A lot of people are interested in CBD, and for good reason. You’re likely curious about what it feels like to take it, and whether you should try smoking CBD, taking it as an edible, or taking it as an oil (sublingual). Like all products, your decision on how to take CBD is ultimately up to you, but we put together a guide that may be helpful as you decide what’s right for you.

So let’s get down to it.

HOW WILL CBD MAKE ME FEEL?

Now, this is one hell of a loaded question. It mostly depends on what your body needs.

The impact CBD has on the human body is pretty similar for many people. However, the dosage you take, the strain of hemp used in the product, how/where the product is grown, extraction, and other ingredients included, not to mention the reason you have chosen to take CBD in the first place, all make for unique experiences.

CBD can have several positive effects. Some of these research-backed uses of CBD even suggest it may help you feel relaxed. That can feel a bit like a high, though it’s not intoxicating.

CBD is known to support the mind and body in many wonderful ways. Among the many benefits that users notice and see results from, some of the main benefits of CBD are a sense of calm & relaxation, supports healthy sleep cycles, helps in recovery from exercise-induced inflammation, and more.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEMP VS MARIJUANA?

This is where is gets a little confusing, because CBD can be extracted both from the hemp and marijuana plant.

The 2018 Federal Farm Bill defines hemp-derived CBD as containing no more than 0.3% THC. Cannabis plants that meet these conditions are federally legal because hemp is now defined an agricultural commodity. It can be grown and processed for many purposes, including health supplements such as CBD extracts (these are still regulated by the FDA). Most hemp-derived CBD products won’t cause a high, but they can make you feel relaxed and more in-the-zone.

Marijuana-derived CBD oil comes from selectively bred marijuana strains that are grown for higher ratios of CBD to THC. These ratios may be 1:1, 2:1, 5:1, 10:1, or even 20:1. Depending on the final composition of your marijuana CBD oil, you may experience mild-to-moderate psychoactive effects, but you won’t be as buzzed as after taking THC oil.

WHAT DOES SMOKING CBD FEEL LIKE?

When you smoke or vape CBD it gives near-instant access to the bloodstream avoiding the first-pass metabolism in the liver. As a result, CBD can kick in faster, allowing you to experience its health benefits within two to five minutes after a hit. Smoking CBD may leave a botanical and smoky aftertaste in your mouth, but the effects are well worth it.

Here’s what smoking CBD feels like:

• Relaxing – CBD interacts with your brain and body through different receptors in a way that takes the edge off of stress and makes you feel relaxed. This is the desired effect for people who work in a high-pressure environment and need something to keep them up and about without jittery feelings associated with stimulants like caffeine and energy drinks. At the same time, CBD relieves the tension in your body, allowing you to unwind when your brain feels a bit overstimulated. People often use CBD in the evening to calm themselves before bed and wake up refreshed.

• Balancing – CBD can balance the activity of many systems throughout the body, including those responsible for digestion, appetite, and feelings of nausea. If you’re struggling with an upset stomach, taking CBD may make you feel better and less nauseous.

• Discomfort-free – CBD changes the way some signals are sent from the neurons to the brain. This mechanism is responsible for decreasing certain sensations in the body, such as physical discomfort. People report less tension and swelling when taking CBD oil and topicals.

• Elevating – the right dose of CBD can improve your mood without producing any mind-altering effects. When you take CBD you may feel uplifted and sober at the same time.

• More ‘in-the-zone’ – CBD may help you avoid or dismiss distractions, increasing your focus. Office workers who take CBD for attention-related problems find themselves more productive and motivated throughout the day.

On top of that, high doses of CBD taken in the evening are known for sedating effects, which is the desired effect among those looking for a better-quality rest.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL, PHYSICAL 

The physical effects of CBD may depend on which type of product you get and how you enjoy it. For example, some people like to rub CBD topicals on their aching joints or sore muscles. This is why products like pain cream appeal to so many people. Other people say they prefer to buy CBD oil or edibles to inspire a sense of wellness throughout the entire body.

DO ALL CBD PRODUCTS DO THE SAME THING?

No. CBD products can act differently, but those differences often come from the kind of CBD you purchase as opposed to how you ingest it. Everything from the strain of the CBD to the brand you buy can have an effect on how reliable it is and how you feel when taking it.

There are three main types of CBD:

• Isolate – contains only CBD and no other substances found in cannabis
• Full-spectrum – contains all the substances that naturally occur in cannabis, including THC
• Broad-spectrum – contains a large number of the substances found in cannabis, but doesn’t contain THC

Full-spectrum products that include THC are often found to be more effective because they combine the effects of CBD and THC, which is why 98% of flowerz products contain full-spectrum. Most CBD products that contain THC only have a very small amount, but it can significantly change how you react after taking it. CBD isolate is likely to be a more mild experience, while those variations that contain THC or other substances may have a much larger impact.

Ultimately, choosing the right CBD product for you involves examining a wide range of factors, including one factor we haven’t covered yet, which is the price of the product. Some CBD products cost far more than others (why, you may ask…we don’t know), and if you’re hoping to use CBD regularly, there are cheaper options with higher quality (cough, cough, nudge, nudge).

WHAT SOME OF OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE WAY THEY FEEL

Anecdotal evidence is the backbone of CBD’s reported benefits – and there’s plenty of that to go around. Although people often mention specific conditions, these are their observations. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these claims, nor is CBD currently intended to cure, prevent, or treat any illness.

For instance, Rich M. has tried most everything in our reperetoire and has this to say:

1. I have complex PTSD. The caramels help to ameliorate the symptoms better than the zombie pills that had me taking at the behest of my therapist.
2. I have chronic insomnia related to PTSD (Due to nightmares from things I cannot unsee all these years later); I am able to get restful sleep, and feel rested. I used to have to take a number of Benzodiazepines that I have been prescribed, and used to wake up bleary, dizzy and unbalanced.
3. I have a TBI, and chronic migraines from 4 skull fractures. With the caramels, I am able to coast along, and the frequency and overwhelming, nauseating pain has gone from a tidal wave to a very manageable level that I can tolerate.

Margaret F. shared this with us:

I am happy with my CBD edibles. I am 73 years old and have the general aches and pains that go along with aging. Also, have multiple sclerosis. Your products help my sense of well-being, pain, and comforts me. I plan on continuing the use of your products for a long time.

IN SUMMARY

Everybody is different, so the final profile of effects will depend on what type of CBD you take, how much, and during what time of the day. But, the short answer is: CBD makes you feel relieved. It’s the kind of multifaceted relief involving better stress management, elevated mood, improved focus, less discomfort, working out, and more efficient rest.

CBD begins to work in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and interacts with receptors CB1 (located in the brain and spinal cord) and CB2 (organs, limbs, and skin) in the central nervous system. Hemp-derived CBD has been shown to improve stress, uplift mood, and promote sleep quality. Reach out to us if you have questions and want to find out what’s the best for you.