Should You Mix CBD Oil and Caffeine?

Written by Cathy Rozyczko — Edited by Jason Brett on September 27, 2021

A growing number of cafes and eateries are advertising CBD-infused coffee and tea on their long list of caffeine offerings, but does it really make a difference? And more importantly, is it safe? While there’s still much research to be done on CBD oil, including its interactions with caffeine, below is a compilation of the information currently available on this topic.

Should You Mix CBD and Caffeine?

While the combination of cannabis and caffeine may seem to be just another passing trend, there are some genuine reasons why people are combining their favorite caffeinated drink with CBD oil.

Anecdotally, people who combine CBD with caffeine report that it can take the jittery edge off a caffeine high. It has also been reported that with the addition of CBD, caffeine drinkers experience a reduction in anxiety and nausea that they may have otherwise felt. Overall, the mixture of CBD and caffeine leads to a focused burst of energy, without any of the negatives that are often associated with daily caffeine consumption.

If you’re not ready to fully commit to buying your own supply of CBD, but also want to see what effects CBD oil mixed with caffeine could have, consider visiting a local cafe for a CBD-infused drink. More and more coffee shops are adding CBD options to their drink menu; it may just take a few Yelp searches and phone calls before you find one in your neighborhood.

The CBD Effect vs. the Caffeine Effect

Now you know a bit more about why people are combining caffeine and CBD oil, but what exactly makes the combination so appealing? Basically, the body’s response to CBD oil makes it the perfect complement to the body’s response to caffeine—read on for the details.

CBD and Your Body

CBD oil, or cannabidiol, is extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is one of over 100 phytocannabinoids in cannabis and is one of the most heavily researched. CBD, and other phytocannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are very similar in structure to the body’s own endocannabinoids, allowing them to target cannabinoid receptors in the neurological and central nervous systems. CBD has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, helping to treat a variety of conditions, from anxiety to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to ADHD.

Unlike THC, CBD oil does not have an intoxicating effect and will not get you high.

Caffeine and Your Body

A beloved pick-me-up amongst 64% of Americans, coffee has a mixed bag of effects. A stimulant of the central nervous system, the most noticeable effect of caffeine is a nearly immediate increase in alertness and energy. In people predisposed to anxiety disorders, it is this effect on the central nervous system, combined with an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, that can result in jitters, anxiety, and even panic attacks.

Too much caffeine can also leave you with headaches and nausea, not to mention the moodiness and fatigue associated with the “crash” once the caffeine starts to wear off.

CBD oil and caffeine have become such a popular pairing because the negative side effects of caffeine consumption are negated by the body’s interaction with CBD.

What Does the Science Say About CBD and Caffeine?

CBD oil only recently became legalized in the majority of US states, thanks to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. Until then, it was lumped in with marijuana as a “controlled substance,” making it nearly impossible for researchers to investigate its benefits legally. Because of this, science is playing catch up with what is now widely accepted as a supplement with a wide array of health benefits.

In an interview with Marie Claire, the medical director of California-based diagnosis clinic Canna-Centers, and winner of 2017 Medical Professional of the Year, Dr. Bonni Goldstein explains what’s known so far about CBD and caffeine:

“It’s unclear at this point in time the exact interaction between CBD and caffeine…  at low doses, CBD is a stimulant and in higher doses it can cause sedation. Someone’s reaction to a combination of these compounds would not be easily predictable because various doses of each would affect the response.”

And the effects of CBD oil on the body are not only dictated by the dosage; indeed, these effects can vary widely, depending on the strain of CBD oil ingested. While some cannabis strains have been developed to induce relaxation, others are bred to enhance focus, reduce appetite, or produce any number of other outcomes. This makes the end result of CBD oil ingestion difficult to predict.

However, if you do your research and pay special attention to the strain of CBD oils you’re using, mixing CBD with caffeine becomes much less of a guessing game.

It’s important to note, the World Health Organization has conducted research on CBD oil and concluded that CBD oil has a good safety profile and is well tolerated by the majority of people.

Before You Mix CBD Oil with Caffeine…

Before you put your barista hat on, make sure you’re aware of the legalities of CBD oil in your state. While the vast majority of states have legalized CBD oil, there are a few outliers.

While CBD is generally well tolerated and free from any negative side effects, it has been known to interact with some common pharmaceuticals, such as particular antidepressants and antibiotics. Regardless of whether you’re taking medication or not, speak to your doctor before you start adding CBD oil to your daily routine.

*A note on heat:  Studies published in the past have shown that CBD degrades when exposed to heat, potentially losing some of its potency. As such, choosing an iced drink or simply allowing your hot coffee or tea to cool for a bit will yield better results, as the CBD oil will be more potent.

If you found this article helpful, you may also be interested in:

• Common Health Benefits of CBD Oil
• Can CBD Oil Get Me High?
• CBD Oil for Anxiety

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