All About CBD and Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed products in the world. About 80% of North Americans consume caffeine in one way or another on a regular basis. With the rise in popularity of cannabidiol (CBD), you might be wondering about the effects of CBD and caffeine together. While most individuals think of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) when they hear the word “cannabis”, THC is not the only active chemical substance in the cannabis plant. CBD is another potent compound found in the cannabis plant and is sought after for its potential health benefits.

What makes CBD different from THC? Unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects, which means that you won’t get high when you use high-quality CBD extracts and products. CBD is currently available in various forms like capsules, tinctures, edibles, oils, and many others. So what are the effects of CBD and caffeine? Read on to learn more.

Cannabinoids

THC and CBD have very similar chemical structures. They are both chemical compounds associated with the cannabis plant. Chemical compounds that are derived from the cannabis plant are referred to as cannabinoids. The main difference between THC and CBD is that the latter is non-psychoactive. However, other than that, THC and CBD are thought to interact with the body and brain in somewhat similar ways. THC binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors while it’s theorized that CBD may not bind directly to either receptor. Rather, CBD may work by inhibiting the breakdown of endocannabinoids located in various parts of the body allowing them to greater impact your body. 

CBD and Its Effects

Cannabinoid receptors in the human body interact with special compounds found in plants called cannabinoids. CBD is a prominent cannabinoid that interacts in many ways with cannabinoid receptors in the human body. Cannabinoid receptors form an intricate and complex system in the human body known as the endocannabinoid system. When cannabinoids like CBD interact with their corresponding receptors, they help trigger a series of reactions that help bring back the body to equilibrium or homeostasis. CBD, being the cannabinoid with the most potential benefits, may help alleviate the symptoms of various conditions.

CBD also affects other parts of the human body other than the endocannabinoid system. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward, might also interact with CBD. Dopamine has a significant effect on your overall mood and feeling of happiness and also affects your ability to plan and think properly. CBD may alter the functioning of the brain’s dopamine system causing it to respond better to medications like amphetamine. It may also have the potential to preserve the dopamine pathways in the brain which can help lower addiction and boost mental health as well.

In general, CBD products may be associated with a wide range of physiological and psychological effects. Regardless of the mode of consumption or the form-factor of the CBD you are using, you can enjoy numerous effects like better sleep, relaxed mood, and ache relief.

Caffeine and Its Effects

Caffeine, simply put, is a stimulant found in beverages like coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. Coffee, however, is the most potent source of caffeine. Millions of people drink caffeinated beverages every day because of their stimulating effect. Caffeine can be addictive if taken in unhealthy amounts. As a stimulant, caffeine interacts with the nervous system and brain to have numerous health benefits like increased alertness and concentration, attentiveness, reinvigoration, and many others.

Also, various prescription medications use caffeine as an ingredient. Scientifically, caffeine is known to have numerous side effects, but in small quantities, caffeine can be beneficial. However, in large quantities, caffeine can lead to feelings of irritability and insomnia. As already mentioned, people can develop an addiction to caffeine if taken in large quantities. Prolonged abuse of caffeine can lead to the development of tolerance, which means you may be immune to its effects regardless of the quantities you consume.

CBD and Caffeine

An increasing number of eateries, cafes, and dispensaries are promoting caffeinated CBD products. This brings about the big question of whether there is any additional benefit that comes with mixing CBD and caffeine. Another important question is whether it is safe to mix the two. While there is still limited research on how CBD interacts with other chemical substances like caffeine, some tentative conclusions can be made on the efficacy of using these two compounds together. Some of these conclusions will be highlighted below for your consideration.

Is It Necessary to Mix CBD and Caffeine?

While it is possible to use and enjoy the benefits of these two compounds independently, recent research has shown that there may be some additional benefits that come with adding your preferred CBD extract to favorite caffeinated beverages.

However, this does not mean that everyone will enjoy this unique combination. Some people have reported experiencing an unusual feeling or edge because of mixing caffeine and CBD. This side effect is common among people who are not used to drinking caffeinated beverages on a regular basis. Experienced caffeine drinkers may have a lower chance of experiencing unexpected side effects such as agitation, nausea, and anxiety.

All in all, mixing CBD and caffeine opens you up to a whole new world of opportunities. It is possible to experience an entirely new burst of energy without the potential unwanted side effects. Because both compounds are considered safe and healthy when used in moderate quantities, using them together should not bring about any unwanted consequences.

If you think that you are not ready to handle a mixture of these two active ingredients, you can try using them separately for a few weeks, before proceeding to try out a few CBD/Caffeine combos. You should make sure that you use moderate quantities of CBD and caffeine. A good example of a potent mixture is adding a few drops of CBD oil into a single cup of coffee. And start by trying this mixture at least once a day. Before embarking on your CBD journey, always be sure to consult with your physician. 

Cannabis Strains Matter

While caffeine is simply caffeine, cannabis is available in different strains. The efficacy of a CBD/Caffeine combo can be greatly affected by the type of cannabis you get your CBD from. Some strains are known to have higher CBD concentrations than others. Industrial hemp is grown specifically for higher CBD and lower THC concentrations. This is why it is important to look for a reputable and high-quality CBD product. Some sources may not have the potency they claim to, which may impact its effectiveness and also affect the amount of CBD oil you add to your caffeinated beverages. 

The key to getting a perfect CBD/Caffeine mixture is doing some research before purchasing your CBD product. So remember, it is important to choose a CBD extract that is derived from industrial hemp from a reputable manufacturer.

CBD Infused Coffee

As earlier mentioned, coffee is the most potent and easily available source of caffeine out there today. If you are looking for a caffeine-kick, you will probably find yourself having a cup of coffee. Coffee might be one of the better and more convenient caffeinated drinks to act as a liquid base for CBD oil. And, hot coffee also allows for CBD oil to more easily blend with the beverage. 

CBD is known to promote a relaxed and calm mood when taken in moderate doses. On the other hand, coffee is known to increase alertness and concentration when consumed in moderate quantities. However, coffee is also known to cause jumpiness, irritability, shakes, and increased heart rate. If you are not a big fan of the latter side effects of taking coffee, CBD may come in handy as it may create a calming and relaxing effect that neutralizes the effect of the caffeine in your coffee. Essentially, CBD infused coffee may be able to provide you with an increased sense of concentration and alertness, without the adverse side effects.

So who might benefit from CBD and caffeine combinations? Well, CBD infused coffee may help people who battle stress and symptoms of anxiety. People who suffer from such conditions are often advised to avoid stimulants like caffeine as they can exacerbate the symptoms. CBD-infused coffee may allow this group of individuals to enjoy the benefits of caffeine without worrying about the unwanted effects. 

Other CBD Caffeine Products

CBD edibles are available in many forms like brownies, candies, chocolates, gummies, pills, chews, and many others. CBD edibles can also be infused with caffeine. Edibles offer a unique way to enjoy the benefits of CBD and caffeine. It is important to exercise caution when infusing caffeine into any of the above mentioned CBD edibles. It is advisable to use low-strength CBD edibles in order to regulate the actual amount of CBD you consume in one sitting.

Conclusion

While both CBD and caffeine have been tested and proven to be safe compounds, consumers should always exercise caution when mixing the two. Different compounds have unique chemical structures, characteristics, interactions, and side effects. Until conclusive research can be done on how these two compounds interact when used together, consumers should take necessary precautions and consult their doctors before using any CBD/Caffeine product.