How Does CBD Make You Feel? Effects, Ratios and What to Expect

CBD doesn't get you high. Most people describe it as a subtle sense of calm and relaxation, with less stress and fewer aches, and no buzz, no munchies and no foggy head. How strongly you notice it depends on how you take it, the product's CBD-to-THC ratio and your own body chemistry. 

Whether you're after a gentle buzz, a burst of creativity, a full-on euphoric high or some help managing stress, there's a strain or product that fits the moment better than others. 

If you're not looking for the classic head effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, and you're more drawn to cannabis's calming, soothing side, cannabidiol (CBD) is the way to go. 

Before we get deeper into CBD, it helps to know what THC does. 

THC is the main compound behind most of cannabis's psychoactive effects. In other words, it's what gives you the high every time you smoke or eat weed. 

THC is what sharpens your senses a bit, brings on that relaxed, feel-good vibe and ramps up your appetite. But that's not all: its effects vary from person to person, and some people notice their sense of time and of their own body shifting, with a mood that swings toward euphoria or sedation. It also affects memory, making short-term recall worse while dulling some memories and bringing others to the surface. Again, it all depends on how each person responds to it.

What exactly is CBD?

CBD is one of the plant's main cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are compounds in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which makes molecules that help regulate a lot of functions, including digestion, motor control and sleep.

While THC interacts with this system to produce the familiar high people associate with weed, CBD works to promote homeostasis, the body's internal balance. And unlike THC, CBD won't make you euphoric or send you raiding the fridge at midnight. 

CBD is also known for a range of potential benefits: research suggests it has anti-inflammatory properties that may soothe sore muscles and joints, calming effects that may ease stress, and many users report an overall boost in well-being. 

Because CBD is therapeutically promising, non-intoxicating and easy to take, as an oil for example, it's an appealing option for people who are wary of trying cannabis for the first time. It also plays a growing role in medicine, with several studies behind it and CBD-based treatments already developed.

What are the effects of CBD?

How your body reacts to CBD depends on a few things: 

1. How you take it: When you take it by mouth, as an edible or an oil, it's absorbed more slowly because it has to pass through your digestive system, and some of its potency can get lost before it reaches your bloodstream. 

Sublingual tinctures, on the other hand, work much faster and lose less of their strength along the way. 

You can also find cannabis strains with higher-than-average CBD that you can roll into a joint or pack into a bong or pipe. The great thing about smoking flower is that you keep the benefits of the terpenes, which can boost the overall sense of well-being. 

Another thing to keep in mind when you shop for CBD products: at dispensaries you'll often see CBD flower, tinctures and vape carts labeled with ratios like 1:1, 4:1 or even 20:1. These show the ratio of CBD to THC in the product. A 1:1 product, for example, has equal amounts of CBD and THC, so you get an even blend of the two. 

When you choose a product, keep the entourage effect in mind. The term refers to how CBD, THC and the plant's other compounds work together and amplify each other's effects. That said, if you only want the benefits of CBD, look for products with a high CBD ratio or no THC at all, since those are the best bet for avoiding THC's psychoactive effects. 

2. Your body chemistry: Beyond the physical differences we all have, every person has chemical quirks that shape how they react to certain compounds. With CBD, the way your body responds to a given dose could be very different from someone else's. That's why we recommend starting with small doses and working your way up to the type and intensity of effect you're looking for. 

How will I feel when I take CBD?

As we said, how CBD feels, whether you take it as a capsule, an oil, a vape cart or a balm, depends entirely on your body and how it absorbs the compound. 

Like some medications, CBD products can cause mild side effects, usually from taking too much, meaning doses well beyond what you need.

Mild side effects can include:

Drowsiness

Dry mouth

Low blood pressure

Dizziness

Loss of appetite

For topicals, few side effects have been reported so far. Still, stick to the dose the manufacturer recommends for whatever format you're using, to avoid unwanted effects.

Overall, most people who try CBD describe the experience as relaxing and soothing. Its calming effects may help with aches, restore a sense of balance and set you up for a good day. 

Some users even say CBD helped their productivity, creativity and focus, making it a go-to companion for long days at the office.

Whatever your reason for buying CBD products, check with a doctor before you start, so you know the right dose for you and the best way to take it, especially if you're on other medications, since CBD can interact with some drugs. 

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