You may have heard of CBD, but you’re not quite sure what it is, what it does, or what the difference is between CBD and marijuana. Maybe you’re also curious about trying CBD for the first time and want to know what to expect. If any of this sounds spot on for you, keep reading and discover all this and more about CBD!
What is CBD? And Does it Get You High?
What Does Taking CBD Feel Like?
CBD is reported to induce feelings of calmness and relaxation. Even so, it does depend on what method of CBD you choose to take and the dosage. A topical CBD cream, for example, can provide localized relief to the area it was applied to, but will probably not alter or improve mood.
What Can CBD Do For Me?
CBD may also help improve symptoms related to insomnia. CBD may help control cortisol levels, otherwise known as stress hormones. People with insomnia experience elevated cortisol levels even during the nighttime. A study done in 2019 revealed that those taking 300 mg to 600 mg of CBD had lower cortisol levels, indicating that it could be helpful for those with insomnia. Readers should note that, while everyone’s tollerance and responsiveness to CBD may vary, this is generally considered a very high dosage of CBD. As always, consult your physician before adding CBD into your routine. Reference the article “CBD and Delta-8 THC Dosing” for more information on suggested CBD dosing.
Finally, CBD may reduce chronic pain by decreasing inflammation through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. An example of this is known as Sativex, an oral spray which contains a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC and is used in several countries to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis.
How Can You Take CBD?
There are many different ways to take CBD! For relief of chronic pain, try applying a topical cream to the agitated area. For immediate effects on mood, a vaporizer might be best. If you are looking to have a glass of lemonade or your drink of choice, spice it up with a CBD tincture! If you want to know exactly how much CBD you’re taking and have longer lasting effects, a gummy might be best for you.
How Long Does CBD Take to Work?
When looking at how long it takes CBD to work, it depends on a few key factors. The first is the method which you choose to consume CBD. As mentioned previously, using a vaporizer will provide almost immediate effects. Topicals, on the other hand, take about 90 minutes to reach peak effects. Gummies on average take 30 minutes to one hour but may take up to two hours to provide the desired effects. Those effects then often last longer than other methods, such as using a vaporizer.
Metabolism is also a key factor when taking CBD. Some people just take a little longer to break down the CBD compound than others, so be patient, and remember it’s best to “start low and go slow”. The next factors to consider are dosage and frequency of use. It may take a while for you to find your ideal CBD dosage. Once you do, you’ll also have to figure out how often is best to use your chosen method of CBD. Many manufacturers will provide suggested instructions on how often to take your CBD, but you should experiment to find out what works best for you.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now feel more confident in your knowledge of CBD and what to expect when trying it. Remember when first starting out with CBD, you’ll need some patience since it may take time to figure out what methods and dosages are best for you. But, as indicated from the studies discussed in this article, it might just be worth the wait! One last thing to consider is to always discuss taking CBD with your doctor first. After you’ve gotten the green light, have some fun and explore the many ways to try CBD!