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/