals (creams, balms): Effects can be felt within minutes of application and are localized to the area where it was applied.
• Transdermal patches: Effects can be felt within minutes of application and the effects last for several hours.

It’s important to note that onset time can vary from person to person, and it also depends on how much CBD is consumed, the quality of the product, and the bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the amount of CBD that actually enters the bloodstream and it can vary depending on the method of consumption, or in other words, how much of the CBD in the product is actually absorbed by the body. It is always a good idea to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it until the desired effects are experienced.

It is also important to note that CBD is not a cure-all and it is not right for everyone. It may interact with certain medications, and it is important to always talk to your doctor before starting to take any supplement, including CBD products.

Legal Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.