Posted On:
July 20, 2023
Does CBD Make You Feel Spacey?
Cannabidiol — popularly known as CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plants. Many people use CBD products as a natural remedy for potential health benefits.
However, both CBD and recreational marijuana share many similar characteristics. For instance, both these herbal drugs are the same species and possess similar compounds like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. That’s why you might feel intrigued to know “Does CBD make you feel spacey?” or “Does CBD make you feel high like marijuana?”.
Before answering this, let us clarify the meaning of the word “spacey”. It’s a colloquial term that describes a feeling of being disconnected, unfocused, or mentally distant. When people say they feel "spacey,", they may mean that their thoughts are scattered, and they find it hard to concentrate or engage fully in their surroundings.
However, in the context of CBD, you might want to know whether consuming CBD can induce spacey feelings or not. Let’s find out in detail.
The Effects of CBD
When you take CBD, it interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and various receptors in the brain. The ECS consists of a network of receptors and neurotransmitters.
This endocannabinoid system is found throughout the body and plays a vital role in regulating various physiological processes such as mood, sleep, appetite, reproduction and fertility, cardiovascular system functions, and immune response.
However, the primary role of the ECS system is thought to be regulating homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the overall balance in the body and mind. Certain stimuli such as injury or stressful events can cause an imbalance in your body. It is assumed that CBD may encourage the body to keep its balance.
When CBD enters your bloodstream, it binds the two G-protein coupled receptors — CB1, and CB2 in the endocannabinoid system [1]. In addition, CBD can also interact with the non-endocannabinoid system. For instance, it can influence both serotonin (a “feel good” hormone) and THVP1 receptors making you feel more focused and emotionally stable [2].
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
How CBD will make you feel depends on various factors such as biochemistry, dosage, and product quality. However, most people feel a sense of calm and relaxation after taking CBD-infused products including CBD gummies, CBD oil, and CBD body rubs.
Besides, CBD users may also experience enhanced focus, pain relief, and improved sleep quality. It is also worth noting that CBD doesn’t induce psychoactive effects or “high” like THC.
Although some people may experience mild and temporary side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue at higher doses, the effects are generally subtle. Scientific evidence suggests potential health benefits including relief from anxiety and inflammation without intoxication.
It is also important to keep in mind that the feelings you get from using cannabidiol products also depend on the following factors.
• Product Quality (e.g., extraction method, additional ingredients)
• Type of CBD (Full Spectrum Vs Broad Spectrum CBD, and Isolate CBD)
• The amount of CBD consumed.
• Individual variations in enzymes, receptors, and overall physiology influence how the body processes and interacts with CBD.
• The form in which CBD is consumed (Oils, capsules, CBD syrups, topicals)
• Underlying health conditions can affect how individuals respond to CBD.
• Medication Interaction
• Timing and consistency
• Individual expectations, mindset, and psychological factors.
Related: How Does CBD Make You Feel Different?
Does CBD Make You Feel Spacey?
Simply put, CBD doesn’t make you feel spacey. However, how you feel after consuming CBD products is mostly determined by the compounds and ingredients.
Typically, CBD doesn’t induce any psychoactive effects or produce a “high”. As a result, it is not supposed to make you feel spacey or euphoric. Nonetheless, full-spectrum CBD products contain a small amount of THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Smoking or vaping marijuana makes you feel stoned due to the presence of high concentrations of THC. CBD made from hemp, on the other hand, is only allowed to have 0.3% THC by federal law. This tiny percentage of THC can’t cause “high”, “euphoric” or “spacey” feelings.
Besides, anecdotal reports suggest that the combination of CBD and THC (CBD VS THC) provides greater benefits through entourage effects. The entourage effect is a theory that tells us cannabis compounds work synergistically and have a stronger effect when consumed together.
This clearly means that even full-spectrum CBD can’t make you feel spacey or take you on a trip of euphoria. As for broad-spectrum and CBD Isolate, they are better choices than full-spectrum, though they might be less effective compared to full-spectrum. These two CBD types don't have any psychoactive chemicals either.
To recapitulate, does CBD make you feel spacey or cause brain fog? The straightforward answer is no. It’s completely safe and non-intoxicating.
Read More: Does CBD Cause Memory Loss?
What To Do If CBD Makes You Feel Spacey?
First of all, there is very little to no possibility of feeling spacey after taking CBD. However, if you feel alienated, euphoric, or spacey, you may have taken higher doses or used mislabeled CBD products. Because CBD products are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), there are many products on the market with misleading labeling and promises.
4 reasons for feeling spacey after taking CBD:
1. Excessive CBD consumption
2. Purchasing low-quality or mislabeled goods
3. Using CBD that contains sedative terpenes (e.g., linalool, beta-caryophyllene).
4. Using CBD while on a poor diet
Here’s what you need to do if you feel spacey, drowsy, or foggy:
• Keep yourself hydrated.
• Start with a small dose and gradually increase it if necessary. Higher doses can sometimes lead to drowsiness.
• Evaluate the composition of CBD products including THC, and Terpenes.
• Always check third-party lab test reports, or CoA (Certificate of Analysis)
• If one product causes a spacey feeling, consider trying a different one.
• Ensure sleep and proper nutrition.
• Consult with a healthcare professional or CBD-savvy specialist to get personalized guidance.
Read More: Is CBD Addictive?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
People who searched for "Does CBD make you feel spacey” might be interested to know the answers to the following questions as well. To provide a better understanding, we've answered these questions below.
Does CBD Make You Feel Weird?
CBD affects individuals differently. Some people report relaxation and focus, while others may feel mildly drowsy. It rarely induces “weird” feelings. Many factors including dosage, product quality, and personal biochemistry contribute to the diverse responses.
Can I Take CBD During The Day Without Feeling Spacey?
Yes, you can use CBD at any time of day or night without worrying about noticeable adverse effects including spacey feelings. Just keep in mind to consume the recommended doses in a healthy state.
Is CBD Psychoactive?
No, CBD isn’t a psychoactive compound. You won’t feel spacey, or euphoric for consuming CBD. Besides, it doesn’t impair cognitive function like THC. Users typically experience relaxation, pain relief, or improved focus without the intoxicating effects.
Does CBD Make You Feel Emotional?
The impact of CBD on emotions varies. However, if you have been stressed out, anxious, or frustrated without giving yourself a chance to deal with these feelings, CBD might make you emotional. When CBD relaxes and calms your central nervous system (CNS) through the endocannabinoid system, it could bring up these emotions that you’ve been holding back.
The Bottom Line
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp plants, generally doesn’t make you feel ‘spacey’. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system that regulates various bodily functions including mood, appetite, sleep, and pain.
As a result, most CBD users experience calm, relaxation, and enhanced focus. However, factors like dosage, CBD type, product quality, and individual biochemistry contribute to varied experiences.
While full-spectrum CBD contains minimal THC, it’s insufficient to induce a ‘high’. Nevertheless, if feeling spacey, check for product quality and, the amount of other compounds, consider lowering doses, and stay hydrated. Consulting a healthcare provider is always a good idea if you feel any adverse effects after consuming CBD.
References:
1. Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: signaling and function in the central nervous system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(3), 833. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030833
2. Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Serotonin. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin
3. Wikipedia contributors. (2023, December 1). Endocannabinoid system. Wikipedia.