CBD-Infused Coffee: An Optimal Pairing

When I talk with people about why they use CBD, one of the most commonly cited reasons is its ability to induce a subtle calm and promote restful sleep. Coffee drinkers on the other hand, are likely to cite improved alertness, attention, and energy among their primary reasons for consuming the beverage. Though the effects of these two substances are seemingly at cross-purposes, infused coffees have become a popular way to consume CBD and user testimonials indicate that the two pair quite well together. But if one substance makes you feel calm, and the other increases your alertness, how exactly are they complimenting each other? 

The answer to this question lies in the way CBD interfaces with our Endogenous Cannabinoid System (ECS), which is a network of receptors found throughout the body that govern our physiological responses to the external environment. For example, it is the ECS at work when your palms get sweaty and your heart rate increases before you present to a large audience.

The ECS also governs our circadian rhythm, which is essentially our unique sleep-wake cycle, along which our energies crest and trough throughout the course of a 24-hour period. When CBD makes its way into the bloodstream, it impacts the circadian rhythm by optimizing it. That is, if you consume CBD closer to your normal bedtime, your natural inclination to get rest will be enhanced. Conversely, if you consume CBD at your typical peak energy level, it will enhance your energy, attention, and alertness. 

So when people infuse their coffee with CBD and consume it around the time of day their energy levels are highest, they are essentially getting a double dose of enhanced energy and alertness - but in a way that is pleasant. According to user testimony, the CBD-coffee pairing doesn’t have the same effect as consuming more caffeine, just improving the experience.

So what is the verdict? Well, if you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of CBD as much as I do, then any opportunity to consume is worth considering, but especially when it pairs so deliciously and functionally well with a staple like coffee. At the end of the day, each person has a unique physiology that responds differently to these types of substances, so what works well for one person may not work as well for another, so I always recommend that when it comes to consuming CBD, it is best for people to begin with smaller doses and work their way up. But if you’re a regular coffee drinker with experience using CBD, then this might be a great way to optimize your natural energy rhythms.