Coffee, Tea & CBD: Does CBD Mix With Caffeine?

CBD is almost as common as coffee these days. Both might have a place in your daily routine. Some people are even mixing them together!

As you watch your friend sip a steaming CBD-infused latte, you might catch yourself wondering…

• What’s it like? Are there any perks to blending CBD and caffeine?
• Are CBD’s properties affected when you add it to a warm beverage?
• Is it safe to combine caffeine with CBD?

It makes sense to have some questions. After all, we’re talking about two substances with very different effects.

Although CBD and caffeine haven’t been widely researched, there is some emerging information on the subject. Many consumers have also shared their thoughts on the duo. We gathered up this evidence to help answer your questions about the cannabinoid-caffeine combo. Read on to fill up!

What’s In Your CBD?

Before we dive in, let’s get clear on what CBD oil is so we know exactly what we’re stacking up to caffeine.

CBD is short for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is one of two prevalent cannabinoids found in cannabis. Cannabidiol oil is extracted from cannabis and formulated into CBD products.

The other main cannabinoid in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Except for the case of CBD isolate, CBD products still contain some amount of THC. Full-spectrum CBD can have high amounts. Broad-spectrum CBD only contains traces of THC — we’re talking 0.3% or less. This small-but-mighty volume increases CBD’s potential effectiveness and health benefits. This is known as the entourage effect.

Since broad-spectrum CBD is federally legal and widely available, there’s a good chance it’s what you’d be adding to your cup.

So, when we use the term CBD, know that we’re talking about CBD products that may contain THC. Of course, you always have the choice to go the isolate route.

Doesn’t it feel good to be an educated CBD consumer?

CBD & Caffeine: Strong Opinions

Around 90% of adults consume some form of caffeine each day. Some folks have embraced CBD as part of their daily cup (or cups) with varying outcomes.

For a robust blend of experiences at the intersection of CBD and caffeine, we turned to the CBD subreddit. The majority did tend to lean toward positive results, but some people didn’t see the benefit or didn’t like how it made them feel.

Redditor “juansantona” says “I don’t really feel any crazy difference from CBD on its own, but when I mix it with coffee it takes away the dread and the feeling of being strung out.”

Meanwhile, “I don't notice any reduction of the coffee jitters with CBD,” says Redditor “happy_cannaseur.”

So, why the range of results? We did some digging, and it turns out there’s a scientific explanation. We love a good scientific explanation.

CBD & Caffeine: What Science Says

Caffeine is a stimulant. Meanwhile, CBD is typically associated with a mellow, balanced state.

Different as their effects may be, both substances work within the same pathways in the body. The endocannabinoid system (aka ECS) is the hub of these pathways.

The ECS helps regulate body systems. How fast and thorough depends on just about everything else happening in the body — digestion, sleep, hormones, and more.

Everyone has a unique makeup that dictates his or her experience with CBD and caffeine. It’s true — you are special!

This is why:

• Some people feel CBD quickly, while others don’t feel a difference for days or weeks.
• Some folks feel anxious after drinking caffeine and others don’t.
• Some lucky ducks feel CBD quickly and have no negative effects from caffeine.

The CBD-Caffeine Blend

We’ve learned that caffeine and CBD each interact with the body in their own way.

Collectively, they could have a synergistic effect. Ooh, synergy!The fancy word that means the combined effect could be greater than the sum of its parts.

Here’s the espresso-shot equivalent of the whole pot of scientific details:

• Caffeine blocks receptors in the ECS that cause sleepiness. That’s why it makes us feel alert, but it can also aggravate anxiety and cause jitters.
• Caffeine’s block on those receptors could amplify the effects of CBD, which might come to the rescue and balance out the overstimulation.
• On the other hand, the CBD might be canceled out or not be as effective.

One other thing to sip on: Caffeine can improve alertness and concentration. You might think this would solve forgetfulness associated with THC, but research suggests it may actually make it worse.

While we’d love to be able to tell you exactly what to expect when you mix CBD with caffeine, the reality is that results may vary. You might be blissfully balanced, or feel no difference. If your CBD has THC in it, you could be more forgetful than usual.

There aren’t any studies examining the long-term effects of mixing CBD and caffeine.

Is It Safe To Add CBD To Caffeine?

Whether or not mixing CBD and caffeine is right for you depends on your tolerance for both substances.

• CBD’s generally well-tolerated, meaning it has little to no side effects for most folks. But some people have a medical condition or treatment plan that doesn’t mix with CBD.
• Caffeine is widely consumed, but it can be complicated for some people with caffeine sensitivity or certain conditions. It may also be problematic with some medications. Although CBD might cancel out caffeine’s stimulatory effects, that isn’t a guarantee.

Remember, mixing the two creates synergy, which might intensify the effects and benefits of one or both. That makes it extra important to follow your doc’s orders about consuming CBD or caffeine.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to take it slow when trying any new CBD product or trying it in a new way.

The Perfect CBD Cup

So, you’re ready to add CBD to your caffeine routine. Where to begin?

Infusing CBD into prepared foods isn’t FDA-approved, but some states have CBD laws that allow it. Depending on where you live, you might be able to wrap your hands around a warm paper cup filled with a CBD-infused chai.

Even if you aren’t grabbing a warm canna-beverage on your way to work, there’s always the option of DIY-ing your CBD treat.

Can You Add CBD To Coffee Or Tea?

You may have heard that adding CBD to food and drinks can reduce its beneficial properties. While this is true, it may not be significant enough to notice a difference.

Here’s our take on the matter based on CBD research and food science.

• Heating CBD causes degradation, but compounds in CBD have boiling points of around 350℉/176℃. Hot drinks rarely exceed 185℉/85℃, so any loss will be minimal.
• Acidity is another factor, especially for coffee drinks. But it may depend on the roast and preparation of your coffee. Dark roasts have less acidity, for example. Also, citric acid is one of the more common acids found in coffee, and it’s often added to CBD gummies and other products without negatively affecting the CBD.

Until a study looks at how the various acids and low temps get along with CBD, all we can do is speculate. But if you’re ready to infuse your pick-me-up with some CBD, there are best practices you can follow.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your CBD + caffeine routine.

• Mix a water-soluble CBD tincture into your beverage. Unlike CBD oil, which can stick to the cup, it’ll evenly distribute into the liquid.
• Only add CBD to prepared beverages. Boiling and steaming can evaporate away CBD’s properties.
• Take CBD just before you drink your bevvie.
• Pair your coffee or tea with a CBD-infused treat.
• Use a high-quality, bioavailable CBD product. Bioavailability means your body will absorb it more efficiently, which means max results. And if your body’s soaking it up, you want to feed it a pure product made from organically grown hemp.

Keep Calm & Brew On

Some say the best part of waking up is CBD in their cup. Others are indifferent or don’t like the synergy of CBD and caffeine. Those who need to avoid CBD products, caffeine, or both for health reasons should stick with what’s safe for them.

If you’re team CBD-caffeine, pick your favorite CBD product and go full-on barista mode! There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the fusion.

SHOP CBD TODAY!