Everybody has days that seem to drag longer than usual. When days like this hit, most people turn to energy drinks laced with large amounts of sugar for an energy boost. To counteract the sugary energy drink, hemp companies have begun advertising CBD for energy and focus.
But does CBD give you energy? In this article, we separate fact from fiction and walk users through cannabidiol’s potential as an energy-boosting, focus-inducing product.
CBD vs THC
One of the many compounds found in the hemp plant is cannabidiol. Many people often confuse it with the hemp compound tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. There are many key differences between these two similar, but crucially different, compounds.
Chemically, CBD and THC are made up of the same atoms. These two compounds are made up of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. The difference of atomic structure is what causes the different effects between these two hemp compounds.
The key point of difference between these two hemp compounds is their psychoactive effects. THC naturally binds with the CB1 receptors in the brain which then causes marijuana’s infamous “high.” On the other hand, CBD binds very weakly with CB1 receptors and is completely non-psychoactive.
In the past, scientists also separated the two based on their effect on a person’s energy levels. Scientists claimed that THC made users more lethargic. Meanwhile, CBD could increase energy once consumed. After much research, this assertion has been refuted in the scientific community.
Scientists now claim that differentiating CBD and THC based on their effects on one’s energy levels is an oversimplification. Tests show that some cannabis strains can produce THC extracts that can produce invigorating effects.
Whether CBD oil for energy and focus is effective is still largely debatable. In order to completely observe CBD’s energy-giving benefits, more study and tests is required.
How Does CBD Affect the Body
Through careful research, scientists have found that cannabidiol is most effective in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The relationships and interactions that occur between this hemp compound and the molecules within this system is the root of cannabidiol’s effects.
There are multiple reasons why cannabidiol is ideal for therapeutic use. The compound’s non-psychoactive properties make its consumption very flexible for many users.
Studies have shown that cannabidiol may be able to modulate serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates one’s moods. Low levels of serotonin can result in anxiety and depression. A study conducted showed that cannabidiol may be able to increase serotonin levels in the brain and has the potential to act as an anxiolytic.
The most commonly quoted use for cannabidiol is in combatting pain. Research has shown that a peripheral interaction between CBD and the receptors in the ECS may be able to reduce inflammation in the body.
An experiment conducted with arthritic rats showed that cannabidiol was very effective in reducing pain felt in the joints. To test for cannabidiol’s effectivity, researchers applied the compound as a topically on the rats’ joints. After some time, they observed a noticeable difference in the pain felt by their test subjects.
As the ECS is responsible for a host of essential processes in the human body, many researchers assert that we may be just discovering the tip of CBD’s capabilities.
CBD for Energy: Truth or Myth?
Low energy levels and poor focus is a common problem. Shop shelves are full of products that claim to help consumers gain energy and focus. From neon-colored energy drinks to batches of essential oils, customers are never short of options to choose from them whenever their energy dips.
Recently, some hemp companies have tried to enter this market and have begun to advertise their hemp oil as energy-boosting and good for focus. However, it is not yet clear whether CBD can be used to boost energy.
Still, the connection between cannabidiol and energy levels is not completely baseless. Researchers have conducted studies to test this very assertion.
In 2014, a research article described cannabidiol as a potential “wake-promoting agent.” Scientists microinjected CBD into the hypothalamus and found that the compound activated neurons. These tests also showed that the amount of dopamine increased in test subjects. The increase in dopamine levels led to a rise in wakefulness.
Similarly, in 2017, a study on cannabidiol and antioxidants was published. Researchers concluded that cannabidiol may be able to successfully restore molecules that have been damaged over time. Antioxidants that energize aged molecules may be able to boost one’s energy levels.
A more recent study published in 2018 analyzed cannabidiol’s relationship with mood management. The study showed that cannabidiol slows down the degradation of endocannabinoids.
The researchers emphasized cannabidiol’s effect on the anandamide molecule specifically as this molecule also affects one’s moods. Nicknamed the “bliss molecule,” cannabidiol’s effect on anandamide means that users may be able to experience more balanced moods.
However, all of the above research are early steps towards answering the question of CBD’s effect on users’ energy levels. It should be noted that, currently, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any CBD product as energy-boosting or focus-inducing.
How to Take CBD for Focus
Although CBD’s effect on a user’s focus is completely subjective, there are some steps users can take to optimize their cannabidiol dosage for focus.
Customers aiming to use their cannabidiol purchases to improve focus should choose products labeled as “broad-spectrum” or “isolates.” This is because this type of hemp product contains no THC. Full-spectrum products contain the legally allowed 0.3% amount of THC or less.
Many brands do not reveal what strain of cannabis their THC is extracted from. This is crucial information as THC can make users feel sluggish or invigorated, depending on the strain of its origin.
Although full-spectrum products only contain trace amounts of THC, frequent or large dosages may increase the amount of THC within the system and lead to undesirable effects. To be safe, users who are sensitive to this compound or intend to use their CBD products for focus should avoid full-spectrum products.
The appropriate method of consumption for any hemp product depends on the user’s lifestyle. Where do they need to take CBD for focus?
A product’s bioavailability score measures how much cannabidiol actually enters the bloodstream. The more cannabidiol present in the bloodstream, the more the user enjoys the compound’s benefits.
For users that need to focus outside of the comforts of their home, there are other kinds of CBD products perfect for subtle consumption. Given their shape, edibles like CBD gummies can be taken innocuously.
Another good alternative is to mix drinks with the best CBD oil at home and bring along these infused drinks to work.
FAQs About CBD for Energy
Below are some quick facts in response to common questions asked by users curious about CBD’s energy-giving capabilities.
Can you take CBD to increase productivity?
There is not much scientific evidence to confidently claim that CBD can increase a user’s productivity. However, multiple studies have found that using CBD calms many users and one’s performance usually improves when they are calm and collected.
How does CBD oil increase productivity?
Cannabidiol interacts with receptors in the ECS to modulate stress levels in the brain. This stress-reducing effect allows users to comfortably work longer and more productive hours.
How does CBD oil increase energy?
Studies have shown that cannabidiol can increase serotonin levels in the brain. This increase in serotonin means that users may be able to avoid episodes of anxiety while working.
Since users are in a better mood, their energy levels can remain relatively high while they are at work.
Can CBD oil help with fatigue?
Researchers need to conduct more tests to see CBD’s effect on fatigue in the body. However, many users have claimed that CBD oil helps them find calm and this can be helpful when users feel exhausted from work.
What dosage of CBD to take to increase energy?
Although there is no CBD dosage that can cause an overdose, users should still only consume the recommended amount stated by the hemp company. All bodies react differently to CBD and a higher or lower than usual dosage may cause negative reactions.
Will CBD help focus?
The effects of this hemp compound differ from body to body. For some users, CBD can help them find focus at work, while others claim not to feel any difference.
More research is necessary to determine whether CBD’s effects on one’s energy levels and focus is more fact than myth.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level but are still illegal under some state laws. Moreover, these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and maybe inaccurately labeled.