Coffee is the second most consumed drink in the world, after water. Part of the reason might be that most people start their day with coffee and keep drinking it throughout the day—whether they’re fans of the flavor, need a boost of energy, or simply because it’s part of their routine.

Essentially, the effects of coffee on our bodies might be similar—but not identical—to those of CBD, because everyone’s metabolism is unique, and we each have our own tolerance level for coffee (or caffeine).

What Happens When You Mix CBD and Caffeine?

Caffeine is the psychoactive ingredient in coffee. It’s a stimulant that can make us feel energized and mentally alert, but it doesn’t affect everyone the same way. For many people, it may cause nervousness, jitteriness, or digestive problems.

On the other hand, CBD might help reduce muscle tension, anxiety, fatigue, and concentration issues. So, could mixing caffeine with CBD balance their effects?

What the Research Says

According to a study called “A Preliminary Investigation of the Simultaneous Effects of Cannabidiol and Caffeine”, after combining caffeine with retail doses of CBD (from 25 to 50 mg), it was found that there were no negative effects, suggesting that it’s preliminarily safe to take this mix simultaneously. The study reports that participants had a positive experience, including enjoyment of CBD’s effects and reduced pain.

Some data also suggest that the cannabinoid system plays a role in the psychoactive properties of caffeine and how it helps reduce stress-related effects, as described in “Caffeine drinking potentiates cannabinoid transmission in the striatum: interaction with stress effects”. The interaction between caffeine and cannabinoids is being studied more widely, especially to better understand how they could affect different aspects of our minds and bodies.

Potential Benefits of Mixing CBD with Caffeine

If you’re someone who drinks coffee regularly, doesn’t have any medical conditions, and doesn’t take other medications, it’s possible that you might benefit from the CBD and caffeine effects and benefits:

• Reduced anxiety
• Pain management
• Improved focus
• Increased relaxation
• Energy boost
• Enhanced mood

If you love the flavor of coffee but experience negative effects from caffeine, you might prefer mixing CBD with another beverage that suits your body better. If this sounds like you, try mixing CBD with tea instead.

How to Make CBD Coffee

A dose between 50 to 300 mg of caffeine is considered low to moderate and may help with mental alertness, clarity, wakefulness, improved attention, and headaches. Understanding this is important so you can make informed decisions and potentially experience the CBD coffee benefits. Now, learn how to make your CBD coffee:

• Choose your CBD product: Select your CBD oil of preference. We recommend a full-spectrum CBD oil. Always confirm that it’s tested by a third-party lab to ensure it is a high-quality product.
• Brew your coffee: Make your coffee however you like—French press, drip, or espresso.
• Add CBD: Measure your desired CBD dosage and add it to your cup. Stir well.
• Enjoy: Sit back, relax, and savor your homemade CBD-infused coffee.

If you use a creamer, mix the CBD oil into a fat-based creamer or a non-dairy milk alternative before adding it to your coffee. This helps blend the CBD more smoothly.

Extra Tips! 

• Start small, especially if you’re new to CBD.
• Pay attention to how your mind and body feel.
• Give yourself time to feel the effects before increasing the dose.
• Keep track of how much you’re taking and how it affects you.

What Type of CBD Should You Use?

There are three main types of CBD:

• Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains all components of the hemp plant, including up to 0.3% THC, plus other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN. It also includes terpenes, which contribute aroma and flavor, and flavonoids, known for their antioxidant properties.

• Broad-Spectrum CBD: Contains most hemp compounds but no THC.
• CBD Isolate: Pure CBD with no other compounds.

It’s suggested that full-spectrum CBD would be better because all the compounds work together—this is called the entourage effect.

Final Thoughts

Mixing CBD with your morning coffee might seem unusual at first, but for many people, it may offer a unique balance—combining the energizing effects of caffeine with the calming properties of CBD. While research is still ongoing, early findings suggest this duo can be a safe and enjoyable addition to your daily routine.

Just remember: start small, pay attention to how your body reacts, and always choose high-quality, lab-tested CBD products.

If you’re curious about starting your day with a smoother, more balanced energy boost, check out our store now. And if you want to keep learning about how CBD fits into a healthy lifestyle, explore more tips and insights on our blog.

References

Ferretti, M. L., Gustin, N. D., Sokol, C. M., Zamarripa, C. A., Feldner, M. T., Bonn-Miller, M. O., & Irons, J. G. (2024). A preliminary investigation of the simultaneous effects of cannabidiol and caffeine. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 32(4), 475–484. doi: 10.1037/pha0000691

Basavarajappa BS. Critical enzymes involved in endocannabinoid metabolism. Protein Pept Lett. 2007;14(3):237-46. doi: 10.2174/092986607780090829. PMID: 17346227; PMCID: PMC1939815. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1939815/

Thorn CF, Aklillu E, McDonagh EM, Klein TE, Altman RB. PharmGKB summary: caffeine pathway. Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2012 May;22(5):389-95. doi: 10.1097/FPC.0b013e3283505d5e. PMID: 22293536; PMCID: PMC3381939.

Rossi S, De Chiara V, Musella A, Mataluni G, Sacchetti L, Siracusano A, Bernardi G, Usiello A, Centonze D. Caffeine drinking potentiates cannabinoid transmission in the striatum: interaction with stress effects. Neuropharmacology. 2009 Mar;56(3):590-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.10.013. Epub 2008 Nov 8. PMID: 19027757.