CBD (Cannabidiol) has become an immensely popular natural supplement in recent years. Made from the cannabis sativa plant, it’s preferred for its potential benefits such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, energy boost, etc.
Unlike its psychoactive cousin THC, CBD doesn’t produce a ‘high’, making it a suitable choice for those who want to enjoy the potential benefits of cannabis without any undesirable psychoactive effects.
Despite its growing use and acceptance, there are plenty of questions and misconceptions surrounding CBD, mainly regarding its effects on the human mind and body.
But don’t worry as here we will clear them all, including the most crucial question of “does CBD make you feel spacey?”. We will also take you through what CBD is exactly, its effects on the mind and body, its comparison with THC, etc.
Can CBD Make You Feel Spacey?
No, CBD usually doesn’t make you feel ‘spacey’ because, unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn’t produce a ‘high’. Instead, it is known for inducing feelings of calm and relaxation.
Some people might experience mild drowsiness at high doses of CBD, but it is generally subtle. If you want to stay away from unwanted THC consumption, always use legal, clearly labeled CBD products.
How Does CBD Work in the Body?
CBD works with the body through the ECS (Endocannabinoid System), a complex cell-signaling system found in all parts of the body.
When CBD is present it supports the ECS to regulate various functions of the body effectively such as appetite, sleep, pain, and immune system response.
To understand how CBD shows its magic without making you “high”, it’s important to understand the basics of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) first.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of human cannabinoids, enzymes, and receptors that play a crucial role in maintaining the body’s internal balance, or homeostasis.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t bind to these receptors directly; instead, it impacts the ECS to make more endocannabinoids, increasing the system’s efficiency.
This subtle working contributes to CBD’s therapeutic potential without the intoxicating effects that cannabis use is known for.
Moreover, CBD can also work with non-endocannabinoid signaling systems. For example, it influences serotonin and THPV1 receptors, which play a significant role in regulating brain activities.
The potential benefits of CBD, such as reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and alleviating pain, are often misjudged for an impaired, “spacey” state.
However, these effects are different from the “high” produced by THC and are more accurately explained as wellness-enhancing or therapeutic.
Factors That Influence Effects of CBD
Here are some notable factors that influence the effects of CBD:
Importance of Dosage
The amount of CBD you consume plays a huge role in the strength of its effects. Lower doses give you therapeutic benefits with negligible psychoactive effects whereas higher doses might lead to strange sensations or side effects while still not making you high.
Finding the Right Dose
Just like with any other supplement, it’s better to begin with a low dose of CBD and slowly increase it as required along with monitoring the body’s response. In this way, you can find your optimal dose and enjoy CBD’s benefits without any undesirable side effects.
Purity Concerns
The market has a plethora of CBD products and their qualities. Products with adulterants or inaccurate labeling can induce unexpected effects, and worse, can contain THC, which can make you spacey.
The Form of CBD
The form of CBD you are consuming (capsules, oils, edibles, etc) has a role to play in the effects you feel. For example, CBD oil may show its effects quicker than an edible but may have a shorter duration.
Choosing Quality Products
Always buy 3rd-party lab-tested CBD products with clear labeling of CBD and THC content. Also, note that reputable brands always provide COAs (Certificates of Analysis) guaranteeing the product’s composition.
Body Weight & Metabolism
Just like with any other substance, an individual’s weight and metabolism can impact the effects of CBD. In other words, what is working for a lighter person might not work for a heavier person.
Tolerance & Sensitivity
Previous exposure to cannabinoids, either CBD or THC, can also affect how one reacts to CBD. People with no prior CBD experience may go through different effects as compared to people who use it regularly.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
No one can experience a food item, medicine, or drink in the same way. CBD is no different. It produces different effects and experiences in different individuals.
Some report relaxation, calmness, and less anxiety, while some feel almost the same as before.
While you already know that CBD is non-intoxicating and doesn’t produce the “high” that is commonly associated with the use of cannabis.
And also that it works with the ECS, a network of receptors in the body that take care of various functions, such as pain perception, mood, and inflammation, you should also know that some users may even experience mild side effects after taking CBD, such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and appetite changes.
But you need not worry as these side effects are usually temporary and mild, and can be managed by adjusting the serving size.
Health Benefits of CBD
CBD is available in the form of CBD sublingual sprays, capsules, oils, tea, gummies, and other edible goods.
Just make sure to check highly reviewed CBD products to avail only the best CBD oil for anxiety. In the meantime here are some notable potential benefits of CBD:
Pain Relief
Many people use topical CBD and CBD gummies to manage pain as CBD’s ability to bind to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system can help to decrease pain perception by reducing the release of pain-inducing neurotransmitters and increasing the release of pain-reducing neurotransmitters.
CBD has anti-inflammatory qualities, which may also contribute to its pain management abilities and also it can stop the activity of inflammatory enzymes, which produce inflammatory responses such as swelling, pain, irritation, and redness.
By preventing the activity of these enzymes, topical CBD products such as CBD balms help reduce chronic pain and inflammation. Additionally, some people even use CBD oil for tooth pain as it may help with inflammation and provide relief.
Anxiety Related Disorders & Stress
Another good reason people turn to CBD and THC is to manage their stress. CBD has been praised for its potential to alleviate symptoms of anxiety-related disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
Its ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system yield it superb anti-anxiety effects.
Sleep Disorders
CBD may also improve insomnia symptoms in people with sleep issues and chronic pain. The users who took CBD for one month reported improved sleep, as well as reduced pain and anxiety.
A single 25 mg dose of CBD decreased the time it took to fall asleep, increased overall sleep time, and reduced the number of nighttime awakenings.
Neurological Disorders
CBD may be beneficial in managing symptoms associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), such as muscle spasticity, pain, and sleep disorders.
In case you didn’t know, MS is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder of the nervous system that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
Is CBD Psychoactive?
CBD doesn’t have intoxicating or psychoactive effects like THC. While it still affects the mind, it doesn’t impair function and get you high.
This is because CBD doesn’t interact with and activate the CB1 receptor directly which is a major factor in determining how different cannabis products affect you.
Some users may experience relaxation and calmness after consuming CBD, while some may go through mild drowsiness or a sense of detachment.
These experiences are usually subtle and totally different from the “spacey” feeling associated with THC. Please note that all these experiences are subjective and do not necessarily signify the usual effects of CBD.
What Are the Differences Between THC and CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, whereas THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. Both substances are found in cannabis plants.
THC is psychoactive and is known for its “high” effects whereas CBD has a weak binding affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain and, hence, does not induce the same psychoactive effects as THC.
While THC can lead to feelings of spaciness or disorientation and can impair cognitive functions, CBD doesn’t produce such effects. In fact, CBD may counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD is usually sold as an oil and has medicinal properties whereas THC is the main psychoactive chemical of marijuana, hence is addictive.
Conclusion
Despite misconceptions, CBD doesn’t make you feel “spacey” or intoxicated like THC. Moreover, plenty of studies have confirmed the therapeutic and non-intoxicating effects of CBD.
But like any medication or supplement, even CBD requires careful consideration and responsible use.
Whether you are an experienced CBD user or trying it for the first time, being more educated about CBD will help you make better decisions for your health and well-being.
Also having a good understanding of the difference between CBD and THC, as well as their working with the body’s endocannabinoid system, can provide valuable insights into their respective effects.
Finally, we encourage our readers to share their experiences with CBD as it will contribute to a broader understanding of CBD’s effects and also help aspiring users in making a smoother CBD journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD Make You Feel Weird?
No, CBD doesn’t induce “weird” feelings. However, it affects different users differently. Some report focus and relaxation while some report mild drowsiness. Factors such as product quality, dosage, and personal biochemistry contribute to the diverse responses.
Will CBD Make Me Feel ‘High’ Like THC?
No, CBD won’t make you “high” like THC as CBD doesn’t interact with and activate the CB1 receptor directly which is a major factor in determining how different cannabis products affect you.
Is CBD legal?
The legal status of CBD is different in different regions and often depends on its THC content and source. In some regions, hemp-derived CBD with low THC levels is legal, but always make sure to know your local laws.
How Long Does CBD Take to Kick In?
Although CBD takes about 20 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, different forms might take different times to show their effects. For example:
- CBD Oil – 15 to 60 Minutes
- CBD Tinctures – 30 Seconds to 15 Minutes
- CBD Edibles – 45 Minutes to 2 Hours
Can CBD make you sleepy?
No, CBD cannot make you feel sleepy but can help you sleep better by improving the conditions that impact sleep quality. It is also effective in promoting wakefulness.