If you're thinking about trying CBD for the first time, you probably have one big question: What does CBD feel like?
The answer can vary from person to person. CBD doesn't typically produce the intoxicating high associated with THC, and its effects may feel much more subtle. Some people describe CBD as fitting naturally into a calm or relaxing routine, while others may not notice an obvious feeling at all.
Your experience can also depend on how much you take, the type of CBD, the product format, other cannabinoids in the formula, and your individual response. Here's what you should know about how CBD may make you feel and what can influence the experience.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It's one of the best-known compounds in the cannabis hemp plant, along with THC.
Unlike delta-9 THC, CBD isn't generally considered intoxicating. That means CBD itself isn't expected to produce the marijuana-like high associated with THC.
CBD can interact with several signaling systems throughout the body, including pathways associated with the endocannabinoid system.
Researchers continue to study these interactions and how they relate to the effects people experience. CBD is now available in many forms, including oils, gummies, capsules, softgels, creams, gels, and other products.
How Does CBD Interact With the Body?
To better understand CBD effects, it helps to know a little about the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is a signaling system that includes naturally produced compounds called endocannabinoids, receptors such as CB1 and CB2, and enzymes involved in creating and breaking down endocannabinoids.
THC can activate CB1 receptors, which is one reason it can produce high effects. CBD works differently. It doesn't simply activate CB1 and CB2 receptors in the same way and can interact with several other molecular targets.
Scientists are still studying exactly how different doses of CBD relate to the different experiences people report after using CBD.
What Does CBD Feel Like?
CBD doesn't have one specific feeling that everyone experiences. For some people, the experience may be subtle. CBD is often included in routines centered around relaxation and general wellness, and some consumers describe feeling calm after using it. Other people may notice very little.
What you generally shouldn't expect from CBD itself is the dramatic change in perception associated with getting high from delta-9 THC. However, that doesn't mean every CBD product will feel exactly the same.
A full-spectrum product, for example, can contain THC and other hemp compounds. The amount you take, your sensitivity, other ingredients in the formula, and the way you use the product can also affect your experience.
CBD may cause unwanted effects for some people as well. These can include drowsiness, digestive changes, and changes in alertness.
Instead of expecting CBD to produce one particular sensation, pay attention to how you personally respond to the product you're using.
Does CBD Make You Feel High?
CBD itself isn't generally considered intoxicating and doesn't typically produce the marijuana-like high associated with delta-9 THC. CBD and THC are separate cannabinoids that interact with the body differently. However, it's important to look beyond the word "CBD" on the front of a product.
Some CBD products contain THC. Full-spectrum formulas, for example, can include THC along with CBD and other hemp compounds. Other cannabinoid products may contain larger amounts of THC depending on how they're formulated.
If avoiding intoxicating effects is important to you, check the cannabinoid profile and Certificate of Analysis (COA) before using a product.
What Determines How CBD Makes You Feel?
Several factors can influence how CBD makes you feel. This is one reason your experience may be different from someone else's.
Amount and Product Strength
The amount of CBD you use can influence your experience, but there isn't one serving size that's right for everyone. Product concentrations can also vary considerably. A bottle containing 3,000 mg of CBD isn't necessarily providing 3,000 mg in one serving.
Check the CBD per serving on the product label so you know how much you're actually using. More isn't automatically better. Follow the directions for your specific product and talk with a healthcare professional if you take medications or have questions about adding CBD to your routine.
Type of CBD
The type of CBD can also change what's in the finished product.
Full-spectrum CBD contains cannabidiol along with other naturally occurring hemp compounds and can include THC. Full-spectrum CBD has the strongest entourage effect, due to the amount of cannabinoids.
Broad-spectrum CBD is generally formulated to provide multiple hemp-derived compounds while removing or minimizing THC, depending on the product.
CBD isolate contains isolated cannabidiol without the broader mixture of cannabinoids found in full- or broad-spectrum extracts. This type of CBD is often taken in higher doses to feel the full effects of CBD.
Because formulas can vary between manufacturers, check the label and third-party lab results instead of relying only on terms like "full-spectrum" or "broad-spectrum."
How Different CBD Products Compare
| CBD Product | How It's Used | What to Know | THC Possible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD Oil | Taken according to label directions | Serving size and concentration can vary | Depends on formula |
| CBD Gummies | Eaten and digested | Pre-measured and affected by digestion | Depends on formula |
| CBD Capsules | Swallowed | Convenient, pre-measured serving | Depends on formula |
| CBD Topicals | Applied directly to the skin | Different experience from oral CBD products | Depends on formula |
| Full-Spectrum CBD | Varies by product | Contains CBD and other naturally occurring hemp compounds | Yes |
| CBD Isolate | Varies by product | Contains isolated CBD without the broader cannabinoid profile | Typically no |
What If You Don't Feel Anything After Taking CBD?
If you take CBD and don't notice an obvious sensation, that doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong with the product.
CBD isn't typically associated with the dramatic intoxication produced by THC, so the experience may be subtle. Some people simply don't notice a major change in how they feel.
Product strength, serving size, cannabinoid profile, method of use, and individual response all play a role in your experience.
If you're comparing products, check the label and COA to confirm how much CBD you're actually getting per serving.
Can CBD Make You Feel Tired or Different?
CBD can cause unwanted effects in some people.
Possible CBD side effects can include changes in alertness, such as drowsiness, as well as digestive issues and changes in appetite. CBD can also interact with certain medications.
This is another reason to learn how a product affects you before using it in situations where alertness is important.
If you take prescription medications, have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have concerns about using CBD, talk with a healthcare professional first.
What to Look for in a CBD Product
Knowing what's actually in your CBD product can give you a better idea of what to expect.
Before buying, check:
- CBD per serving
- Type of CBD
- THC content
- Other cannabinoids
- Full ingredient list
- Suggested serving size
- Product directions
- Third-party lab results
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Don't rely only on the total milligrams printed on the front of the bottle. The amount per serving usually gives you more useful information when comparing products.
CBD Effects FAQs
What Does CBD Feel Like the First Time?
There's no single feeling that every first-time CBD user experiences. Some people may notice subtle effects, while others may not notice much at all.
Does CBD Make You Feel Relaxed?
Some consumers include CBD in routines centered around relaxation, but individual experiences vary. CBD shouldn't be expected to make every person feel relaxed.
How Long Does It Take to Feel CBD?
There isn't one universal timeframe for feeling CBD. Product format, serving size, formulation, food intake, and individual response can all influence the experience.
Can You Feel CBD Oil Working?
Some people report noticing subtle changes after taking CBD oil, while others don't notice an obvious sensation. CBD generally doesn't produce the pronounced intoxication associated with THC.
What Happens If You Take Too Much CBD?
Using larger amounts may increase the possibility of unwanted effects such as drowsiness or digestive issues. More CBD isn't automatically better, and it can interact with certain medications.
Does CBD Feel the Same as THC?
No. THC can produce intoxicating effects and noticeable changes in perception, while CBD isn't generally considered intoxicating and tends to produce a much more subtle experience.
Sum It Up
So, what does CBD feel like? There's no single answer that applies to everyone. CBD itself isn't generally considered intoxicating, so you shouldn't expect the marijuana-like high associated with delta-9 THC.
Some people describe their experience as subtle or include CBD as part of a relaxing wellness routine, while others may not notice an obvious feeling at all. The amount used, product type, cannabinoid profile, other ingredients, and your individual response can all make a difference.
Before choosing a CBD product, check the amount per serving, type of CBD, THC content, ingredient list, and third-party lab results. Knowing what's actually in the product gives you a much better idea of what you're using and what to expect.
GreenIVe Cannabis Products
The statements made regarding these products and the potential benefits of CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
