What Does CBD Feel Like? Does CBD Oil Get You High?

Since CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, many people wonder what does CBD feel like, and some expect to experience some kind of psychoactive effect when trying CBD for the first time.

Due to the stigma and history of recreational marijuana, a lot of people will lump all cannabis related derivatives in the same bucket and will assume that CBD has some kind of intoxicating effect.  This assumption will lead to disappointment for those expecting to feel something and many will report that CBD “didn’t work for them” since they didn’t actually feel anything. There are various reasons CBD may not work for someone, but the lack of a “feeling” is not one of them.

CBD vs THC

First, we need to understand where CBD comes from, and the difference between CBD and THC.  Cannabis is a plant that contains 100+ cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system in various ways.

While THC is the most famous cannabinoid for its ability to get you high, CBD is gaining popularity due to its ability to treat symptoms associated with many health conditions, without any intoxicating effects.

There are two different varieties of cannabis, and both contain CBD…Marijuana is a variety of cannabis that has a high concentration of THC, while hemp is a variety of cannabis that has only trace amounts of THC.  So any CBD products that are made from hemp will have little to no THC, and thus will not get you high.

What Does Taking CBD Feel Like?

CBD isn’t really about what you will feel, but more about what you will no longer feel. CBD is meant to curb symptoms that are the result of various conditions our bodies are afflicted with.  People who suffer from conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, chronic pain, insomnia, etc, can take CBD to reduce these symptoms and get back to a state of balance.

If you’re not suffering from any of these afflictions, then you may not receive any effect from taking CBD. It would be similar to taking Ibuprofen when you’re not experiencing any pain or discomfort. You won’t actually “feel” anything by randomly taking ibuprofen, but if you have a headache, or are suffering from pain or inflammation, then Ibuprofen can help reduce those symptoms.

So Will You Feel Anything From CBD Oil?

As we’ve explained above, CBD will not have any intoxicating effects like THC, but that doesn’t mean that CBD does not have any psychoactive effects at all.  Many users report feeling something, but not tipsy or disoriented like when consuming alcohol or marijuana.

Some people who take hemp derived CBD oil may feel super relaxed, like the feeling you get after a massage. Some will feel a sense of comfort and calm, some may feel energized and mentally focused, and yet others won’t actually “feel” anything. Many factors will determine the results each person will experience when they introduce CBD (or any new compound) into their body. These factors can include genetics, diet, exercise, stress levels, environment, lifestyle choices, etc. And for some, the effects will be immediate and dramatic, for others it may be more subtle.

We like to use the analogy of caffeine.  Some people are just more sensitive to caffeine than others.  While one person can drink multiple cups of coffee throughout the day and be fine, others may drink one cup and feel jittery and be up all night!

Also, what you feel from CBD will depend on the individual and why you are consuming CBD oil in the first place. And remember, even though you can’t really overdose on CBD, more isn’t always better. We suggest starting low and gradually increasing over time to find the optimal dose for you.

Visit our free online CBD Dosage Calculator for a good starting point.

Why Are You Taking CBD Oil?

The feeling you get from CBD depends on why you are taking CBD oil.  For example, if you’re taking CBD for insomnia, you should not experience the sedated or groggy feeling that you often get from prescription sleeping pills… but many have reported that they get better sleep, longer sleep, or an uninterrupted sleep that they haven’t felt in years.  Again, while CBD may not make you feel sleepy, you’ll be in a state of calm that will help you fall asleep, and you’ll wake up feeling rested, like you’ve had a great night’s sleep.

If you suffer from anxiety, taking CBD oil can calm the nerves and reduce the typical symptoms of panic attacks such as racing thoughts, a pounding heart and sweaty palms that can make life feel debilitating. The anti-anxiety properties of CBD can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, and provide a natural alternative treatment to harsh prescription medication often associated with negative side effects.

Realistic Expectations With CBD

CBD oil is not a magic pill or a cure-all drug, but more of a natural, holistic therapy to provide relief from ailments and to help achieve your goal of total wellness and optimal health. CBD may not necessarily cure your underlying condition, but it may help ease symptoms to make them more bearable and improve your quality of life.

Our bodies have an amazing way of healing themselves from many conditions.  Managing your symptoms is an important step in allowing your body to self heal.  So while CBD may not get you high, it can promote wellness by inducing a state of homeostasis and help our body’s self healing mechanisms perform optimally.

Comment below and let us know what does CBD feel like to you!

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Key Takeaways

• THC is the cannabinoid that will get you high, while CBD is is the cannabinoid that can help treat symptoms associated with many health conditions, without the intoxicating effects.
• CBD isn’t really about what you will feel, but more about what you will no longer feel. (Reduced anxiety, reduced pain, better sleep, etc.)
• Everyone is different and some people may feel relaxed, others will feel a sense of calm, and others may not actually “feel” anything.
• CBD may not cure your underlying conditions but it can help ease your symptoms to make them more bearable and help your body heal itself.