Most of us start the day with a cup o’ joe. Or two or three. Some of us start the day with a so-called wake ‘n’ bake, or an intake of THC either in smoke or edible form.
What if you combine these two early morning rituals? Or try adding an edible treat to your afternoon espresso? How will that affect your body and mind?
At first glance, it would appear that the effects of caffeine and cannabis counter-balance each other. Caffeine is known to be a stimulant, impeding the brain’s adenosine receptors which works against the feeling of drowsiness. (And when you stop drinking coffee, the adenosine comes flooding back in a wave of drowsiness, which is why you need that 11 o’clock cuppa.) Caffeine also stimulates the central nervous system and dilates the blood vessels.
Cannabis, on the other hand, influences the body’s endocannabinoid system, resembling anandamide, also known as ‘the bliss molecule’ which naturally occurs in the brain and is connected to many emotions and processes connected with appetite, intellectual thought and memory. Of course, different strains have different effects. The sativa strains create energetic, uplifting feelings and encourage social productivity, while the indica strains provide a more mellow, relaxed, couch-lock feeling.
And the individual terpenes within each kind of strain are also important factors. Limonene, with its zippy citrus notes, improves mood and reduces stress. Pinene, on the other hand, with its piney flavor, helps boost memory and reduces pain.
It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to both cannabis and caffeine. So if you’re planning to mix the two, it’s always good advice to go low and slow at first – carefully testing small amounts of strains v. coffee and observing the results.
Many experienced users recommend using a hybrid strain in combination with coffee at first. Hybrids will provide you with energy boosts and enhanced creativity from the sativa strains, and have a calming counterbalance from the indica strains.
Another good way to introduce cannabis to your caffeine intake is through edibles or infused chocolate. Again, start with small doses – half a cookie or just one gummy – and see how you feel 30 minutes later. After testing, you’ll have a better idea of how much creates the effect you’re after.
Have THC tinctures? Try adding a drop or two into your morning joe.
Yet another way to marry cannabis and caffeine is with CBD. There are tons of products on the market offering CBD-infused coffee drinks which have become popular in recent years. Happy users of these drinks report increased alertness and focus without the jittery buzz typically associated with coffee.
Strains-RX offers all the strains, CBD, THC in a variety of forms and products. If you’re ready to start testing your body’s reaction to caffeine and cannabis, we’ve got you covered!
