First Time Using CBD? Here’s What to Expect

While you may be seeing CBD products popping up more and more frequently, there’s still a cautionary stigma around actually trying out a CBD oil, serum, or any other product on the market. However, it’s not as scary and daunting as you might think, and we’re here to help you understand a little more regarding what to expect when you do decide to try CBD.

It’s becoming more widely known at this point, but for the initiated, it’s good to clarify that CBD (or cannabidiol) features no psychoactive chemicals (those are found in THC), so there’s zero risk of feeling ‘high’ when using CBD products.

But, what do you feel then?

While the science behind CBD’s effectiveness for treating anxiety, pain, and insomnia is still in its infancy, there are hundreds of thousands of anecdotal cases of how CBD has helped individuals; and while there’s no one way to describe each individual’s ‘feeling’, the common results are:

• A decrease in uneasiness and anxiety.
• Easing of mental tension with a slower heart-rate and breathing.
• More regular sleeping patterns.
• Greater focus for work-related tasks.
• Pain relief.

CBD usually helps with the reason why you’re taking CBD in the first place. If you’re struggling with insomnia, for example, CBD can help with easing you to sleep; while someone who is struggling with injury or pain will likely feel a subsiding of those painful sensations.

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are behind many of these sensations, allowing CBD to work as an effective anti-depressant when stress or depression is felt (because your brain is slightly inflamed during these periods).

How can I tell when CBD kicks in?

Much like a coffee, CBD effects everyone in different ways. Saying “coffee gives you immediate energy” isn’t true for all people – and CBD is the same. But one thing to note, unlike taking a drug or extremely strong medication, CBD works slowly and subtly in your system – like that of a relaxing-brain-ninja. It works through the endocannabinoid system to help your body find its chemical balance, hence the need for it to be used consistently.

Therefore its a personal answer that’ll differ from one individual to another. A good idea is to try taking a CBD product, like an oil, for at least a week, remembering to take notes about how you feel when you started, and then again when the week is over. This will help you identify how CBD is affecting you over time.

What are the most common things I’m likely to experience?

You’re Relaxed But Totally Sober – The world as we know it now is fast, frantic, and at times overwhelming. As a result, stress is often a common problem many deal with (and those who don’t even know they suffer from stress at some of the most severe sufferers). CBD users claim to feel a sense of relaxation when using products frequently, much like the extremely light euphoria felt after a massage or a relaxing ease without any intoxicating symptoms.

Better sleep – Somewhat connected to the management of stress, CBD can help you enhance the quality of your sleep. The subtle, sedative effects of CBD can help ease pain, reduce your blood pressure, and slow your heart-rate, which will result in a better sleeping pattern and higher-quality rest.

Greater focus when working – We know what you’re thinking: while relaxing oneself is an attractive prospect, how will this affect my work life? CBD oil is reported to provide an enhance cognitive functions and performance with day-to-day tasks and cognitive processes. So, essentially, your boss will love you.

Reduction of pain – Whether you’re struggling with some minor aches and pains, or chronic ailments, CBD has been found to work remarkably well for inflammatory pain, due to the cannabionid interacting with our CB2 receptors. This is because they play an important role in regulating the body’s immune system.

To ease any other worries, it’s always good to chat to friends or individuals you’re familiar with about their experiences with CBD. We’ve rounded up a few real-world experiences from well-known bloggers and authors who use CBD:

“Rather than overthinking a sternly worded email or analysing a social interaction, I found it easier to recognise the irrationality of these thoughts and actually let them go.” –  Kelsey Clark, MyDomaine.

“I’ve been vaping between one and three hits each morning, which helps me feel subtly but noticeably calmer as I organise and set out for my day, and I also keep my vape pen on hand for emergencies.” – Stephanie Dolgoff, MSN Lifestyle.

If you’d like to find the vaping and CBD product which suits your needs, check out local retailer, Zootly, who have a wide range of CBD products, such as oils, creams, serums, edibles and other items.

Zootly says: Using CBD is a marathon, not a race! So, subtlety is the key when using CBD. Remember that CBD has a residual effect which can be felt (and amplified) even after two to three days.