You may have heard about how cannabidiols can interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system to restore balance in a huge range of bodily functions, but how does CBD make you feel? And what are the effects of CBD on the body?
Does CBD get you high?
Simply put, the answer is no. CBD does not have any psychoactive properties, so will therefore not make you feel high. CBD is often associated with this idea because it comes from the hemp plant which is a variant of cannabis. Cannabis is used recreationally because it can produce a high sensation. This is because it contains THC – an entirely separate cannabinoid from CBD that does have psychoactive properties.
This is why we don’t put any THC in our products here at Honest Hemp. The legal content for THC in full-spectrum extract is below 0.3%, but we choose to use broad-spectrum extract to ensure that THC is always at 0.0%. Many people prefer to know that there is no trace of THC in their body, even though an amount this small would not produce any psychoactive effects.
CBD can have different effects for different people, depending on an array of factors. Some people may notice effects immediately, some people may notice them gradually over time, and some people may notice no effects at all. Let’s discuss the most commonly reported way that CBD makes people feel:
Does CBD make you feel relaxed?
Some people notice feeling more relaxed and calmer after taking CBD. They may notice their stress or anxiety levels begin to reduce and their mind is not racing so much. This can help to induce feelings of improved focus or concentration.
Additionally, these feelings may help to induce sleep. You may fall asleep more easily and stay asleep throughout the night with fewer disturbances. As a result of this, you will feel more alert and well-rested during the day.
Depending on the reasons you have for taking CBD, the way it makes you feel may differ. For example, if you struggle with stress or anxiety, it may help to induce these feelings of relaxation. Alternatively, if you suffer from pain (e.g. chronic pain, muscle pain, headaches), then it may help to reduce this.
What does CBD do if you take it in small quantities?
So, how does CBD make you feel if you take it in small dosages? We should mention here that if you do not take enough CBD, you are unlikely to notice any effects. Check out our CBD dosage guide to find out more.
The effects of CBD on the body
The extract used in CBD products can alter the way it makes you feel. However, the actual product type – oil, edible, e-liquid, or topical – can affect this too. This is mainly due to bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the percentage of CBD from the product that can actually be absorbed into the bloodstream and have an effect.
CBD Oils and EdiblesThe bioavailability of CBD oils is about 15% – this means that for every 100 milligrams of CBD that you take, only 15 milligrams will actually reach your bloodstream. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, CBD is hydrophobic, meaning it does not like to stay in your bloodstream and will therefore diffuse out. Secondly, when we ingest CBD orally it must pass through the liver before it enters our circulation. This process reduces the amount of CBD ingested, which is known as the ‘first-pass effect’.
CBD E-LiquidsWhen you vape CBD e-liquids, you are bypassing this ‘first-pass effect’. The CBD enters your lungs and diffuses directly into your bloodstream. It does not need to be digested or pass through the liver. This can allow nearly four times as much CBD to enter your bloodstream. The bioavailability here can reach 50-60%. This also means you could potentially feel the effects 30 to 60 minutes faster when you vape CBD.
CBD topicals
The CBD from topicals and skincare products does not actually enter your bloodstream. Instead, the product is absorbed deeply into the skin, where there are many cannabinoid receptors. CBD topicals interact with these sensory receptors, which may help to promote anti-inflammation and relieve pain. CBD is also known to be an antioxidant and regulate oil production. Studies have indicated that it may therefore be effective in calming irritated skin, reducing redness, lessening signs of aging, or reducing acne. However, since it does not enter our bloodstream, these products will not make us feel the same way as the products mentioned above might.
It is unlikely that a CBD topical will have any direct effect on your mood, anxiety levels, or stress levels. These products are more designed for skin problems or pain.
