Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the US, and 63% of Americans drink coffee daily. From an energy boost to its delicious taste, there are so many reasons why coffee is an option many people choose in the morning. The popularity of coffee is spreading to the cannabidiol (CBD) industry.
CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis plants and is produced abundantly in the hemp variety. People incorporate CBD products into their health and wellness routines for a variety of different reasons. The top four reasons for using CBD include anxiety reduction, improved sleep, stress relief, and overall health and well-being.1
What is CBD Coffee?
CBD coffee is exactly what it sounds like: coffee that has a CBD component to it. As CBD coffee grows in popularity, people are realizing that it may be able to help them achieve their health goals. Some people find that CBD helps combat the adverse effects that come from the caffeine in coffee. While this may be true, research has found that this balancing effect likely only occurs when higher doses of CBD are consumed.2 By drinking coffee with a low amount of CBD in it, you’re likely to have the same effects as simply drinking typical coffee.
Some people choose CBD coffee because it’s a convenient way to consume CBD. CBD coffee could be the perfect option if you’re looking for CBD's potential health benefits but don’t want to take an edible option or a tincture.
There is very little research to reference when looking into the benefits of CBD coffee. It’s possible that CBD coffee can provide the same benefits as any other CBD product, but it’s also important to consider the effects that can come from coffee itself.
How is CBD Coffee Made?
How CBD coffee is made will depend on the specific brand and its practices. Different brands add CBD to the coffee at various steps in the process. Some brands add CBD before the coffee is brewed, whereas others add CBD after it’s brewed. Many brands use an emulsifier to make sure that their final product is cohesive.
Some brands choose to make a cannabinoid liquid that they can then easily add to a coffee mixture. In order to make this cannabinoid liquid, filtered water and hemp or cannabis oil are mixed together. Then, an emulsifier is added to this combination and immediately shaken. Once this has been done, the combination is ready to be mixed. This rapid mixing means that the emulsion is completely dispersed in the mixture, and the final product doesn’t have any inconsistencies.
Regardless of each brand’s procedures, cannabinoids are likely lost in the process. If you want to guarantee your consumption, you may want to opt for an option other than CBD coffee.
Making CBD coffee at home is possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind when doing so. Professionals recommend that you add CBD oil to your coffee alongside a fat. This can help make sure that everything combines well and that you don’t end up with large drops of CBD oil in your morning beverage.
What Are the CBD Coffee Benefits?
What benefits are possible when adding CBD coffee to your health and wellness routine? Unfortunately, the lack of available research makes this a difficult question to answer, but not impossible.
Research has not found significant health risks associated with combining CBD and caffeine. As long as there are no health concerns and you consume CBD at a reasonable dose, you shouldn’t have to worry about drinking CBD coffee. With that being said, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor before adding something new to your wellness routine.
If you don’t drink coffee because it gives you anxiety, then CBD coffee could be the perfect option for you. Some people drink CBD coffee as a way to control their anxiety. Whether or not there is any scientific basis for this is still unknown.
Many individuals report that CBD coffee is very similar to regular coffee but that it makes them feel slightly calmer. The benefits you’ll experience will likely be highly dependent on the dosage you consume.
Are There Risks to Combining CBD and Caffeine?
When using any new product, it’s essential to be aware of any possible risks. If you have any health concerns, such as heart problems, then CBD coffee may not be the right choice for you. It’s always best to research your options and consider your own individual situation when purchasing a new CBD product.
Some studies have found that consuming CBD and caffeine at the same time may lead to increased concentrations of caffeine in the bloodstream. For those who are sensitive to caffeine, this is a risk that you should be aware of.
As with using any new substance, it’s always best to start with a lower dosage and then work your way up in the future, if necessary. Consuming too high of a dose of CBD coffee could have a variety of different effects.
Can You Put CBD Oil in Coffee?
Making CBD coffee at home isn’t difficult, but it is important that it is done the right way. One of the most important things to consider is purchasing a quality CBD product from a licensed dispensary. Products purchased from a questionable source may be contaminated and could pose safety risks.
Some people choose to add CBD to their coffee before they brew it. However, adding CBD to your coffee after the brewing process can make things slightly easier and provide a better experience. When choosing this route, then consider adding your cannabis oil to a fat, such as a creamer, to ensure that the final drink is cohesive. Purchasing a frother or emulsifier will help combine the liquids so you don’t end up with an inconsistent drink.
Or if you're looking for the simplest solution, you can consider purchasing water soluble CBD and stirring a serving into your morning coffee.
Are the Benefits the Same for Coffee and Weed?
Mixing coffee and weed can provide a similar experience to combining CBD and coffee. One of the most noticeable differences is that you’ll likely experience a high if you choose the cannabis and coffee combination. Mixing cannabis and coffee is generally considered to be safe, but it’s important to consider what the right dosage is for the consumer.
What to Look For When Buying CBD Coffee?
The FDA does not regulate CBD products, so it’s important that you find the right ones. When purchasing CBD coffee, consider the following:
- Dosage: Consuming the right dosage of CBD is important. Start with a small dosage and increase it in the future if needed.
- Product Quality: Buying products from quality sources is essential. Before purchasing from a brand, take a look at their lab test results. This can provide you with helpful information about the brand and the safety of the products they produce.3
- Benefits: Certain products include functional ingredients, like melatonin, that may offer different benefits than cannabis alone. Consider thinking about the benefits you’re looking for and then searching for a product that offers those effects.
References
- Moltke J, Hindocha C. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. Journal of Cannabis Research. 2021;3(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5 ↩︎
- Ferretti ML, Gustin ND, Sokol CM, et al. A preliminary investigation of the simultaneous effects of cannabidiol and caffeine. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. Published online November 2, 2023. doi:10.1037/pha0000691 ↩︎
- Li J, Carvajal R, Bruner L, Kaminski NE. The current understanding of the benefits, safety, and regulation of cannabidiol in consumer products. Food Chem Toxicol. 2021;157:112600. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2021.112600 ↩︎
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
