Two of the most popular active plant-based compounds in the consumer space —
and caffeine — have a unique interrelationship and are great for fusion in the morning time. Balance out the jittery effects of caffeine alone with the calming-yet-alert effects of CBD.These fascinating products won’t get you high in the morning when alertness is often required, yet you’ll feel the airy, relaxing effects of CBD to augment the effects of caffeine. For years, consumers have been adding CBD oil to their
, but today, pre-made infused brands are taking the initiative and combining the compound with coffee brews.With hemp-derived CBD legal in 50 states, CBD-infused coffee is easy to find in grocery stores or in green food markets. But keep in mind that coffee products come in several forms, such as whole beans, coffee grounds, or in K-cups — the convenient and fastest modern way to brew a quick cup of joe.
But first, let’s take a look at the considerations behind combining the caffeine of coffee and CBD. CBD-infused coffee is not just a marketing gimmick — as it has been unjustly labeled in the media at times — and there are specific reasons people combine the two compounds, as they interact in unique ways. Let’s explore the ways that caffeine and CBD interact inside the human body.
The Science of Combining Caffeine and CBD
When you drink coffee, caffeine is absorbed into your bloodstream, eventually traveling to the brain. In the brain, it blocks the neurotransmitter adenosine, also causing other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine to increase, providing a sense of alertness. The small increase in dopamine also makes you happier. Coffee beans are a rich source of antioxidants and provide a handful of other benefits.
This is why you feel better in the morning after sipping on a hot brew.
, on the other hand, provides its own benefits.Some proponents say that the combination of CBD and caffeine is a match made in heaven — providing complementary effects of both ingredients. CBD is believed to help reduce anxiety and stress, which happens to be a common side effect of excess caffeine. This is because CBD acts on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. CBD is also an
and provides neuroprotective properties.Anecdotal reports indicate that CBD-infused coffee provides a layer of protection against the common jittery effects of caffeine alone. Some doctors say that
about all possible interactions between CBD and caffeine. With the small amounts of CBD that can be found in infused coffee products, it’s most likely just going to provide a sense of calmness without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Choosing a Coffee Bean Type
Not all coffee beans are the same, and like strains of cannabis, there are varieties of coffee that provide slightly different taste and effects from one another.
The four major coffee types are: Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa. and Liberica. All four of them have different palates. Arabica beans are most common, but its rich taste will transform within days. Robusta beans are especially potent in caffeine. Excelsa beans, often sourced from the same locations as Liberica beans, on the other hand, provide a more “woody” taste. Chances are that typical CBD-infused coffee vendors are using Arabica beans most often compared to other coffee bean types.
In addition, coffee bean types are often categorized by regions, such as Colombian-grown beans or Ethiopian-grown beans that flourish under the sun and various other conditions. Just as cannabis growers boast products grown locally in Humboldt County, some regions are proud of their coffee bean production.
Choosing a CBD-infused Coffee Product Type
Are you looking for a bag of coffee grounds, or do you prefer the Keurig-style K-pod system? Many brands cater to both tastes, providing versions in multiple delivery systems. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best form of coffee.
To make instant coffee blends, coffee extract is sprayed into hot air, which in turn, quickly dries the droplets, transforming them into fine powder. Alternatively, coffee extract can also be freeze-dried and cut into small fragments, which are then dried at a low temperature under vacuum conditions to make instant coffee. You can also make your own CBD-infused coffee by adding CBD-infused tinctures to a regular cup of joe, but make sure it’s hot so it mixes well.
Why Do We Grind Coffee?
When coffee beans are ground up, a larger surface area is created, which speeds up the dilution process. In addition, when you brew a cup of coffee immediately after grinding the beans, you will be able to enjoy a greater concentration of these oils.
Best CBD Coffee: Ground Products
If it’s freshness you’re after, look no further than tried-and-true coffee grounds. This is probably the form of CBD coffee you will see the most often — that is, until K-cups take over the market. Ground up coffee beans are rich in antioxidants and as long as they are stored and preserved properly, can retain most of the fresh coffee flavor.
from Extract Labs
Ready for a rich taste? These Colombian Supremo beans are roasted to perfection in order to bring out the balanced flavors the region is known for. This blend is a medium dark roast, with bold and smooth caramel tones, providing notes of walnut and honey, and a bright woody finish. The bag contains 250mg CBD total.
In a rush and need a fast coffee blend? Ground up coffee varieties can come in instant coffee form. Using CBD Living’s proprietary self-emulsifying delivery system increases bioavailability, meaning you absorb more CBD. CBD Living Instant Black Coffee is perfect for those who like their coffee tasty and simple.
Try something truly exotic. This blend boasts notes of dark cherry, cocoa, and brown sugar. It is then dark roasted to provide a bold, strong taste. It’s 100 percent Arabica single-origin coffee, grown at high elevations by small family-owned farms in Tolima, Colombia.
Best CBD Coffee: Whole Bean Products
Some people consider whole bean coffee to be the purest taste you’ll get from coffee beans. When coffee beans are ground and processing begins, some of the fresh oils and tastes are lost.
Sträva: craft roasted coffee precision infused with organic, broad spectrum hemp cannabinoids including natural CBD, CBG and more. This blend comes in maximum strength, with 20mg CBD per serving. According to Sträva, it’s also a customer favorite, and the go-to choice. Start here if you’re looking for the most benefit out of each cup of CBD coffee. Each 12-ounce bag makes 25 servings of coffee.
This medium roasted Colombian blend is packed with 330mg of CBD total, providing a solid dose for each cup of coffee. Adopting a special process in-house to infuse CBD into the coffee bean in a way that does not let the hemp flavor into the finished palate. This is a great place to start for people wanting to feel the full effects of CBD.
or Full Moon by Brewpoint Coffee
There are currently two coffees part of the Over the Moon line: New Moon and Full Moon. New Moon is the regular blend, while Full Moon is the decaf blend. The high-quality brews infuse coffee beans with USDA certified hemp farmed in Oregon and Colorado. New Moon features a medium roast CBD single origin Ethiopian coffee with notes of caramel, green tea, jasmine, and lemon. Full Moon is a medium roast decaf CBD Single-Origin Columbian made from 99.9 percent decaffeinated coffee beans roasted rich, smooth, and full-bodied to taste with notes of toasted almond and hazelnut. They are available in 4 ounce and 12 ounce bags.
Best CBD Coffee: K-Cup Style CBD Coffee Products
If it’s convenience you’re after, try brands that offer K-cups for ease of use. Many brands provide ground up, long-lasting coffee in K-cups or K-pods. Perhaps even more convenient than driving through your favorite coffee shop to grab your cup of Joe.
from Extract Labs
Infused with cinnamon and turmeric, this brew was inspired by a mission to restore physical and mental well-being. It tastes creamy, with a cinnamon and spice undertone, as well as hints of maple. The pods are made from bamboo and cornstarch, making them 100% percent compostable and biodegradable. Pods are Keurig 2.0 compatible, and are not compatible with some 1.0 machines.
The K-cups come as Intro Strength, with 4mg CBD per serving, is a great choice for those who love their coffee but want to cut down on the caffeine jitters and focus on their day. These K-cups are available in 4-packs, 12-packs, 48-packs and Naked 50-packs. Also available in select discounted
.Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to choose what type of CBD-infused coffee product is best for you, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Choose a coffee product form that serves you best, depending on how much free time you have in the morning, and how much you value gourmet coffee blend flavors.