What Happens When You Mix Caffeine and Cannabis?
[spinfuel_scad ad=”ad1″ align=”left”] What happens when you mix caffeine and cannabis? To make the consumption of cannabis easier, companies have started manufacturing products infused with THC and CBD. Cannabis-infused caffeine is one such product. Though the effect of this combination on the human body is mostly unknown, this doesn’t stop users from buying cannabis-infused coffee. Researchers continue to understand the relationship between caffeine (a stimulant) and cannabis (depressant or stimulant).
This article deals with the good and bad effects of mixing coffee with cannabis.
What Happens When Caffeine and Cannabis Are Combined?
Known for its energy-boosting effects, caffeine is also known to give a euphoric effect. All coffee lovers are well aware of the buzz that coffee provides. Many users have claimed that taking a cup of strong coffee after taking cannabis enhances the overall effect. Let us understand the relationship between caffeine and cannabis.
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Caffeine is a psychoactive substance. It acts as an antagonist and blocks the receptors of ‘adenosine.’ Adenosine is a neuroreceptor responsible for blocking other neurotransmitters that excite other brain cells. This results in a feeling of fatigue. Thus, coffee intake makes an individual alert and awake.
Cannabis consumption is also known to stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain, which is responsible for euphoric feelings. Many users enjoy the cannabis and caffeine combination as it intensifies their euphoric feelings when high. Caffeine, a psycho-stimulant, is known to stimulate the release of dopamine, which can enhance the effects of cannabis.
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One study even suggests that doses of caffeine and cannabis are proportional. This means that higher caffeine doses correlate with a higher craving for cannabis, and lower doses with a lower craving.
How Caffeine and Cannabis Affect the Human Body?
Caffeine Effects
Caffeine is one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances. Caffeine is an ingredient in cola, tea, chocolates, energy drinks, and OTC medications. When taken in the right amount, caffeine enhances the body’s energy level, elevates mood, and increases alertness and focus. But, if taken in higher doses, the same caffeine might cause harmful side effects.
Some of the side effects of caffeine are:
- High blood pressure
- Sleep disorders
- Irregular heartbeat
- Increase in depression or anxiety
- Increased urination
- High cholesterol levels
- Increase in gastric acid
- Dependence
Cannabis Effects
Cannabis, a widely used psychoactive substance, induces a feeling of euphoria. The medicinal benefits of cannabis are well-known. As a result, many states have legalized its use. It is used for improving mental health and treating various symptoms, including seizures and pain.
A wide range of cannabis strains is available in the market. Different strains cause different effects. Some act as a stimulant, whereas others give a relaxing effect. Like caffeine, cannabis also has its cons.
Some of the side effects of cannabis are:
- Dizziness
- Reduced coordination and concentration
- Dry eyes or mouth
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Reduced memory
- Dependence
Cannabis and Caffeine: Your Mileage May Vary
And in the End…
Researchers are still working on understanding the caffeine-cannabis relationship and the effects of their combination on the human body. However, studies have shown that the effects of the combination of cannabis and caffeine are different from their effects when taken alone. The effects of cannabis and caffeine depend heavily on their dosage and duration.
The effect of a cannabis and caffeine combination may vary from individual to individual. An individual’s tolerance to both drugs and body chemistry plays a crucial role in the effects of cannabis or caffeine. For example, a daily coffee drinker might appreciate the alertness and energy boost caused by taking the combination. Conversely, a person suffering from anxiety or an occasional coffee drinker might find that the combination has increased heart rate or anxiety levels.
While the combination of caffeine and cannabis is not inherently harmful, caution is advised during consumption. After all, the risk of dependency always exists.