What are the effects of CBD?

Published by Justin Dumas on August 06, 2024

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main active compounds in the cannabis plant. In recent years, this molecule has enjoyed growing popularity. The reason? It has a number of proven benefits for the body. What are the effects of CBD? What are the risks associated with its use? We'll help you understand.

What are the effects of CBD?

The cannabis plant contains more than a hundred active compounds that affect the body in different ways. cannabinoids. These molecules are very similar to endocannabinoidschemical substances produced by our body.. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters which play an important role in the regulation of several biological processes. CBD's similarity to these neurotransmitters explains why it also has effects on the body.

According to several scientific studies, CBD has a number of benefits. Among the most (re)well-known:

Reducing anxiety

This anti-stress substance helps reduce nervousness. One study[1] examined the effects of CBD in individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD). Twelve people took a dose of CBD (600 mg) and twelve others took a placebo. In a simulated public speaking exercise, the results showed a significant reduction in anxiety in patients taking CBD, while no change was observed in the placebo group.

Helping you sleep better

A study in 2019[2] recognized the positive impact of CBD in combating sleep disorders. Around 80% of people who took a dose of CBD saw their anxiety levels decrease. What's more, 70% reported an improvement in their sleep within the first month. As one of CBD's side effects is drowsiness, it could also make it easier for some individuals to fall asleep.

Pain relief

Considered an anti-inflammatory compound, CBD is said to have effects on the relief of chronic or acute pain[3].

Research continues, and every year researchers discover new effects of effects of CBD. In particular, it could help relieve disorders linked to diseases such as epilepsy, diabetes or high blood pressure.

Does CBD have psychoactive effects?

CBD affects the brain and mood, and can sometimes make you drowsy. For this reason, it is often referred to as a "psychoactive substance". But don't be intimidated by this term! Although CBD has psychoactive effects (because it has an effect on the brain), it is in no way an intoxicant.

This kind of substance affects our ability to make decisions and control our movements. The effects are similar to those of alcohol or drugs. There is no loss of control when taking CBD. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes this substance as non-toxic, non-addictive and well tolerated when consumed.

Does CBD make you high?

Unlike THC, another molecule derived from the cannabis plant, CBD does not produce a "high". To better understand this, we need to go back to the role of neuroreceptors :

these biological molecules act as "switches" on our nervous system. In particular, they can activate or deactivate bodily functions (hunger, sleep, etc.).

Among these numerous receptors, one is responsible for the effects of cannabinoids on the body: the CB1 receptor. When activated, it produces a high. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) binds directly to the CB1 receptor, giving it an intoxicating high.

CBD does not activate the CB1 receptor, but interacts indirectly receptor. It therefore has no euphoric or disinhibiting effect. What's more, studies have shown that it acts as an antipsychotic[4] by preventing the THC molecule from binding to the CB1 receptor.

CBD: each format has its own effects

The effects of CBD vary according to the format of the CBD product used. There are cosmetics, dried flowers, oils, lozenges and vape pens on the market. CBD can also be found in everyday products such as herbal teas and candies.

Depending on the choice of product and its CBD concentration, the speed at which the effects are felt and their duration vary. To find out more about the different ways to consume CBD and their particularities, discover our comparison chart.

What are the side effects of CBD?

According to the WHO, CBD is generally well tolerated. Used for therapeutic purposes, it does, however, carry some risks, particularly when consumed in high doses. The most common side effects are

- nausea ;

- diarrhea ;

- the desire to sleep ;

- reduced appetite.

Caution: CBD should not be combined with certain drugs such as anticoagulants, antihistamines and antidepressants. It has the potential to interact with many molecules. To help you, we have listed the drugs concerned in our guide to using of CBD oil (07-Counter-indications CBD).

Sources :

[1] Bergamaschi MM, Queiroz RH, Chagas MH, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011;36(6):1219-1226. doi:10.1038/npp.2011.6

[2] Shannon, Scott et al. "Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series." The Permanente journal vol. 23 (2019): 18-041. doi:10.7812/TPP/18-041

[3] Argueta, Donovan A, et al. "A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain." Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 11,561. Apr. 30, 2020, doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00561

[4] [4] 11 Schubart CD1, Sommer IE2, Fusar-Poli P3, de Witte L2, Kahn RS1, Boks MP, "Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for psychosis," Eur Neuropsy- chopharmacol, 24(1):51-64, November 15, 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24309088