Key takeaways
- CBD produce different effects based on the dosage used. While it promotes relaxation at low doses, it releases energy at high doses.
- The effect of CBD for energy is determined by three factors; dosage used, time of administration and product formulation.
- Full spectrum CBD products with a 1:1 of CBD to THC will produce a balanced effect on users.
- CBD promotes energy production by modulating activities of the mitochondria.
Does CBD increase energy levels?
CBD can boost your energy levels by improving protein synthesis and activity in parts of the brain linked to wakefulness. It also regulates the endocannabinoid system, influencing your body's sleep-wake cycle for sustained energy.
Does CBD promote wakefulness and sleep at the same time?
No, the effect is determined by the dosage. This is known as the biphasic effect. The biphasic effect of CBD means that it can have different impacts at different doses.
At low doses, CBD might bring about one set of effects, such as promoting relaxation or reducing anxiety. This is often associated with mild therapeutic benefits. At higher doses of CBD may lead to different effects, potentially intensifying its impact on the body.
It's important to note that the response to CBD isn't always directly proportional to the dose, and higher amounts may not necessarily result in stronger benefits. This biphasic nature emphasizes the need for individuals to find the right dose through a process of trial and error, starting with a lower dose and gradually adjusting based on individual responses. This approach helps users discover the optimal dose that provides the desired benefits without causing adverse effects.
How does CBD affect energy metabolism?
CBD may impact energy-related processes in the body suggesting its role in providing energy to users. CBD shows a potential effect on mitochondrial function. Mitochondria is the part of the cell responsible for energy production. Mitochondrial activities can be modulated by CBD thus detecting the role of CBD in energy regulation and production within the cell.
CBD also plays a critical role in the "browning" of fat cells. White fat cells typically store energy, while brown fat cells burn energy to generate heat. CBD's ability to convert white fat into brown fat can be useful in weight loss and energy balance. The role of CBD on insulin sensitivity may also have a potential role in energy control. It contributes to the regulation of blood sugars, an essential part of healthy energy metabolism.
Why will CBD increase energy or keep me awake?
In 2014, a study supported the idea that CBD acts as a wake-promoting agent. The research found that CBD increased dopamine levels in the brain's hypothalamus. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to wakefulness, learning, motivation, heart rate, and mood. Often called the "feel-good neurotransmitter," dopamine rises in anticipation or experience of a reward.
If you struggle with low energy levels, CBD might help for several reasons. CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), a basic system in our bodies responsible for maintaining stability, or homeostasis, within our environment. This means CBD can make changes in your body chemistry thereby potentially increasing energy levels if they are low or inducing a calming effect if energy is too high.
Our ECS has receptors throughout our bodies, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, each serving different functions. When you take CBD, it stimulates these receptors based on your current mental, emotional, and physical state. Essentially, your body knows where to use CBD, similar to how it knows when to use ibuprofen for inflammation or a headache.
When the ECS is stimulated, the receptors will signal the production of our naturally occurring cannabinoids, like anandamide and 2-AG. Anandamide, the bliss molecule, influences motivation, appetite, and sleep. While less is known about 2-AG, it exists in higher levels in our bodies than anandamide and binds readily to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
How to take CBD for energy?
- Determine the right dosage
CBD dosage will determine the overall effect of the product. It is important to use high doses if you want to stay alert and use low doses if you want to relax. Recall that CBD plays a modulatory role on your body depending on need. So once the dosage is right, it will fix the major challenge in your body. The effect of CBD for sleep is heightened when taken in dark places.
- Timing is very important
When you take CBD will have a major impact on how your body reacts to it. For instance, taking CBD at bedtime will increase the secretion/release of melatonin, a hormone responsible for controlling sleep.
- Choose a reputable product
How the CBD product is formulated or the compounds in the product may also play a role in its overall effect. For instance products with a higher concentration of THC may offer a different effect than products with higher concentration of CBD. If you want to use CBD for energy, we would suggest you aim for products with a 1:1 combination of CBD and THC as this provides a balanced effect on users.
Want to Learn More?
- Full Spectrum CBD
- CBD vs THC — Why it's Critical to Understand the Difference
- Healing Herbs and Holistic Ingredients: Hemp Oil Recipes for a Sustainable Kitchen\
- Green Beauty — Making DIY Skincare with Organic Hemp Skincare
- CBDa, CBD, THC, and Drug Tests: What You Need to Know
Sources
Sahinovic A, Irwin C, Doohan PT, Kevin RC, Cox AJ, Lau NS, Desbrow B, Johnson NA, Sabag A, Hislop M, Haber PS, McGregor IS, McCartney D. Effects of Cannabidiol on Exercise Physiology and Bioenergetics: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Trial. Sports Med Open. 2022 Mar 2;8(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s40798-022-00417-y. PMID: 35235092; PMCID: PMC8891421.
Henson JD, Vitetta L, Quezada M, Hall S. Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol. J Clin Med. 2021 Dec 14;10(24):5852. doi: 10.3390/jcm10245852. PMID: 34945148; PMCID: PMC8704602.
