CBD and caffeine are both big players in today’s wellness scene, and you’ve probably heard that people are starting to mix them together. But since CBD is known for its relaxing properties, and coffee for its energizing effects, you’re probably wondering “can you mix CBD and caffeine?”

Counterintuitive at first, we’ll show you how this pairing couldn’t make more sense! We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this new trend: What’s CBD and caffeine interaction like? Are there any potential benefits to mix them? How can you add CBD to your coffee?

How Does CBD Work?

First things first, let’s quickly go over how CBD works. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the hemp plant that triggers the body’s natural response of calmness and relaxation, potentially benefiting both your mind and body’s well-being. 

Unlike THC, CBD does not induce altered states or euphoria, making it an attractive option for those looking to try cannabis products without experiencing a “high” sensation. That’s why it has gained popularity among a growing audience who claim it has helped alleviate both physical and emotional issues. 

CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, stimulating the production of beneficial endocannabinoids—neurotransmitters made by your body that affect physiological and cognitive processes such as pain sensation, mood, and concentration. Early research suggests that this process could have positive effects on the body without causing any psychedelic effects.

Moreover, a 2016 study made on animals showed that CBD has a potentially positive effect on dopamine receptors, which means it could help us with mood regulation, reducing anxiety and high-stress levels.

How Does Caffeine Work?

​​Now that you know how CBD works, let’s understand what exactly caffeine is.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. This is why people feel an almost immediate rush of alertness after the first sip, and why it is commonly used to stay alert and reduce the sensation of drowsiness.

Caffeine activates brain chemicals such as noradrenaline, affecting dopamine release and serotonin processing, all of which are key neurotransmitters for mood and alertness. It also influences coordination, learning, and memory.

However, caffeine can have some downsides. We are all too familiar with the moodiness that comes from not having our first cup of coffee in the morning. Moreover, caffeine withdrawal symptoms not only include irritability, but also headaches, increased fatigue, and difficulty staying focused. 

What’s CBD and Caffeine Interaction Like?

Research of CBD’s properties and potential benefits is growing by the minute with cannabis and its derivates being legalized in more and more places. However, there is a lot we still need to understand about its effects and interaction with other substances. 

This preliminary research from 2023 looked at how caffeine and cannabidiol (CBD) affect young, healthy adults when taken together. They recruited 54 participants who regularly consumed caffeine and randomly gave them either caffeine alone or caffeine with different doses of CBD. 

The participants then reported how they felt during the study, affirming they felt no negative effects from taking caffeine and CBD together. Doctors indicated they still needed more research to understand how CBD interacts and affects things like cognition and physiology.

One particularly interesting fact about CBD and caffeine is that both substances affect adenosine, a molecule that helps regulate nerve activity, and sleepiness and alertness levels. CBD appears to restore the ability of adenosine to inhibit nerve activity, while caffeine blocks this function, which could bring a balance to your energy levels.

So, Can You Mix CBD and Caffeine?

The answer is yes! And now you might be asking how to combine them. 

Adding CBD to your favorite caffeine drinks is quick and simple. Whether you prefer coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages, you can easily add CBD to give it an extra twist. Simply add a few drops of CBD Oil to your drink and enjoy the kick of the caffeine with the relaxing effect of the CBD.

Remember to start with a small amount of CBD and adjust according to your body’s reaction. 

What Are the Benefits of Mixing CBD and Caffeine?

CBD could bring mental clarity and calmness, while caffeine brings its popular energy boost. This is a very appealing mix to people wanting to enjoy the alertness of coffee without having to go through its drawbacks. 

This means enjoying your cup of coffee without worrying about the potential increased heart rate, moodiness, or even nausea.

The Bottom Line

Now that we’ve seen what early research has found out about CBD and caffeine interaction, we can see why mixing CBD and caffeine isn’t just a trend; it’s a potential game-changer. With CBD offering relaxation and caffeine providing energy, this combo could be your new go-to for a balanced boost. 

References

Ferretti ML, Gustin ND, Sokol CM, Zamarripa CA, Feldner MT, Bonn-Miller MO, Irons JG. A preliminary investigation of the simultaneous effects of cannabidiol and caffeine. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2023 Nov 2. https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000691. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37917507.

Hu, Y. (2020). Activity of Cannabidiol on Adenosine Signalling in a Chronic Model of Epilepsy (PhD Thesis, School of Pharmacy, University of Reading). Available at: https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/101315/ 

Nehlig A, Daval JL, Debry G. Caffeine and the central nervous system: mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic and psychostimulant effects. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 1992 May-Aug;17(2):139-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-0173(92)90012-B. PMID: 1356551.

Sales AJ, Crestani CC, Guimarães FS, Joca SRL. Antidepressant-like effect induced by Cannabidiol is dependent on brain serotonin levels. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2018 Aug 30;86:255-261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.06.002. Epub 2018 Jun 6. PMID: 29885468.

Seeman P. (2016). Cannabidiol is a partial agonist at dopamine D2High receptors, predicting its antipsychotic clinical dose. Translational psychiatry, 6(10), e920. https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2016.195

Thai C, Tayo B, Critchley D. A Phase 1 Open-Label, Fixed-Sequence Pharmacokinetic Drug Interaction Trial to Investigate the Effect of Cannabidiol on the CYP1A2 Probe Caffeine in Healthy Subjects. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2021 Nov;10(11):1279-1289. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpdd.950. Epub 2021 May 5. PMID: 33951339; PMCID: PMC8596598.