Since the consumption of CBD became legal, many researchers have explored using it as a treatment for a variety of ailments. One popular claim online is that CBD boosts energy and focus—but does any research support that? To determine if cannabis really can improve energy, it’s important to start with a closer look at CBD.
What Do We Know About CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the dominant cannabinoid found in hemp plants. While CBD can be found in hemp’s cousin, marijuana, it often exists there in much lower quantities. There are hundreds of cannabinoids in a cannabis plant, and they all work together. Since we’re focusing on CBD for energy and focus, we have to look at the other compounds found in cannabis plants, which include both hemp and marijuana.
Terpenes
In addition to cannabinoids such as CBD, cannabis contains other compounds called “terpenes.” Terpenes are what give plants their unique fragrance and flavors. Cannabinoids and terpenes are found in tiny crystals on hemp flowers called trichomes. Any discussion about CBD for energy and focus has to include the compounds in the trichomes, not just the cannabinoids.
All of the cannabinoids—CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC, just to name a few—complement each other and work with terpenes. This combination of features is called the “entourage effect.” This means that if you are looking for cannabis to improve energy, you will want to know the terpenes that your hemp contains. Terpenes work with cannabinoids to create a unique experience.
Hemp Terpenes
In many ways, the scents and flavors of terpenes are similar to aroma therapy. We naturally think of scents such as lavender as calming—but there’s a chemical basis to this. Many flowers, including lavender, contain a terpene called linalool which can cause the release of chemicals in the body to make you feel relaxed. Conversely, we know that scents like pine and lemon cause people to feel invigorated. This is thanks to terpenes such as pinene and limonene.
Terpenes not only have uplifting or sedative effects, but they also have a variety of potential medical applications which are still being researched. When it comes to hemp (and marijuana), it is the dominant terpenes that give each “strain” of cannabis its unique effects. So it’s not really that you’re looking to CBD for energy and focus, you’re looking for the entourage effect which includes terpenes to improve energy.
How To Use Cannabis To Improve Energy
If you are interested in using hemp to improve your energy throughout the day, you’re going to have to look at more than just CBD. CBD has its place in potentially addressing inflammatory responses. Addressing the body’s inflammatory response may help relieve symptoms that cause you to feel sluggish. But if you’re interested in using hemp-derived CBD for energy and focus you will have to understand the variety of products that contain CBD. Remember, you’re looking for products with terpenes, not just CBD or other cannabinoids.
- CBD Isolate - CBD “isolates” are the isolated CBD compound without other cannabinoids or terpenes
- Broad Spectrum - “Broad Spectrum” CBD products contain a variety of terpenes and cannabinoids, but generally do not contain THC
- Full Spectrum - Full spectrum CBD products contain terpenes and cannabinoids, including THC
It’s not always clear from a product’s title what you’re buying. You’ll definitely want to read the labels and lab reports to understand exactly what you’re getting from your CBD products.
Next, look for the terpenes that have shown promise to improve energy, or at the very least, give you a boost. Remember, these terpenes aren’t just found in hemp. They naturally occur in other plants, too.
- D-Limonene: Famous for giving citrus its unique, and invigorating aroma
- Alpha-Pinene: Just like it sounds, alpha-pinene is what gives pine trees the scent of uplifting freshness
While there are hundreds of terpenes in cannabis, only some of them have been researched. Keep in mind that CBD products are derived from hemp, this is what makes them legal. Unlike marijuana strains, which are classified as “sativa,” known to be uplifting, or “indica,” known to be “in-da-couch,” hemp contains a variety of terpenes that are both uplifting and relaxing. So while you will find D-limonene in hemp, you will also find linalool, which is known to relax. So if you are buying prepared products that tout CBD for energy and focus, you want to look at what terpenes they contain and the creator’s description of each specific product. Not every type of CBD on the shelf has a strong potential to improve energy.
Hemp Flower
If you choose to try hemp-derived CBD products, keep in mind that the terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds are in the trichomes. Trichomes are in abundance in hemp flowers. So you can always cut straight to the chase and try hemp flower in a vaporizer. This is the quickest way for cannabinoids and trichomes to reach your bloodstream. You can also slowly heat and extract the trichomes into your own oils and use them in cooking to consume them orally.
Hemp flower is a way to ensure that you are getting the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes if you are looking to CBD for energy and focus. Plus, you can find hemp flowers which give descriptions of the plant’s genetics and their unique effects. Keep in mind that legal hemp will contain less than 0.3% THC.
So Does CBD Really Improve Energy?
It may, but the research does not support a blanket statement to that effect. In the end, whichever CBD product you choose, how you consume it, and how you experience the effects are going to depend on your unique physiology. CBD, as well as terpenes, will affect everyone differently. So if you’re interested in trying CBD for any variety of reasons, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider to ensure there will be no reactions based on your unique situation.
Then, just keep in mind that the quickest way to get CBD and other compounds into your bloodstream is inhalation. If you choose to use sublingual products containing CBD or even eat edibles containing CBD, know that your body metabolizes these differently, so you will need to pay attention to how your body feels as you introduce these products.
Get Qualified with Texas 420 Doctors
If you have found yourself exploring CBD for energy and focus, or perhaps you are exploring CBD for other medical conditions, you may qualify for the Compassionate Use Program of Texas. Our blog contains a wealth of cannabis topics you may find helpful. We will continue to post new information, and the most current research, to help you make informed decisions.
You are always welcome to reach out to us with any questions regarding cannabis or the Compassionate Use Program of Texas. Get qualified with Texas 420 Doctors and take the opportunity to explore how cannabis can truly help your unique medical needs.
