The psychoactive effect of drugs such as marijuana, which contains THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, are well known to most. It is that feeling of being “high.” And while the use of marijuana, or cannabis, is increasingly expanding for medicinal purposes, many people who might otherwise benefit from such use do not desire the associated high. Is there a solution for them?
In fact, there is. There are other phytocannabinoids increasingly growing in popularity today that offer similar therapeutic properties to cannabis, but the big difference is, they do not contain THC. As such, they won’t induce the psychoactive high. The best known of this group is called cannabidiol, or CBD for short.
What Happens When You Take CBD?
Studies continue to demonstrate that when THC-free CBD is swallowed, inhaled, or rubbed into the skin, it interacts with our Endocannabinoid System, which is comprised of an extensive network of nerve receptors throughout the body, brain, and nervous system that are responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance. While THC and CBD can come from the same cannabis plant, it is important to note that their effects and modes of action are quite different. In fact, commercial CBD is a non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive compound derived from the cousin of the cannabis plant, called the hemp plant, and it will not get you high.
Hemp is grown on expansive farms for the express purpose of extracting what is called hemp-derived CBD, which contains high levels of CBD, yet miniscule trace doses of THC, far too little to get anyone high. While marijuana plants usually contain high levels of psychoactive THC, they are generally not grown to produce CBD products.
If we look into the origins of CBD and THC, it becomes clear why each has different functions and can create different sensations in humans.
What Types of CBD Are There?
Manufacturers of CBD products use the hemp plant to extract what are called full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD. Depending on individual tolerance levels, people can experience different sensations with each type, but they will not experience a high.
For example, full-spectrum CBD includes most compounds from the hemp plant, including other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and up to 0.2% THC, which is the legal level of trace THC permitted in the U.K. True to its name, early research suggests that the combination of these components in full-spectrum CBD create a fuller effect on the body — what is commonly called the “entourage effect.” This is why many experts believe that full-spectrum CBD products can be most effective for those whose body functions are impaired and require help.
In broad-spectrum CBD products, manufacturers reduce the THC level down to 0 in production, while maintaining higher content levels of other key compounds within the composition. As a result, this type of CBD has been found to have excellent effects for individuals looking to take CBD in order to help prevent various health conditions.
Will CBD Make You High?
It is important to restate this in unequivocal terms: CBD products will not get you high. Since they can only contain 0 to negligible amounts of THC by law, no hemp-derived CBD products sold in the U.K. will make you feel intoxicated in any way. Instead of the so-called “buzz” that results from psychoactive THC, most people who take CBD, which is non-psychoactive, report feelings of calmness, especially when consuming it regularly.
Since CBD is a natural ingredient, it takes time to settle into the system to take effect. It is not a drug with any potent or pronounced effect. In fact, it is common not too feel any overwhelming sensations at all for the first few weeks of using CBD products regularly. However, that doesn’t mean the CBD isn’t working! On the contrary, CBD gradually accumulates in the body, impacting its Endocannabinoid System to help the body reach homeostasis.
What Are the Effects of CBD?
The benefits you experience from taking CBD may be small at first and grow incrementally over time. The impact can be so gradual, in fact, that people often don’t notice how much their condition has improved until they stop taking CBD. That’s when they feel the “before and after” effect.
Depending on their individual needs and reactions, many people have reported at least one of the following beneficial effects when taking CBD products regularly over time, such as CBD oils or CBD gummies.
- People say they feel more relaxed, even in situations that previously caused stress and intense anxiety. The functioning of the nervous system may improve, and that can certainly affect a person's overall mental health.
- Chronic pain is one of the common reasons why people start consuming different types of CBD products in the first place. Inflammation and other conditions in the body that cause pain can indicate an imbalance in physiological functions that can prevent the body from independently responding and coping with the problem on its own. Taking full-spectrum CBD products can normalize the functions of the Endocannabinoid System, which is responsible for responding to such disruptions in the body — effectively eliminating the problem and even helping some reach a level of immunity.
- When on a regimen of CBD, many people report experiencing regular sleep patterns.
What follow are actual testimonials we’ve received at TAYLOR MAMMON from customers of our PATCH ADAM brand of high-quality CBD products. Their experiences are consistent with what most consumers report when taking CBD.
"Really helps me sleep, especially during this challenging time we are going through."
"When I wake up, and I feel the anxiety and depression coming, I take four drops of this, and it calms me down in 20 minutes."
"I have been using it for two weeks now and I can already see the result. I'm less nervous and sleep better. I have tried less strong oils before. In this oil, I really like that the strength of CBD is 1200mg, so it is consumed more economically. Special thanks for the fresh flavour — I love mint! — and for the service. I personally recommend it."
"I started to use this product a few weeks ago after mixed martial arts training and was looking for some relief for aching muscles after a heavy session. It really does help my tired and aching muscles relax, and I would recommend it for anyone doing physical activity!"
Does CBD Pose Any Side Effects?
Most people do not experience any side effects when consuming CBD regularly. And while any potential side effect will differ by individual tolerance levels, even then, the impact will not be severe or long term. Some of these minor side effects may possibly include:
- Dry mouth, diarrhea, or decreased appetite
- Drowsiness, at first. But as the body adapts to CBD supplementation, this state of drowsiness usually diminishes.
- Counter indications. Oral consumption of CBD and certain types of medications may not be compatible. These may include antibiotics, anticoagulants, and other drugs. In this case, as would be advised with any other supplement, you should consult your doctor before consuming CBD.
Should You Take CBD?
If CBD does not make you "high," or provide much apparent or even immediate tangible effects, some might ask: Why take it at all? In this case, a follow up question might also be posed: What would you prefer, treating an existing disorder in the body with synthetic drugs or pills or trying a natural remedy first?
Stress, anxiety, bad habits, unhealthy diet, age, a sedentary lifestyle — these can all negatively affect wellbeing and provoke malfunctions in the body, which can commonly lead to disease. If there are natural remedies like CBD that may help normalize the body's defenses over time and stabilize the nervous system, why not give it a try?
Scientific research on the beneficial properties of CBD and its effects are ongoing, and much of that research continues to be published and recognized. Because of its growing popularity in the world, more countries are legalizing the use of CBD. As a result of this expanded consumption, we expect to learn even more about the benefits of taking CBD and other phytocannabinoids and their ability to improve wellbeing.
Read more about our products in our blog section! Should you have further questions regarding CBD, or which products might be right for you, we’d be happy to field any inquiries. Please send all comments and questions to us here.