Oftentimes our clients reach out to us to determine if CBD (cannabidiol) is appropriate for treatment of various symptoms or illnesses. While we always recommend contacting a physician before starting any new form of treatment, we find it beneficial to share the background research that we’ve come across. Although there is not an abundant amount of research on cannabinoids, information is becoming more readily available as more and more clinical trials have been completed or are underway.

With long work days and the additional stressors brought on by the COVID-19 virus, most of us are seeking that additional boost of energy to combat fatigue. But doest CBD give you energy? Does CBD boost concentration and focus? In this post, we’re going to explore the clinical research on CBD as an energy aid.

Does CBD Give You Energy or Make You Tired?

While research has been performed to show that THC (or delta 9-tetrahydrocannibinol) is effective as a sleep aid, several groups have begun to explore the effects of CBD as a wake-inducing agent. In a previous post we discussed how THC binds to the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors found naturally in the human nervous system. CB1 receptors are primarily active in your brain, central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Meanwhile CBD does not bind bind to a specific endocannabinoid receptors but does not produce psychoactive effects, suggesting CBD is a compound with potential medical medical uses. CB2 receptors are mostly found on immune cells, which circulate throughout the body and brain via the bloodstream.

More importantly, CB2 receptors are present in the brain when there is inflammation or injury. Like all systems within the body, our nervous system is constantly trying to reach or maintain homeostasis. It’s important to note that when THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors it acts as agonists, whereas when CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors it acts as an antagonist or has near the opposite effect on the body when directly compared to THC. Thus, it is suspected that CBD counteracts some of the effects brought on by THC. This leads us back to our introductory question: does CBD give an energy boost?

Does CBD Give an Energy Boost?

In a 2004 study by Nicholson et al. researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of THC and CBD on sleeping patterns. They found that the administration of 15 mg of THC had no effects on nocturnal sleep, however, for participants given 5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD there was a decrease in stage 3 sleep. As the amount of CBD increased to 15 mg, wakefulness increased also.

Conversely, in a 2013 study performed by Chagas et al. researchers found that systematic administration of CBD increased sleep time and sleep latency in rats. So why the conflicting information?

Can CBD Help You Sleep?

We often hear from our customers that CBD does, in fact, help them sleep. But does it actually make you sleepy? More than likely, the CBD is expressing its well-known anxiolytic properties that decreases anxiety allowing individuals to rest easy without the worries of the world on their shoulders. Remember, the endocannabinoid system is always working the reach homeostasis so an administration of one cannabinoid or the other could have differing effects due to the state in which the body is in before consumption. As we all know, a good night’s sleep helps us to recharge and take on a new day. So CBD can be an energy and focus booster indirectly, but is not going to be quick “pick me up” like a caffeinated beverage. The increased focus and concentration can also be attributed to the anxiolytic properties of CBD. We all tend to perform better when anxiety is lessened or overly consumed so that we can focus on the matter at hand.

Like most clinical trials, a large population is necessary to determine the efficacy of supplements. More research is necessary to determine the more precise effects of each cannabinoid. Currently, more than 120 different cannabinoids have been identified within the human nervous system so researchers have plenty of investigating to do as more research funding on the Cannabis sativa plant becomes available.

CBD Products For Energy and Relaxation Effects

Another important note is the method of administration and the type of CBD product being used. CBD tinctures are a mixture of CBD (whether it be isolate or distillate) and essential oils. Here at Abundant Labs, we’ve developed two different formulas for CBD tinctures, Energy and Calm. While both contain the same full-spectrum distillate, the accompanying essential oils vary. The Energy formula is composed on essential oils that are known to be uplifting while the Calm formula is made of essential oils known to exhibit more relaxing effects. Check out our online store to read more about our cGMP certified hemp extracts and retail products. As always, we’re here to help you find the product most suited for you or your customer’s needs.

 

Sources and Further Reading

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19045957/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4023456/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15118485/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23307069/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15158372/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23343597/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18833429/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19729208/

There are now more ways to consume the cannabis plant than most of us will ever realize. From pairing it within alcoholic beverages, CBD oils, applying topical pastes on the skin, and more, there is almost no end to how cannabis can be used. However, if you are not smoking, then the most common method of consumption uses cannabis extract rather than the whole plant. This thick, lovely golden liquid can be combined with so many other substances to help each person find their personal preference in cannabis consumption. 

Cannabis extracts are the foundation upon which most cannabis consumption takes place. This foundation, essentially the differences in the strength and quality of these extracts, is crucial for determining how effective the concentrate is. Terms like distillate and full-spectrum start being thrown around when cannabis extracts are being discussed, but what exactly do they mean, why is full-spectrum a vital term to know, and what are the pros and cons of full-spectrum CBD? Read on for more details.

What Does Full Spectrum Mean, And Why Is It Important?

When it comes to CBD, the term ‘full spectrum’ means that the maximum amount of native phytochemicals remains in the solution following its extraction. These phytochemicals include THC, terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids. This extraction process also helps remove all other substances, like unnecessary lipids and non-vegetative byproducts, so the end product is as pure and potent as possible.

To ensure that your CBD is ‘full spectrum,’ the cannabis will need to be tested before the extraction process starts and the end product tested again so that both can be compared to the other. This kind of testing isn’t common, and genuinely full-spectrum products are relatively rare, as most of the beneficial phytochemicals are lost in the processing. These extracts are often darker, while their flavors lean towards more earthy tones.

Because total spectrum products have more phytochemicals such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, these extracts are more complete, more robust, and more natural than other forms of CBD. Even smoking cannabis does not offer as whole an experience as truly full-spectrum CBD oils.

Pros and Cons of Full-Spectrum Distillate

There are very obvious pros, and cons, to taking full-spectrum distillates.

On the pro side, full-spectrum CBD can be used to help with several health issues, chronic or otherwise. This type of CBD can be used as an anti-seizure, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory and even have neuroprotective qualities. Additional uses include helping provide relief from muscle spasms and some mental health conditions. Full-spectrum CBD is by its very nature far more regulated and tested than other forms of CBD, meaning you are guaranteed a certain strength and quality. 

As for cons, full-spectrum CBD can be harder to get as it is rarer due to the testing and quality necessary in its creation. And since this form of CBD is so much stronger it can still give a ‘high’ similar to traditional weed, and can even show up on some drug tests that screen for THC. 

When it comes to CBD and its development, full-spectrum distillations ensure that the product is as pure as possible while also keeping the production itself standardized across the board. With known, reliable effects users do not have to worry about the unknown and can instead focus on their own wellness.

Whichever way you wish to take CBD products, ensure they are of the highest quality. Abundant Labs offers bulk isolate and THC-free products to suit the needs of any cannabinoid product manufacturer. Contact us today to learn more, or click around our website for further information on CBD and our scientific practices.