Should You Mix CBD with Caffeine? Exploring the Benefits and Risks
Author: Lucie Garabasova
Is it a good idea to combine CBD with caffeine? While hemp is often consumed to relax the body, enhance perception, and stimulate creativity, coffee—like tea and other caffeinated beverages—is typically used to boost concentration, especially during times of exhaustion.
But does it really make sense to consume hemp and coffee together? How do they interact, and is this combination a genuinely good idea, or just a clever marketing strategy?
The Effects of CBD vs. Caffeine
What makes the combination of CBD and caffeine so appealing? The body's response to CBD oil complements the effects of caffeine in several ways. Let’s dive into the details.
How CBD Affects Your Body
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from the Cannabis Sativa plant. It’s one of over 100 phytocannabinoids found in hemp and is extensively studied for its potential health benefits. CBD, along with other cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is structurally similar to the body’s own endocannabinoids. This similarity allows CBD to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the neurological and central nervous systems.
Research has shown that CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation, and it’s also used to treat various conditions, including anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ADHD. Unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects, making it a popular choice for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of hemp without the "high."
How Caffeine Affects Your Body
Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, is known for its ability to increase alertness and energy levels. However, for people predisposed to anxiety disorders, caffeine’s effects—such as an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure—can lead to nervousness, anxiety, or even panic attacks.
Consuming too much caffeine can also cause headaches, nausea, mood swings, and fatigue, especially as the effects wear off. This is where CBD comes into play, as its interaction with the body can counteract some of the negative side effects of caffeine consumption.
What Does Science Say About Mixing CBD and Caffeine?
In an interview with Marie Claire, Dr. Bonni Goldstein, Medical Director of the Canna-Centers and a recognized expert in cannabinoid therapy, discussed the current understanding of how CBD and caffeine interact.
“At this point, it is not clear what the exact interaction is between CBD and caffeine. At low doses, CBD is a stimulant, and at higher doses, it can cause sedation. The response to a combination of these compounds would not be easily predictable because different doses can produce different reactions,” says Dr. Goldstein.
The effects of CBD on the body are not solely determined by dosage; they can also vary depending on the specific strain of hemp used. Some strains are bred to induce relaxation, while others are developed to enhance focus or reduce appetite. This variability makes it difficult to predict the exact outcome of combining CBD with caffeine.
It’s important to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) has researched CBD and concluded that it has a good safety profile and is well tolerated by most people.
Coffee with CBD: A Combination Worth Trying
Indeed, combining CBD with coffee is something that everyone—especially coffee lovers—should consider trying. As mentioned earlier, CBD has the potential to neutralize some of the side effects of caffeine, particularly as the stimulating effects of caffeine begin to fade. Stay tuned, as we’ll soon be introducing a product in our range that will undoubtedly delight you!