Key takeaways
- CBD makes you feel relaxed, energetic or sleepy depending on dosage.
- At low doses CBD promotes relaxation without significant sedation.
- At moderate doses, CBD might increase relaxation and reduce stress without inducing sleepiness.
- At higher doses CBD can promote sedation and relaxation making it suitable for evening or bedtime use.
If you're new to CBD, these questions can help you discover the right information and act as a guide to ensure you have the best experience with it.
How will I feel after taking CBD?
People who use CBD are most likely to experience one or more of the following effects;
- Relaxation: Many users report a sense of calm or relaxation after taking CBD.
- Reduced stress and anxiousness: CBD is often used to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiousness, leading to a more relaxed state.
- Pain Relief: Some people use CBD for its potential analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
- Improved Sleep: CBD may promote better sleep for some individuals.
- Alertness: While CBD is not typically associated with drowsiness, it might increase alertness for some users.
- Mood Enhancement: Users may experience an improvement in mood and overall well-being.
- Individual Variances: Responses vary, and some individuals may not feel significant effects.
It is important to note that CBD's impact on your state can vary based on the dosage. At lower doses, many individuals report a sense of relaxation without significant sedation, making it suitable for daytime use. Moderate doses might enhance relaxation and reduce stress without inducing sleepiness. On the other hand, higher doses can potentially promote sedation and relaxation, making them more suitable for evening or bedtime use.
How to dose CBD products?
If you are thinking about how to determine the right CBD dosage for your body type and condition, here are 8 simple steps to follow;
Step 1: Consult with an Expert
Before starting CBD, consult an expert to discuss your specific health condition, any existing medications, and potential risks. If the expert provides a dosage recommendation, follow their guidance, especially if you're taking prescription medications containing CBD.
Step 2: Understand Key Factors
Consider factors influencing CBD dosage:
- Body Weight
- Targeted Health Condition
- Individual Body Chemistry
- CBD Concentration in the Product
Step 3: Start with a Small Dosage
If your CBD expert doesn't provide specific guidance, begin with a conservative dosage, such as 20 to 40 mg daily. Starting low helps gauge your body's response and minimizes the risk of side effects.
Step 4: Gradually Increase
After a week, assess how your body reacts. If needed, increase the dosage by 5 mg each week until you find a level that effectively addresses your symptoms. Patience is crucial to determine the optimal dosage for your individual needs.
Step 5: Track Your Usage
Keep a record of your CBD consumption and symptom changes. Use a notes app on your phone or pen and paper to document the dosage and how your symptoms evolve over time. This tracking helps you identify patterns and make informed adjustments.
Step 6: Tailor Dosage to Your Needs
Continue adjusting the dosage until you find a level that provides effective symptom relief. This personalized approach ensures you're using CBD in a way that suits your unique requirements and health goals.
Remember, CBD's effects vary from person to person, and finding the right dosage is a personalized process. Always prioritize safety and consult with an expert throughout your CBD journey.
Should I expect any potential side effect after using CBD products?
While CBD is generally considered safe for most people, it can have potential side effects. Common side effects are typically mild, and not everyone experiences them. Potential side effects of CBD may include:
Dry Mouth
Drowsiness
Changes in Appetite
Nausea
Diarrhea
Interaction with Medications: CBD can interact with certain medications, so it's essential to consult with an expert, especially if you are on prescription medications.
How does CBD taste like?
The taste of CBD can vary depending on the form of the product and any added ingredients. Here are some common CBD product forms and their typical tastes:
CBD Oil/Tinctures: CBD oil often has an earthy, herbal, or grassy flavor due to the natural compounds present in hemp. Some people find the taste strong, while others may describe it as nutty.
CBD Edibles (Gummies, Chocolates, etc.): CBD edibles are often formulated to mask the natural taste of CBD, and they come in various flavors. They can taste similar to regular candies or snacks.
CBD Capsules: Capsules usually have no distinct taste, making them a suitable option for those who prefer a flavorless way to consume CBD.
CBD Vape Products: CBD vape products may have different flavors, ranging from fruity to minty. The taste can depend on the specific vape juice used.
CBD Isolates: Pure CBD isolates are typically flavorless and odorless, making them versatile for adding to various food or beverage items without altering the taste.
What does CBD smell like?
Pure CBD, in its isolated form, is generally considered to be odorless. The smell associated with CBD products often comes from the other components present in the formulation, such as carrier oils or added flavors. For example:
CBD Oil/Tinctures: The aroma of CBD oil can vary depending on the carrier oil used (commonly hemp seed oil or MCT oil) and any added natural flavors. It may have a subtle earthy or nutty scent.
CBD Topicals: CBD-infused creams, balms, or lotions might have a faint herbal or botanical smell, influenced by the ingredients in the topical product.
CBD Edibles: The smell of CBD edibles, like gummies or chocolates, is often influenced by the flavors added to mask the natural taste of CBD. They may have fruity, sweet, or herbal aromas.
CBD Vape Products: The aroma of CBD vape products depends on the specific vape juice used. Flavored vape juices may have scents ranging from fruity to minty.
CBD Isolates: Pure CBD isolates are typically odorless, as they contain only the isolated CBD compound without additional aromatic elements.
Want to Learn More?
- How To Finally Quiet Your Mind In 6 Ways
- How To Take Control of Your Mind
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- How Does CBD Oil Make You Feel: What To Know
- Is CBD Oil Use While Pregnant Safe?
Sources
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041
Boggs, D. L., Nguyen, J. D., Morgenson, D., Taffe, M. A., & Ranganathan, M. (2017). Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(1), 142-154. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.209
Moltke, J., Hindocha, C. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. J Cannabis Res 3, 5 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
Leas EC, Nobles AL, Caputi TL, Dredze M, Smith DM, Ayers JW. Trends in Internet Searches for Cannabidiol (CBD) in the United States. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(10):e1913853. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.13853