The medicinal use of products containing CBD or cannabidiol has been an increasing trend in the health and wellness industry, and has generated curiosity and interest in how this ingredient can benefit human health. CBD is naturally extracted from the cannabis plant, and processed by being pressed into oil. It’s marketed and sold in oral and topical forms, from capsules to ointments, and many advocates for CBD oil praise its calming and soothing effects.

You may have concerns about how safe it is to use, and if you should expect any intoxicating sensations that are associated with marijuana use. CBD lacks THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that induces the ‘high’ or euphoric feeling it’s reputed for. The effects of CBD products are often described by consumers as subtle and relaxing, similar to the way you’d feel after a massage or having a glass of wine.

Although there are many reasons to be curious about taking CBD to benefit your health and quality of life, you should not expect CBD to prevent or cure any serious medical conditions. It’s known to improve health and alleviate some symptoms, but isn’t recognized as an effective remedy, antidote, or cure by the medical community. You can research information and commentary on resourceful websites and blogs, such as learningcbdoil.com/blog/what-does-cbd-feel-like to read about others’ experience with CBD as a therapeutic supplement.

Beneficial effects of CBD that you can expect as a consumer include the following

• Improved or regulated appetite
• Decrease in nausea
• Balanced blood sugar levels
• Improved and balanced moods
• Improved mental focus and productivity
• Decreased physical pain
• Decrease in anxiety and stress
• Better relaxation and sleep

There’s a range of variables to take into consideration if you’re wondering how CBD will affect you, such as the dosage, the strain and quality, the way it’s administered, and the intended usage. It may also depend on what other medications you’re currently taking. More research and concrete data are needed, but there can be unexpected drug interactions with CBD.

Physiological factors that should also be taken into account include

• Gender
• Weight and BMI
• Metabolism
• Genetics
• Medical history
• Pre-existing conditions or health issues

Like any foreign supplement that’s introduced to your body, CBD takes time to adjust. You can expect to feel some side effects, such as fatigue, dry mouth, and upset stomach symptoms, in the first few weeks of taking CBD. If these persist, you may want to consider lowering the dosage and discontinuing your intake altogether. The positive effects are generally more delayed as it gets absorbed into your bloodstream, and it might take a few to several weeks of regular intake for you to notice any desired or intended effects at all.

The absorption process can vary from person to person. It depends on individual bioavailability, which is the rate at which an organism absorbs a substance, and how CBD is administered or ingested. Concentrated forms, such as tinctures, enter the bloodstream the fastest. The time it takes for you to feel the intended effects may also depend on the quality and strength of the product you’re using.

There are three different variations of CBD oil for consumers to choose from, and you can expect different effects and reactions from each one. These include

1. Full-spectrum CBD oil is in its purest form and hasn’t been filtered to remove THC and all other cannabinoids.
2. Broad-spectrum CBD oil has gone through an extraction process to remove all traces of THC, but otherwise retains its natural state.
3. CBD isolate comes in powder or crystalline form, with THC and all other compounds removed. This is the most refined form available, which is around 99% pure CBD.

If you have concerns about unexpected or undesirable results from using CBD, the following are the most commonly reported adverse side effects:

• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping

Conclusion

You are physiologically unique in the way your body and mind metabolize and react to medicinal supplements, organic or synthetic. Cannabidiol can produce different effects in consumers, depending on their sensitivity. Some people naturally have or can develop a high tolerance to certain chemicals and substances, although CBD is generally considered to be non-habit forming and low-risk in terms of physical or psychological dependency.

However, it’s always best to consult with your physician before introducing any new supplement to your health regimen, and openly discuss with them your expectations and reasons for self-medicating with CBD. Consider your options as to what forms you’re interested in using, whether it’s edibles, tinctures, or topicals, and base your expectations on publicized research and social commentary, but with a grain of salt.