What is CBD
First Things First: What Exactly is CBD?
Also known as cannabidiol, CBD is just one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in natural oil that’s harvested from the hemp plant. It’s become increasingly popular as a plant-based health option, and many claim to have experienced positive benefits from taking it as a supplement.Upon entry in the user's body, cannabidiol acts on the receptors located throughout the body's endocannabinoid system. This helps to balance various body functions and support a stronger sense of wellness.The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids of its own which act to regulate this balance naturally. However, your body may not produce large amounts of these compounds, and this is where CBD products can help to boost its presence.
Can CBD Oil Get You High?
The short answer is no.
This is one of the misconceptions about CBD that must be turned around. CBD oil doesn’t get you high as long as it contains up to 0.3% THC.
CBD doesn’t have intoxicating properties. It can make you feel calm and relaxed, but these effects aren’t even close to what you get from consuming marijuana.
However, not all CBD oils are created equal.
Some CBD products are produced from marijuana plants, and as such, they may contain a significant amount of THC (5% and up). These products can produce a psychoactive high. However, they also contain high levels of CBD due to selective breeding of the strains used for extraction, so the high will be more balanced.
Speaking of CBD and THC, let’s have a look at how these compounds interact with our bodies and with each other.
What Does CBD Feel Like?
Now that you know what CBD can’t do — it can’t get you high — you’re probably wondering what to expect when you take CBD oil for the first time.
Like we said, CBD doesn’t have a direct affinity with any cannabinoid receptors, although it acts on more than 65 identified molecular pathways.
While THC is a cannabinoid agonist, CBD is a modulator of the endocannabinoid system.
CBD signals the ECS to release more endocannabinoids while slowing down their breakdown. This, in turn, allows more of your native cannabinoids to circulate in the body.
Most users describe the effects of CBD as a surge of unwinding sensation combined with relief running through the body and mind when inhaled or taken sublingually.
Many first-time users report first results within 15–30 minutes after taking CBD oil, or within 2–5 minutes after inhalation. Oral products such as edibles and capsules need more time to show their effects, usually up to 120 minutes.
To sum up, CBD doesn’t get you high, but instead:
Makes you feel relaxedImproves your focusPromotes a healthy response to stressHelps you stay calmMakes pain more manageable
Most of the time, you’ll hear people saying that CBD is non-psychoactive when they refer to its effects.