Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been generating a lot of talk lately. The market for CBD has been growing as more people discover the potential benefits. In fact, some say the CBD market could reach $20 billion in the next few years.
Just what are the benefits, though? Research is ongoing, but there’s plenty of positive news about what CBD might be able to do.
Some people believe there’s a lot of potential to use CBD for energy. Even some athletes say CBD has helped them boost their performance and feel more energized.
What does the science say? There seem to be quite a few ways CBD could work to help you feel more energetic, focused, and calm. Here are 10 potential benefits.
1. CBD Could Help You Wake Up
Some studies have suggested CBD might be able to help people sleep. Others have pointed out that it also could help people wake up.
This stimulating effect appears to be thanks to dopamine, a neurotransmitter. While dopamine is usually associated with happiness, it also acts as a stimulant. That means it can help people wake up, stay awake, and feel more alert.
Since CBD seems to increase dopamine levels, it might work like a cup of coffee.
2. CBD Promotes Better Mood
Dopamine isn’t the only neurotransmitter CBD seems to affect It also seems to have effects on serotonin, another “feel-good” chemical in the brain.
Research suggests these effects could help people with depression and anxiety. Mood disorders can leave people feeling like they’ve been sapped of all their energy. With CBD boosting serotonin and dopamine, these people may be able to get some of their energy back.
3. Interactions With GABA Could Soothe Anxiety
CBD has widespread effects in the body, and serotonin and dopamine aren’t the only substances it influences. Some research shows CBD could interact with GABA, which acts as an inhibitor.
What does that mean? In short, GABA helps calm the body. Since CBD interacts with GABA-A receptors, it might amplify this calming effect.
Now, you might think that a calming effect is the opposite of what you want if you’re looking to boost energy. Being calm can improve focus and help direct energy. Instead of feeling nervous or edgy, you might be able to forget fears and really focus on being productive or achieving a personal best in a workout.
Anxiety also drains energy. The calming effects of GABA could help those who find they feel lethargic.
4. CBD Could Help You Get Better Sleep
As much as CBD might help people wake up, other research says it might also be able to help them get a good night’s sleep. The calming effects of GABA, along with other interactions, could mean CBD helps people relax enough to drift off to dreamland.
Better sleep is a key component of maintaining energy. Many people feel tired because they don’t get enough sleep or don’t sleep well at night. Instead of reaching for the coffee, though, you might consider trying some CBD at bedtime.
5. CBD Might Reduce Stress Hormones
There’s also been research that suggests CBD could reduce levels of cortisol in the body.
Cortisol is a major stress hormone. The body releases it to signal that you might need to fight or run away. While this is an important survival reaction, it’s less helpful when someone experiences chronic stress.
Again, CBD appears to exert a calming influence on the body. This may play a role in getting better sleep and feeling more energized.
6. CBD for Energy Promotes Focus and Clarity
Most people will talk about CBD oil for energy, but they may not think much about focus and mental clarity. Without these, though, a person can just feel scattered or nervous, even if they have lots of energy.
That’s why it’s important to talk about CBD for energy and focus. Focus and mental clarity are what allow you to use your energy to achieve a goal.
CBD’s calming effects may contribute to the perception that it promotes greater focus. People who use CBD often report they feel more motivated and clear-headed.
This is especially helpful for athletes. It can also help people with mood disorders since it can help them focus their thoughts.
7. CBD Might Have Antioxidant Properties
Another aspect of CBD and energy is the potential antioxidant properties of CBD. These antioxidant properties allow CBD to prevent or slow damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced by the body, which can break down cells.
Slowing down free radicals can keep the body performing well. In turn, you might feel more energized and focused.
8. CBD Is Not Psychoactive
When people think of cannabinoids, they often think of THC. This substance is associated with feelings of relaxation and drowsiness. People using it may fall asleep, feel lethargic, or even experience hallucinations.
It’s important to note that CBD and THC are quite different. CBD is not psychoactive, so it doesn’t cause the same “mind-altering” effects as THC. You don’t need to worry that CBD will make you feel sluggish or sleepy.
9. CBD Can Counter THC
There’s also some evidence that CBD can counter the effects of THC. People who take too much THC are advised to take some CBD to help them avoid negative psychoactive effects.
Most CBD products do not contain THC. If they do, the amounts are very small. That’s because most CBD is derived from hemp plants, which have very low THC levels.
10. It’s Easy to Control CBD Dosages
Another fact about CBD for energy is that it’s easy to control the dose. That makes it more reliable than a cup of coffee, which can have more or less caffeine in it.
The experts at this CBD company point out that everyone will have different CBD dosing needs. Some people may only need a low dose, while others will need a higher dose to see the same effects.
With CBD capsules, tinctures, and other convenient options, taking exactly the right amount of CBD can be quite simple.
Supercharge Yourself
There are many potential ways to use CBD for energy. If you’ve been thinking about how to boost your energy and focus, CBD might be one option to explore.
Looking for more on health and managing stress and anxiety? Our library has plenty of helpful ideas to keep you charged up and ready to tackle anything.