What Does CBD Feel Like?
What does CBD feel like? Still wondering if it gets you high? Exploring the difference between a head high vs. body high can help break it down.
by Kristin Henningsen
Understanding the mind-body benefits of CBD is one thing, but understanding how CBD makes you feel after taking it can be a much harder thing to describe.
And as CBD has become one of the fastest growing health and wellness trends in the nation, misconceptions and misinformation have abounded — so it’s not surprising some may want to find out more before diving in.
Here, we’ll chart out what to expect to feel when you take CBD so you can incorporate the powerful plant into your daily ritual with confidence.
CBD vs. THC
To understand what CBD feels like, it’s important to understand the distinction between CBD and THC. CBD, or cannabidiol, is just one of the hundreds of compounds that are found in cannabis plants. Because of its connection to cannabis, one of the biggest misconceptions out there is that CBD can make you feel “high.” But, like many of the compounds found in cannabis plants, it’s non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating.
That mind-altering high can really be attributed to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which alters neurotransmitters in the brain to ramp up dopamine secretion to intoxicating levels and alter the mind’s perception. Instead, CBD acts on receptors throughout the body, having an effect on serotonin levels that may result in the relaxation effect on the body that some describe as a “body high.”
Head High vs Body High
To put it simply, a “body high” is often felt as a softening and releasing of tension in the body. Think of it as a feeling similar to what you’d get after a good yoga class or an excellent night’s sleep.
Our bodies already make their own natural cannabinoids, which interact with the endocannabinoid system. This system is in charge of keeping the body and mind in balance by acting on the central and peripheral nervous system. But when our own endocannabinoids decrease due to stress, diet or lifestyle factors, filling in the gaps with CBD can help keep us in that balanced and relaxed state.
“Head high” or “mind high,” on the other hand, is more in line with a feeling of intoxication and euphoria. Because CBD products like The Root of It All’s tinctures and topicals are required to contain less than 0.3% THC by federal law, they do not produce this effect. Instead, CBD works to support well-being instead of altering the mind’s perceived sense of well-being.
Ingredients Matter
Research has shown that CBD has the ability to promote overall wellness in both mind and body — but finding the right product to support your specific needs is easier said than done. This is why the ingredients that are included alongside CBD are so crucial, as these ingredients can work together to amplify certain benefits over others.
At The Root of It All, we’ve added CBD to Ayurvedic essential oil blends of herbs specifically formulated to target everyday ailments (check out our 101 article to learn more about essential oils) . For example, CBD serves to enhance the relaxing effects of chamomile, lavender and valerian root in our STOP tincture, helping to send you off into a more restful night’s sleep. Our GO tincture leverages CBD’s relaxing effects to create a sense of clarity and focused energy thanks to a formula that features boosting rosemary, cardamom and ginger.
Final Thoughts
Supporting our bodies in stressful times should feel like an act of self-care rather than a chore. If you’re looking for a product that will relax the body yet still provide clarity, CBD might just be the one for you.
Kristin Henningsen MS, RH (AHG), RYT, is a clinical herbalist and educator who first fell in love with plants in the southwest desert. She’s passionate about bringing plant medicine back to the people, integrating Western Herbalism, TCM, and Ayurvedic practices to empower folks in their healthcare. She maintains a private clinical practice and serves as faculty for several University programs.
References
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