Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Although this medication doesn’t give you a “high” feeling, it does affect your central nervous system to help promote a feeling of relaxation, pain relief, sleepiness, and more.  

Currently, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) only approves CBD to treat epilepsy. Therefore, common questions arise related to the safety of CBD, how much to take, and how CBD makes you feel. We want beginners to feel safe taking CBD so your body can reap the rewards. If you are going to feel comfortable taking CBD you need to know how it will make you feel beforehand.

How Does CBD Make You Feel?

People take CBD because it helps support their overall health. If you are considering taking CBD, you have probably heard of the advantages of taking CBD, but you probably haven’t heard how CBD will actually make you feel. 

CBD is commonly associated with THC because the two cannabinoids can be extracted from cannabis - the marijuana plant. This may deter new users from trying CBD products. 

It’s important to remember that CBD is different from THC, you will not get a “high” from CBD. CBD does not give you the head rush that THC does. You will feel the effects of CBD subtly. 

CBD can make you feel more relaxed, focused, or calm. Again, these effects are subtle. It can take some time to feel them. Some users don’t notice the effects their first time taking it. After consistent use, the effects of CBD are much more prominent. 

Here are some of the positive and negative effects of CBD: 

Positive Effects of CBD

• Relaxed
• Focused
• Reduced anxiety
• Reduced inflammation
• Mood Stimulator/Better attitude

Negative Effects of CBD

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth 
• Decrease appetite 
• Fatigued

There are several factors that contribute to how CBD makes you feel. Based on your unique situation and the state of your body, the same CBD product and dosage may affect you differently than someone else.

How Long Does it Take to Feel the Effects of CBD? 

Depending on the dosage, your body chemistry, form of CBD, ingredients, and manufacturer, it can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes to feel the effect of CBD. If you’re using CBD for medical benefits, it can take 3 to 7 days to feel an effect – and this is with consistent dosing over the course of 2 to 4 weeks.

How long does it take for Topical CBD Products?  

Topical forms of CBD like lotions, oils, ointments, and balms, are known to have the most immediate effect. Once applied to your body, you should feel the positive effects within 15 minutes. This does vary based on your body chemistry and how well you tolerate topical treatments.

How long does it take for Ingestible CBD Products?

Capsules, tinctures, gummies, and other edibles vary in how and when you feel affected. Tinctures typically absorb within 30 seconds when left under the tongue, and it takes approximately 15 minutes to feel the effects. With consumable CBD, effects often take 45 minutes to two hours – this depends on your body, the manufacturer, and the dosage.

Regardless of the form of CBD, it’s best to start with small doses and gradually add more. Remember, if you’re taking CBD for medical reasons such as inflammation and pain, it’s important to stay consistent and take your daily dosage. This will help continuously reduce inflammation, which helps reduce pain.

CBD Dosage: How the Amount of CBD You take Affects How You Feel 

The most frequently asked question concerning CBD products is, how much CBD should I take?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a particular dosage that works perfect for everyone. Your weight, quality of CBD, and delivery method all impact how you’ll feel effects. Additionally, why you’re using it is also the dosage. Whether you’re using it to relieve pain or just to calm your nerves, starting with a small dose is always best. This allows you to see how your mind and body react to the ingredients. Over time, you can increase the dose – just do it gradually and not all at once. However, it’s always best to consult with a medical expert before using CBD.

The rule of thumb for basing dosage from your weight is to take between 1 and 5 milligrams of CBD for every 10 pounds. This allows you to start small based on your unique body and allow for growth. Like all products, your tolerance for CBD will increase with time and dosages will have to be altered.

With these guidelines in mind, take your current weight and find the dosage that you should begin with. You should also take into consideration the desired effect you want to feel. As a new user – to both CBD and new brands - always begin with a mild dose. A mild dose is considered 15 mg for a 150-pound individual. A strong dose would be 30 mg for the same weight class.

How to Make Sure You Feel Safe While Using CBD 

If you’re new to CBD, there are a few safety precautions you want to take. For instance, always research the brand, manufacturer, and ingredients. CBD product contamination and false labeling is real. It’s important to ensure there is no more than .3% of THC in the product as well because this can severely alter the effects.

At Medical Mike’s, we’re aware that CBD affects everyone differently based on their body and dosage. But did you also know that the time of day in which you take CBD oil can also influence the effects?

That’s why we have products designed specially for the morning, daytime, and nighttime. Additionally, in all products, we only use organic, locally sourced plants to prevent pesticide residue. To confirm safety and efficiency, we also test every hemp oil and salve with a trusted third-party laboratory.