If you’re like most of us here at Honest Marijuana, you can’t function without your morning cup of coffee (or four). But what if you could get the same kick with a side of pain relief, anxiety reduction, and seizure suppression (just to name a few)?
Sound too good to be true? It’s not. It’s what you get from a steaming cup of CBD coffee.
In this article, the all-things-cannabis experts at Honest Marijuana reveal everything you need to know about this new elixir from the ganja gods, including:
- The many benefits of CBD coffee
- How to make your own pot of pot coffee
- What to expect from this magical brew
First, though, we’ll get to the bottom of what makes CBD coffee so effective for everything that ails ya.
Caffeine And Cannabidiol
CBD coffee is the combination of two of our three favorite molecules: caffeine and cannabidiol (CBD). The third molecule in that triumvirate of power is, of course, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but that’s a topic for another time.
Here’s a bit of background about these two awesome chemical compounds.
Caffeine
Caffeine — or C8H10N4O2 — is a naturally occurring stimulant found in the seeds, nuts, and leaves of a number of plants native to Africa and South America.
The most well-known source of caffeine is the coffee bean. In fact, humans have been roasting these beans for the purpose of brewing a drink since the middle of the 15th century (that’s the 1400’s, son).
It’s worth noting that the plants that contain caffeine use it as a defense mechanism to protect themselves against predators.
In that regard, it’s very similar to the cannabinoid molecules in the marijuana plant that, also serve to deter predation.
Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is one of the major building blocks of the cannabis plant. Other cannabinoids include:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabicitran (CBT)
- Cannabicyclol (CBL)
The fact that it’s non-psychoactive means it doesn’t cause a psychedelic high like some other cannabinoids (THC, we’re looking at you). But that doesn’t mean CBD doesn’t interact with the brain at all.
It does, and in some rather unique ways.
6 Benefits Of CBD Coffee
As you’ll soon see, there are a lot of benefits to brewing up a cup of CBD coffee. We’ll break these benefits down by component so you understand where all the effects come from.
1) Caffeine Accelerates The Release Of Serotonin And Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that facilitates brain activity and plays a major role in the motivational component of reward-motivated behavior.
This latter effect is the reason you need your coffee in the morning.
Serotonin produces a mild antidepressant effect. It’s not enough to alleviate the symptoms of depression, but it is enough to give non-sufferers a more rosy outlook when all they want to do is go back to sleep.
2) Caffeine Signals The Release Of Adrenaline
Your body releases adrenaline in times of stress. The presence of adrenaline in your body increases blood flow, accelerates breathing, and boosts carbohydrate metabolism in preparation for fight or flight.
A cup of joe in the morning won’t get you as amped as a grizzly bear at the foot of your bed, but it’ll supply a noticeable “kick in the pants” that will help you start your day (or power through that mid-afternoon slump).
3) Caffeine Helps Muscles Contract
The combination of caffeine and adrenaline “lubes” your muscles (not in that sense, perv) so that they contract faster and stronger than they would by themselves.
This helps you feel powerful, confident, and ready to face the morning commute.
4) CBD Relieves Anxiety
We’ve already touched on the psychological benefits of caffeine (a mild antidepressant), but combine that with the anti-anxiety properties of CBD and you’ve got a truly wonderful way to start the day.
Anxiety and depression can turn even a lazy Saturday morning into a stressful occasion. But with a mug of CBD coffee in hand, you’ll enjoy relaxing in your favorite chair just watching the world go by.
5) CBD Decreases Pain
Another wonderful benefit of CBD coffee is that the CBD molecule interacts with your brain and body in a way that decreases pain.
CBD does this by:
- “Numbing” the vanilloid receptors in your brain that register pain
- Reducing inflammation
Inflammation — your body’s response to a problem — is a major cause of pain even if there’s no underlying damage.
For example, say you contract a flu virus that doesn’t really cause any damage (other than making you feel awful). Part of your body’s response is to raise the level of inflammation in your system in order to fight off the infection.
This makes you feel achy and ill. CBD can help alleviate that pain brought on by inflammation.
Granted, it’s nothing like a pain reliever you can get from your doctor. It won’t mitigate extreme pain (say, from a broken bone), but it can lessen the pain from a headache, muscle soreness, or arthritis so you can get one with your life.
6) CBD Suppresses Muscle Spasms
Uncontrolled muscle contraction is a significant medical issue for people of all ages. And because these contractions originate in the brain rather than the body, they can be extremely difficult to treat.
Unlike other anticonvulsant medications that interact with your body, CBD goes straight to the source to significantly reduce the electrical misfires that cause muscle spasms, convulsions, and even seizures.
How To Make Your Own CBD Coffee
Ingredients & Supplies
- ½ gram of your favorite high-CBD strain
- 3 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of butter or coconut oil
- Pan or kettle for boiling
- Strainer
- Large bowl or 4-cup measuring cup for straining
- Pan or coffee maker for final brewing
Recipe
1) Grind
Chop your weed as finely as possible.
You’re certainly welcome to shred your buds with a knife if that makes you happy. But we live by the maxim, “Work smarter, not harder,” and choose to use a grinder instead. It’s easier, faster, and just plain better.
Don’t make your life any more difficult than it has to be.
2) Boil
Pour 3 cups of water into a pan and bring to a boil. If you need more explanation for this step, you might want to step aside and let someone else take over.
Once the water is boiling, toss in 2 tablespoons of butter or coconut oil.
3) Simmer
When the butter or oil is completely melted, reduce the heat until the water simmers (think gentle boil).
Sprinkle in your ground cannabis from step one and let the whole thing stew for 40 minutes. Stir the brew several times so the plant matter doesn’t stick to the side of the pan.
4) Strain
After 40 minutes, pour the water/oil/bud mix through a strainer to remove the shredded sinsemilla. Don’t worry. It’s already given up the good stuff (the CBD and the terpenes) during the 40-minute simmer session.
So unless you like floaties in your hot beverage, get rid of that gunk.
5) Brew
Now you’re ready to make your CBD coffee!
Pour the water you just boiled into a coffee maker or pot. Add your favorite coffee grounds and brew away.
6) Blend (Optional)
As your CBD coffee cools, the butter or oil will separate from the water. You can extend the time the mix stays in solution by running your brewed coffee through a blender before drinking.
Of course, if you drink your coffee fast enough, this shouldn’t be an issue.
What To Expect When You Drink CBD Coffee
From the very first sip of CBD coffee, you’ll feel the effects of the caffeine immediately, just like you would with a regular cup of java.
Those good feelings should get you through the next hour or so (depending on your weight, metabolism, tolerance, and other variables) until the CBD kicks in.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise since you are, in effect, consuming your CBD like you would a brownie or weed tea: through your stomach.
Digestion and absorption take time, but, like every other edible, the effects will be stronger and last longer than they would if you smoked or dabbed. So it pays to be patient and allow your body to do its thing.
Buy A Bag Or Brew Your Own?
The answer to that question is completely up to you. We know what we like, but we won’t let it sway your decision.
Try both methods and pick for yourself.
Start by buying one of the pre-made CBD coffees trickling into the market. See what you think about the flavor and the effects.
Then brew your own CBD coffee at home and compare the two experiences. Which one is better? Do you mind brewing your own or would you rather someone else do it for you?
Of course, if you’re just too tired to do all the work in the morning (or the night before), buying your CBD coffee at the market (if you’re lucky) or online (if you’re like the rest of us) is the easiest option.
For more information on all things cannabis and to check out our 100-percent all-natural marijuana products, visit HonestMarijuana.com today.