What Does CBD Feel Like Post-Consumption?

You’ve seen cannabidiol (CBD) products everywhere lately. You’ve heard it makes you feel relaxed and creates a nice, soothing effect.

But what does CBD feel like… and WHY? And why is CBD different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?

First, we’ll explain how each of these two cannabinoids affects the body. Then, we’ll describe how CBD feels post-consumption, and we’ll teach you the different types that you can choose between. We’ll also go over any side effects of CBD that you should look out for. Read on!

What Do THC and CBD Do to Your Body?

The human body has an endocannabinoid system, which was identified in the early 1990s. Endocannabinoids are receptors to which cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) bind. Our bodies create their own forms of cannabinoids called anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, regulating many internal functions. 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and even reproduction & fertility.

The two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2, are found throughout our central and peripheral nervous systems, including within immune cells. 

What Does THC Do to Your Body?

While the endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor, THC tends to bind to CB1 receptors, mainly found in the brain and nervous system.

 THC mimics the anandamide your body creates itself. It can alter the functioning of the hippocampus, which is what produces new memories. The use of THC, therefore, can interfere with a person’s ability to learn. THC also activates the “pleasure” system in your brain and stimulates dopamine release, causing that euphoric “high.”

THC also has an indirect effect by increasing the activation of opioid receptors, which helps to decrease pain in the body.

What Does CBD Do to Your Body?

Conversely, CBD suppresses activity in the CB1 receptors, which may neutralize THC’s effects. For this reason, when you take marijuana products that include portions of CBD, the “high” created by the THC may be less intense.

While CBD does not bind to either receptor, it indirectly impacts them by activating TRPV1 receptors. These receptors control pain perception and inflammation, which is why CBD is toted as a great pain relief alternative.

In addition to the indirect effects on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD activates multiple pathways at once. It increases the amount of anandamide in the body, which is in control of pleasure and relaxation. So, how will it make you feel?

How Does CBD Make You Feel?

There are many benefits to using CBD. Here are a few reasons you may use it:

• Anxiety Relief

• To Reduce Seizures

• Prevention of neurodegenerative disorders (like Alzheimer’s, MS, or Parkinson’s)

• Pain relief (from arthritis, MS, muscle pain, spinal cord injuries)

• Acne Treatment

• Sleep Disorders

• Cancer Treatment (while there’s no evidence that CBD can cure cancer, it can help alleviate symptoms associated with it)

Many medical experts agree that CBD can help with the above diseases and ailments, and the list will likely grow in the future.

No matter which of the above conditions you are taking the CBD to help with, different factors may alter how it feels. The type of CBD you’re using is one determination of how it will feel (we’ll get into that next). It also depends on the user’s weight, metabolism, genetics, diet, and other medications they may be on (for a list of drug interactions, click here)

So can you feel CBD? According to many consumers, CBD generally makes you feel more relaxed and calm and helps take away some aches and pains. The feeling is somewhat of a zen feeling, and some describe it as a substantial weight being lifted from your shoulders.

Like with most other consumed compounds, you should be aware of CBD’s potential side effects. Mayo Clinic notes that dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue are possible risks in response to CBD consumption.

Does CBD Make You Feel High?

The short answer is: No. While CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, CBD compounds contain little to no THC, which is the cannabinoid that actually gives you the feeling of being high.

As previously noted, different forms of CBD can create specific effects on your body. Some even contain small amounts of THC. 

Different Types of CBD Oils

In the world of CBD, you can get overwhelmed pretty quickly. There are a variety of different products, and not all are created equally.

First, let’s explain the difference between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD. The molecular structure of the CBD is identical regardless of where it’s derived from. 

Hemp, which is entirely legal as long as it contains no more than .3% THC, produces CBD products with little to no THC. 

Marijuana-derived CBD comes from plants that have much higher levels of THC. CBD products made with marijuana tend to have more THC than CBD and can create a high. This type of CBD oil requires a medical marijuana card in most states and isn’t legal on the federal level.

Full-Spectrum CBD

This type of oil has the other cannabinoids and terpenes intact. Among these include THC (below .3% from hemp).

Since it does contain trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids, it can create the entourage effect.

What is the Entourage Effect?

This effect is pretty simple. When you have different cannabinoids working together, such as CBD, CGB, CBN, and THC, the therapeutic effects are amplified, and potential side effects are reduced. You won’t get this effect in a CBD isolate.

It’s important to note that full-spectrum CBD can give you a positive drug test if you consume high doses.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD contains all of the original compounds, except THC. Because it contains other cannabinoids, and multiples of them, it still has the ability to produce the entourage effect.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. All other ingredients are removed, leaving only one cannabinoid intact. The advantage is the amount of CBD it contains. In just one gram of isolate powder, there is 990 mg of CBD.

While there is no entourage effect, you can benefit from the CBD effects by itself.

So whether you’re using CBD for aches and pains or to be calmer with reduced anxiety, CBD is generally well-tolerated and easy to find.

However, it’s important to note that there are so many CBD retailers out there that are not legitimate. Since CBD is not federally regulated, many companies will sell one form, claiming it’s another, or worse – sell you something that barely contains any CBD at all. It’s crucial to purchase your CBD from a respected distributor where you know what you’re getting.