Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over a hundred powerful cannabinoids found in the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. It has been known to support physical and mental health in a variety of ways. Among the myriad benefits CBD users experience, the most common benefits are a sense of calm, ability to better focus, relief from stress, less inflammation, and reduced pain.

But, what does CBD feel like? How will you know when you are feeling the effects of CBD?

We will get into what signs to look for, but for now, the most straightforward answer is: It depends on what your endocannabinoid system needs. It also largely depends on the type of CBD product, delivery method, dosage, and your condition or ailment.

The Endocannabinoid System and CBD

CBD is reported by many users to be relaxing and calming, but you’re not going to feel the effects of this cannabinoid in the same way you would feel its cousin, THC.

To best tell you what CBD feels like, we need to take a close look at how both CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is made up of three main components: Endocannabinoids, receptors the cannabinoids bind to, and enzymes that break down the cannabinoids. CBD inhibits activity in the CB1 receptors, whereas THC activates the CB1 receptors. This is why CBD is able to counteract the adverse effects of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia.

In addition to the CB1 receptors, CBD also binds to several other sites throughout the body — including the brain.

The interaction between the ECS and CBD may bring on feelings of relaxation and uplifted mood. There is a steadily growing pile of scientific studies and anecdotal evidence that suggests CBD may offer therapeutic value in the treatment of chronic conditions such as pain, anxiety, inflammation, and more.

Factors That Affect the Effects of CBD

You may have heard all about the purported health benefits of CBD, but what does CBD feel like once it has entered your system?

Many consumers of CBD report positive effects after taking or using CBD, including feelings of calm and relaxation.

That being said, the exact feeling you will get depends on several factors, including the type of CBD product, the method of consumption, the dose, and your condition or ailment.

Depending on the type of relief you’re looking for, the effects of CBD can widely vary. Different CBD products work better for specific needs than others. For example, localized pain is best treated with CBD topicals, while a CBD tincture would be better if you need help falling and staying asleep.

Medical conditions and other ailments, as well as the quality of the CBD product itself, can also influence the effects of CBD and the therapeutic value it will offer.

Different CBD Products Offer Different Effects

It may seem as though all CBD products are essentially the same — but that’s far from the truth. Not all CBD products will make you feel the same. Different types of CBD products offer different effects.

Hemp-Derived CBD vs Marijuana-Derived CBD

There are two types of CBD products: hemp-derived and marijuana-derived. Even though the molecular structure of CBD is the same, regardless of where it came from, there is a significant difference in the chemical makeup of marijuana and hemp plants, which is why hemp-derived and marijuana-derived CBD products have drastically different effects.

Hemp-derived CBD products are considered legal in most states within the U.S., just as long as the plant contains no more than 0.3% THC. Therefore, hemp-derived CBD products have little to no THC, and will not cause a high or stoned feeling.

Marijuana-derived CBD products contain higher amounts of THC and can induce a high.

Full Spectrum CBD Products

A full spectrum CBD product will contain all of the hemp plant’s original terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids. Nothing, including THC, has been filtered out during the extraction process.

Broad Spectrum CBD Products

Broad spectrum CBD products contain most of the plant’s terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids, except for THC. THC was removed during the extraction process.

CBD Isolate

Finally, CBD isolate is the third type of CBD product, and it comes in the form of a white powder of a crystalline solid. All of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids have been filtered out, leaving behind just the CBD. This is the purest form of CBD available.

What Does CBD Feel Like?

Now that you have a better understanding of CBD products, how they work within the ECS, and how they vary, it’s time to see what people are saying about what CBD feels like.

A newer user (a few months), Leslie, uses CBD topicals for her knee pain and migraines, and she has said, “It’s creamy, it’s moisturizing, and it doesn’t burn like other pain creams do. I’m bone-on-bone in my knee, waiting for knee surgery, and I get bad migraines. I take pain medication for both. CBD doesn’t completely eliminate the pain, but if I use it early enough, it makes it so I don’t have to take my medication.”

Tincture users have reported: “I take a full dropper in the morning and a full dropper at night. I’m noticeably more calm, and I feel very relaxed. It’s like my stress has left, and there is only calm.”

Another tincture user said, “there was no high or anything like that. It just felt calm. It feels like a lack of something. A lack of pain, a lack of inflammation, a lack of stress.”

Each of these CBD users found CBD had a positive impact on their physical or mental state. For other people, however, CBD remains a bit of a mystery. One user reported, “I have used CBD oil before, but it didn’t make a difference.” While this does not happen to everyone, it can happen.

Final Thoughts

CBD affects everyone differently. You have to be patient and consistent with dosing, and know that dietary supplements like our CBD Tincture work with your body to maintain balance. Results come through consistency, so making CBD part of your daily routine is important.

But, what does CBD feel like. In short, “it varies.” It varies by product, dosage, and what you’re taking it for.

We provide serving information on our packaging and in-depth product details on our website. If you’re starting out with our Full Spectrum Lipid Extracted CBD Tincture 300 mg, for example, take the recommended serving size once or twice daily, for at least two to four weeks. And then, if you’re still not feeling how you want to feel, we suggest moving up to the next potency, our 600mg CBD tincture.

To learn more about all things related to CBD and wellness, check out our blog.