Does CBD Give You Energy?
While many people associate CBD with sleep and relaxation, this powerful cannabinoid may also help support energy and focus,
The effects of CBD depend on dosage, the unique makeup of your endocannabinoid system, and the blend of cannabinoids and ingredients in the product formula.
CBD may enhance alertness without disrupting internal rhythms, unlike caffeine and other stimulants.
In this guide, we’ll uncover how CBD works with the human body to give you energy and what the best products are depending on your lifestyle.
CBD And Energy Levels
To understand how CBD impacts energy levels, we first have to talk about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a biological system in our body that helps maintain balance or “homeostasis.” It consists of endocannabinoids (naturally occurring cannabinoids produced by the body), receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes that break down endocannabinoids.
The ECS regulates various functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and immune response, making it crucial for overall health. Its interaction with external cannabinoids can enhance its functions, meaning our bodies are inherently receptive to CBD.
While CBD won’t give you an instant jolt of energy like a cup of coffee might, it can help promote a sense of balance that naturally enhances your alertness.
Remember that the effects of CBD are dose-dependent. Lower doses may support energy and focus, while higher doses can lead to deeper relaxation. You’ll have to properly dose and find the right product to match the effects you’re after.
Can CBD Really Help with Energy and Focus?
Yes, CBD can help some people with energy and focus in several ways. To understand how CBD helps with energy and focus, let’s take a closer look at the body’s natural systems:
The Sleep-Wake Cycle
The sleep-wake cycle is a natural internal rhythm that guides our bodies to feel awake during the day and ready to rest at night.
Think of it as an internal clock that responds to things like light, routine, and even our body’s chemistry. The endocannabinoid system is involved in supporting this balance, which means that CBD may help you feel naturally energized without any negative disruptions that you might get from stimulants like caffeine.
CBD And Dopamine
Some research suggests that CBD might also affect dopamine, a key neurotransmitter involved in wakefulness, learning, heart rate, and mood [1]. By potentially supporting healthy dopamine levels, CBD may help sharpen mental clarity without the intense ups and downs of stimulants. While research is ongoing, these interactions suggest that CBD can provide a balanced approach to enhancing focus and daytime energy.
How CBD Differs From Stimulants
While CBD and stimulants both influence energy, they work in very different ways. Here’s a rundown of CBD versus popular stimulants:
- CBD vs. Caffeine: Caffeine helps keep us awake by blocking adenosine, a compound that makes us feel sleepy. Adenosine is released when we’re awake and binds to brain receptors to slow down brain activity. By blocking these receptors, caffeine prevents that tired feeling. It also constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. In contrast, CBD works more subtly by supporting the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to maintain balance. For those with naturally low energy, CBD may provide steady, lasting support throughout the day.
- CBD vs. Sugar: Sugary snacks and drinks create a quick spike in energy due to a surge in blood sugar levels. However, this often leads to a crash shortly afterward. CBD promotes balance without causing blood sugar fluctuations or energy crashes.
- CBD vs. Nicotine: Nicotine can cause increased alertness and focus but comes with potential health risks and addictive qualities. CBD provides a sense of calm alertness without the addictive risks and may promote overall wellness rather than a short-term energy boost.
- CBD vs. Prescription Stimulants: Medications like Adderall are often used for focus and energy but can have significant side effects and are not suitable for everyone. While CBD isn’t a replacement for medications addressing specific conditions, some individuals find it to be a great natural alternative.
CBD offers a balanced approach to supporting energy and focus without the negative side effects of other stimulants, making it a great addition to your daily routine.
CBD and CBG Together For Focus
You might find CBG (cannabigerol) added to the mix in daytime hemp product formulas designed for focus. Here’s a closer look at why these two cannabinoids work well together for daytime use.
What is CBG?
CBG (cannabigerol) is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It’s often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids" because it’s a precursor to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Unlike THC, CBG doesn’t produce psychoactive effects and is thought to support alertness, focus, and relaxation.
The Power of Combining CBD and CBG
When combined, CBD and CBG can work synergistically through The Entourage Effect. This theory suggests that the cannabis plant's compounds work much more effectively in combination with each other than when used in isolation.
Formulas with both CBD and CBG enhance alertness and focus without the heavy, sleepy feeling that higher doses of CBD may induce. This balance allows you to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Top VIIA Products for Energy and Focus
Supercharge your day with VIIA’s collection of CBD and CBG products for energy and focus:
Award-winning gummies:
- Flowstate CBD Focus Gummies - THC Free: A potent blend of CBD and CBG with herbal plant extracts and functional mushrooms designed to support brain function, boost energy, and enhance mental focus.
- Elevate Focus Gummies—2mg THC, 5mg THC & 10mg THC: These Gummies feature 2mg, 5mg, or 10mg of THC per gummy, enhancing mental sharpness and boosting creativity.
- Day Drift Sativa Gummies - 100mg THC: Crafted for seasoned THC connoisseurs, these gummies provide a powerful burst of euphoric effects, perfect for daytime adventures and activities.
- Euphoria Sativa Gummies - 50mg THC: Enjoy an uplifting experience that will ease the body and help you tap into a creative state of mind. These gummies combine Delta 9 THC, HHC, and Live Resin Extracts for sativa strain-specific effects.
Tinctures:
Daily Drops - Broad Spectrum CBD + CBG: This THC-free, fast-acting tincture offers natural relief and clarity, perfect for staying productive and calm throughout the day.
Smokeables:
- CBD + CBG Focus Vape - Melon Haze: Formulated with pure cannabinoid-rich CBD + CBG extract for maximum focus and relief without THC.
Can CBD Help with Sleep While Also Boosting Energy?
CBD can be used for both relaxation and energy. While it’s not a sedative, it can support restful sleep by calming the mind and promoting balance within the ECS. By regulating the sleep-wake cycle, CBD may indirectly lead to more stable energy levels during the day.
Here are some tips on using CBD for both relaxation and energy:
- Daytime Energy: Try low doses of CBD or blends that include uplifting cannabinoids like CBG, which may help support alertness and focus.
- Evening Relaxation: Higher doses of CBD or formulas with calming ingredients like CBN can help unwind at night.
The Takeaway: CBD for Energy
CBD offers a natural approach to energy and focus, supporting balance in the body without the intense effects of stimulants. When combined with CBG, it creates a unique blend that may enhance alertness and mental clarity. In higher doses or when formulated with CBN, CBD can be a powerful tool for supporting relaxation.
If you’re looking for a boost of energy during the day, VIIA’s collection of energy and focus products is a great place to start.
Resources:
- Oleson, E. B., & Cheer, J. F. (2012). A brain on cannabinoids: the role of dopamine release in reward seeking. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 2(8), a012229.
