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 contained caffeine is one such product. Though the effect of this combination on the human body is mostly unknown, this doesn’t stop the users from buying Cannabis-infused coffee. Researchers  carry on to understand the relation 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 the coffee lovers are well aware of the buzz that coffee contains. 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.

Caffeine is a psychoactive substance. It acts as an antagonist and blocks the receptors of ‘adenosine.’ Adenosine is a neuroreceptor. It is responsible for blocking other neurotransmitters that excite other brain cells. This results in a feeling of fatigue. Thus intake of coffee makes an individual alert and awake.

Cannabis consumption is also known to stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain. This dopamine is responsible for euphoric feeling. Many users enjoy Cannabis and caffeine combination as it intensifies their euphoria feeling when high.

Caffeine

A psycho-stimulant, Caffeine is known to  stimulate the release of dopamine. Cannabis is  boosted by caffeine.

 One study even suggests that doses of caffeine and Cannabis are proportional. This means that craving for Cannabis is based on the dosage of caffeine. Higher the caffeine dose higher the craving for Cannabis and lower the caffeine dose lower would be the craving.

How Caffeine and Cannabis Affect the Human Body?

One of the most commonly used psychoactive substance is Caffeine.  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
  • Increase urination
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Increase in gastric acid
  • Dependence

Cannabis

A  widely used psychoactive substance, Cannabis gives a feeling of euphoria. The medicinal benefits of Cannabis is well-known by many. As a result, many states have made the use of this drug legal. Used for improving mental health as well as treating various symptoms, including seizures and pain.

Cannabis and Caffeine - Are they Good for a Mix

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. This include:

  • 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. Effects of Cannabis and caffeine depend a lot on their dosage as well as the duration.

The effect of cannabis and caffeine combination may vary from individual to individual. An individual’s tolerance to both drugs and body chemistry plays a crucial role as far as the effect of Cannabis or caffeine is concerned. For example, a daily coffee drinker might like the alertness and energy boost caused by taking the combination. Whereas, a person suffering from anxiety or an occasional coffee drinker might feel that the combination of the two drugs has enhanced the heart rate or the anxiety levels.

Though the combination of caffeine and Cannabis is not that harmful, however, one should be cautious while consuming it. After all, the risk of dependency is always there.