Coffee has always been the favorite morning routine beverage in the US, with more than 150 million people consuming it as part of their daily morning ritual. The recent spike in cannabis consumption has led many people to try combining the two.
This interaction between cannabis and coffee is becoming increasingly popular, which is why we have dedicated this article to the pair. We will focus on the individual and collective effects of cannabis and coffee on the body, as we dive deeper into the science behind your favorite morning routine.
How Does Coffee Affect the Body?
One of the reasons why the combination of caffeine and cannabis is gaining traction is that people believe the two go perfectly well with each other. Statistically, coffee is considered one of the most popular drinks consumed in the U.S, with the nation falling into the 8th spot on the list of the top 10 countries that consume the most amount of coffee.
Generally, coffee is known to help users feel more refreshed in the morning by relieving symptoms of tiredness and fatigue. Caffeine is the dominant compound present in this drink, which is responsible for the energizing feeling. It essentially stimulates the nervous system and helps mitigate migraines and headaches. Excessive intake however, can cause adverse effects like heightened anxiety.
The Association Between THC, Caffeine, and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A study on monkeys determined a close relation between THC and a caffeine-like compound called MSX-3. The researchers found that the need for THC is directly proportional to the amount of caffeine consumed. For example, using high doses of caffeine would lead to a greater need for THC and vice versa. This led researchers to believe that low doses of caffeine may not even affect the body’s endocannabinoid system, but larger doses may be tampering with the users’ psychoactive effects, which is why they may crave the need for more THC.
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, serves to help regulate several bodily functions like appetite, mood, memory, and sleep. What many people don’t know is that the ECS is present in the bodies of non-cannabis users since it regulates endogenous cannabinoids that are produced naturally.
Coffee actually decreases the number of metabolites in your body, a substance that helps in the process of metabolism. Researchers believe that since one of the ECS’s main functions is to maintain certain psychological processes like stress, coffee may help reduce this accumulated stress by lowering the number of metabolites associated with the ECS.
Caffeine May Potentially Prolong the Psychoactive Effects of THC
The University of Maryland School of Medicine held a study in 2011 on the potential effects of taking caffeine and THC together. The study was conducted on monkeys where they were given a dose of caffeine first and then were provided access to unlimited. To the surprise of researchers, monkeys were not much interested in consuming a second or third dose of THC. This led the researchers to believe that the consumption of caffeine beforehand may have prolonged the effects of THC, which was consumed right after – it is why the monkeys were not interested in consuming more THC.
How Cannabis and Coffee Affect the Body When Consumed Together
Doctors do believe there is a possible link between caffeine consumption and cannabis intake, however, there have not been many studies done surrounding this topic.
A study conducted in 2014 also concluded that high amounts of caffeine may trigger the need for more THC in the body, leading users to consume more associated products. However, another theory points to the possibility of the individual effects of the two cancel each other out. This is because, generally, the effects of caffeine and cannabis are often opposite. While caffeine tends to energize and may stimulate sharper brain function, THC is usually consumed with the goal of relaxation in mind.
According to the above theory, these two products may prove to counteract each effect and your body may not feel much of a difference after consuming coffee and cannabis together. There are various benefits of both cannabis and coffee if consumed individually, however, the research surrounding the combination of the two is still rather limited.
Blending The Right Strains
While a lot more research is required to clearly determine the effects of caffeine and cannabis together, that does not mean that users don’t enjoy the combination today. In fact, a lot of people smartly use the terpene profile of their favorite strains and products to pair with caffeine for the best effects.
The terpene profiles of cannabis determine the taste and smell of cannabis. If the right terpenes are opted for, your experience combining cannabis and coffee could be truly amazing.
Where to Buy Cannabis in Las Vegas?
If you reside in Nevada and want top-grade cannabis products and strains, head over to the best Vegas dispensary – Inyo Las Vegas! We are a leading dispensary in Vegas that offers a broad range of medical and recreational cannabis products to choose from.
Order online today or visit our Las Vegas strip dispensary during the following hours:
MON-WED: 8AM – 12AM
THU-SAT: 8AM – 2AM
SUN: 8AM – 10PM
Our budtenders will help you find the perfect products to fit all your cannabis needs.
