What Does CBD Feel Like?
Whether you have smoked a joint or not, you have a rough idea of how THC makes people feel. But, not many people are sure of how CBD feels like. The two compounds (THC and CBD) are closely associated and while most people have heard that CBD oil has plenty of benefits and would like to try for themselves, many are not sure of how it feels are skeptical of the psychoactive effects it might have.
What Does Taking CBD Feel Like?
It’s time you got to understand how taking CBD feels like and what it doesn’t feel like. We already know that you will not experience a high. But, you will experience one of the following;
Relief from pain
There are claims of professional athletes using CBD as part of their training and performance program. Over the years, there have been constant reports of CBD’s ability to reduce pain particularly that associated with heavy training and injuries.
People suffering from conditions with debilitating pain like arthritis have also reported relief from pain when using CBD. It has been suggested that CBD might be just as effective as some of the NSAIDs that are commonly prescribed to alleviate pain.
Better mood
Even though you will not get high from taking CBD, there are reports that it keeps your moods and spirits up. It has been used in a variety of studies for people who suffer from depression and such studies suggest that it can help improve the condition and help you have an overall better mood.
Why not also read: CBD and Anxiety
This effect has been attributed to how CBD interacts with the ECS system and helps to boost the production of serotonin which is a neurotransmitter. Some of the prescriptions prescribed to people suffering from depression work by improving the production of serotonin and various studies have shown that CBD has the capacity to do the same.
Reduced anxiety
A number of people use CBD because of reports that it can help to reduce feelings of anxiety. Most of those that take CBD have reported significant improvement after taking CBD for some time.
CBD has been found to counter anxiety by scaling down on overactive brain activity and helping to redirect brain signaling especially when you’re under stress. Experts suggest that CBD can help to calm down overly active transmitters that might cause a feeling of worry and stress and help to alleviate anxiety. Ideally, the user feels calmer and more relaxed.
You’re more energized
Think of CBD as taking a can of energy drink without all the caffeine. Most people who have used for CBD have reported being able to sustain activities for a longer period after taking the cannabinoid. CBD reportedly offers longer lasting energy while improving sleep and redirecting nutrients to areas where they are most needed to improve performance and alertness.
Better sleep
Taking CBD might help you sleep better at night. There are reports that suggest CBD can help to impact your sleep-wake cycles and increase the overall sleep amount. It has been used in study cases in patients with insomnia with positive and notable results and it can also help with REM sleep behaviour disorder.
For more information on CBD, why not read our CBD ultimate guide.
How is CBD different from THC?
Before worrying about how taking CBD feels like, it's important to clear any doubt in your mind that your experience might be anywhere close to someone who is taking THC. The two compounds are different in various ways.
To begin with, THC causes a high in users while CBD doesn’t. Even though they are both cannabinoids, they interact with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) differently.
THC is able to alter the mind of the user because it binds with the CB1 receptors of the ECS which are found in the brain. It activates these receptors which is what causes a high resulting in its psychoactive properties.
Why not also read: CBD and Human Endocannabinoid System
CBD on the other hands interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in a different way. Instead of binding directly to the receptors, CBD influences them in different ways but it doesn’t bind or activate the receptors. Because of this, taking CBD does not result in a high as is the case with THC.
If you’re wondering what it feels like to take CBD these few examples should give you a good idea. It’s important to remember that people are different and the CBD might react differently in different people. While no case of adverse effects has been reported it’s important to consult with your doctor before taking CBD especially if you have been taking other types of medications just to be on the safe side. You should also start with small amounts as you experiment and work your way up.