Can CBD Help You Focus and Study?

by Amy Shepley - 04 Jun 2021

40 percent of college students in the US say they feel inadequately rested five out of seven days a week. Of course, lack of rest usually results in stress and, in turn, lack of concentration and focus, and, then, bad grades.

For clarity, over 35 percent of US college students say stress is the biggest cause of their poor academic performance.

Do you feel like you fall in the numbers? No worries.

There are several ways to manage your stress level, improve your concentration level and focus—and, in turn, boost your grades and overall productivity.

Why Do I Struggle to Focus and Study?

Stress is a common factor that makes us unable to focus and concentrate. As we project and dwell on the problems that come with our daily living – family, the pressure to get good grades, the need to meet project deadlines, among many others – concentration and focus become almost impossible. Whether at school, gym, or workplace, the story is the same.

Besides causing a distraction, the concentration issue and stress can be overwhelming, so much that it begins to alter our typical sleep patterns.

Lack of sleep, in itself, can cause severe damage to our health and also worsen concentration and focus by negatively affecting dopamine levels.

Normalizing this vicious cycle can be pretty daunting for a sufferer. Besides stressors, loss of focus and concentration are often symptoms of certain health concerns, including chronic pain and mental anomalies like ADHD, depression, and anxiety concerns.

The effects of these symptoms do not only ruin your productivity, but they can also make you sick.

Do you think stress is the cause of your low concentration? Then, de-stress!

Maybe not as easy as that sounds, though. But you can begin with simple mind-calming and relaxation methods like deep breathing exercises and meditation. Other times, your best bet might be walking away from your stressor – that is, take a break. If you’re diagnosed with a health condition that causes loss of attention and focus, discuss with your doctor, as mental awareness is crucial. The earlier you detect and manage such health concerns, the earlier you begin to feel more focused and concentrated – and generally healthier.

With cannabis’ wide-spread reputation as a focus and energy booster– records date all the way back to ancient times – modern researchers are investigating how CBD, as a standalone compound, can help boost focus and concentration.

How Can CBD Help Me Stay Focused?

CBD for focus and concentration? Is that even possible? At this point, you’re most likely wondering how CBD can help you stay focused on tasks. But before that, let’s discuss CBD a bit.

What is CBD?

CBD means Cannabidiol – an extract from the cannabis plant. Although cannabis contains over a hundred other phytocannabinoids (chemicals found in the plant), CBD has gained special attention for its outstanding therapeutic potency and safety profile.

Importantly, the ‘high’, or psychoactive effect associated with cannabis usage is caused, mainly, by Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is non-intoxicating.

That said, back to the question – How can CBD help me stay focused? To figure out how CBD can help you stay focused, you need to understand the endocannabinoid system and how it works.

The Endocannabinoid System, Focus, and CBD

The Endocannabinoid System, or ECS, is an internal system in humans – and animals. Among other functions, primarily, ECS helps modulate the brain’s neurotransmitter level.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that bind with specific receptors in the brain to regulate the functions of the brain cells and support the cognitive function.

Research shows that neurotransmitters regulate most body functions, including appetite, pain, mood, sleep, and more. Besides these, the neurotransmitters also modulate motor and sensory functions as well as energy, attention, focus, and memory.

Irregular supply of these chemicals can cause concerns, including low concentration and focus, heightened anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and many other concerns.

The endocannabinoids (internally-occurring compounds) have similar properties as phytocannabinoids (compounds extracted from plants, like CBD). A shortage of the internally produced cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) may make one feel unhealthy. CBD comes in handy here.

CBD has a direct, or indirect positive effect on dopamine and cortisol. Consuming CBD and its products, like CBD oil and CBD capsule help boost the internal cannabinoid supply, support the endocannabinoid system, and reduce symptoms that cause emotional, mental, and physical issues. CBD for focus and concentration is hence a very real concept.

Will CBD Make Me Too Sleepy to Study?

Perhaps you’re wondering, ‘if CBD promotes sleep, then won’t it make me too sleepy to concentrate on my books?‘

Not at all.

CBD promotes sleep by bringing calmness to your mind, shutting out mental clutters, and promoting the right atmosphere for a peaceful drift. However, CBD does not make you feel sleepy in the same way THC does.

In fact, CBD may even help you gain improved focus and alertness.

It’s fair to consider CBD as an adaptogen, as it flows with your body’s natural flow. If you wish to stay up longer to study, it might just help you achieve more focus. On the other hand, if you need a peaceful rest after a long day at school or work, still, CBD is your go-to remedy for a calm ready-to-doze state of mind.

CBD reduces stress and anxiety and increases focus by boosting the production of serotonin in the brain.

So, no, CBD won’t make you sleepy. It won’t ‘push’ you to sleep. It only creates the right atmosphere for sleep – whenever you wish to doze.

Can CBD Help Me Get Better Grades?

It seems so.

You shouldn’t expect to see your grades come up just by taking a few doses. CBD isn’t magical.

But, absolutely, CBD may help improve your mental clarity when you need to prepare for your tests and help you more organized with school work. CBD will not only help you improve your focus on your tasks, it gives you the required energy to spend some more time with your books.

How Can I Dose CBD for Focus and Concentration?

CBD products are available in different forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, gummies, creams, e-liquid, and more. So, when using CBD for focus, it all boils down to individual preferences.

That said, let’s quickly discuss some possible ways you can administer CBD for focus.

With CBD’s many dosage forms, it’s easy to infuse the compound into your daily wellness regime. However, note that CBD is not yet recognized as a drug – according to FDA’s regulation – but a supplement.

Although CBD is considered safe, it is not yet FDA approved as a treatment for any condition, except Epidiolex, a CBD-infused prescription drug approved to treat two rare forms of epilepsy in children. For best results, use CBD moderately but consistently.

Here’s a basic guide to CBD consumption options to improve your focus and concentration.

Edibles

CBD edibles are good ways to dose on CBD while at your school or office work. You can take your edibles like CBD-infused gummies easily. A CBD gummy offers you a satisfying and yummy way to satisfy your snack craving while exploiting the therapeutic potency of the active ingredient, CBD. However, since gummies are processed through the usual digestion route, it may take a bit longer to feel the effect after consumption when compared to a tincture.

Oils and Tinctures

These are CBD-infused liquids usually available in dropper bottles. There are different kinds of CBD oils like full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD, that contain terpene. CBD oil, as well as CBD tincture are either used sublingually (under the tongue), swallowed, or mixed into your favorite food or beverage.

Note that sublingual administration offers faster and more potent results than oral doses.

Sublingual doses of CBD tincture and CBD hemp oil go directly through the tissues under the tongue into the bloodstream. For oral administrations, the substance goes through the long digestive route. So, while the former gives almost instant results, you may wait an hour – or even more, after dosage – before the desired effects kick in.

Topicals

Although topicals (creams and lotions) are also common in the CBD market, they hardly ever make the list of CBD dosage options for focus, concentration, and mental energy.

Instead, these skin applications are better used for muscle spasms, tense neck, and related topical applications.

However, these applications can help your sore muscles feel better while you face your school tasks.

Can CBD Help with ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental concern that often occurs in children and typically degenerates into adulthood.

Poor focus, lack of attention, mood problems, impulsive behaviors, and poor decision-making are common symptoms of ADHD. Research shows that low endocannabinoid production doesn’t only promote ADHD development; it worsens its symptoms.

With CBD’s reported effects on the endocannabinoid system, researchers say CBD’s properties may help people battling ADHD.

Different Types of CBD for Studying

Bespoke Cbd Package

Read all about the various types of CBD blends and cannabinoids here.

Full-spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD refers to CBD extracts that contain CBD and traces of all other compounds found in cannabis, including CBN, CBG, and even THC – but only in trace amounts. Full-spectrum CBD products are increasingly popular, for good reasons. Experts recommend full spectrum CBD extract for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of ALL the components of the cannabis plant. When dosed, the individual compound synergizes to give a more potent effect called the Entourage Effect.

Nevertheless, if you’re THC intolerant or anticipate a drug test, you may consider other options – Perhaps, broad spectrum.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum refers to CBD products with all the components of the cannabis plant – save THC.

While processing broad-spectrum, THC is specifically removed. Broad-spectrum products will also give you an entourage effect, you’ll just miss out on the added benefits of THC. The majority of THC’s most popular effects are also found in other cannabinoids, such as CBN, which is especially good for sleep support.

Simply put, broad-spectrum is full-spectrum minus THC.

Many users prefer broad-spectrum since it leaves no THC trace but still offers a more potent effect than CBD isolate.

CBD Isolate

Ever found “pure CBD” on CBD product labels?

That’s likely a CBD isolate. Unlike full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products with other cannabis components, CBD isolate – as the name suggests – contains only CBD.

CBD isolate is considered CBD in its purest state.

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?

CBD is widely considered safe and well-tolerated. However, a hand full of users report a few mild negative effects.

Research authors have often linked these effects to extreme doses or drug-to-drug interaction. Common among likely concerns are:

Dry mouth
Fatigue
Drowsiness
Change in appetite, and, in turn, change in weight

What to Look For When Shopping CBD For Focus And Concentration

With the confusing truckloads of CBD products on the market, shopping for quality CBD can be a pretty overwhelming experience. There are several which claim to be a CBD company. Worse, the CBD market is widely under-regulated, leaving the space a dumping ground for anything labeled “hemp extract”, “CBD extract” or “CBD.”

For your safety, ensure you check the labels before you pay for any product. Here are some quick tips to help you buy quality CBD products

Inspect the packaging

The label of the CBD supplement or product must show CBD or Cannabidiol. No matter how relative the terms sound, if CBD isn’t mentioned, it probably doesn’t contain CBD.

For instance, note that some products from the hemp plant like hemp seed oil or even hemp labels like “hemp extract” are not CBD products. Essential oils like mct oil or hemp seed oil are different from cannabinoid products.

Ask for a third-party lab test report

To verify your CBD product’s ingredient composition, ensure it has been tested by a third-party lab.

The test result, known as a COA, are usually found on the product’s website. If not found, feel free to ask. If they don’t have it, click away.

Also, the COA report should be recent – specifically, one carried out within the past year. COAs confirm the true content of CBD products and allows you to match the result with what the label claims.

Other Possible Ways to Boost Energy and Stay Focused

There are several other things you can add to your CBD doses to help you stay focused and energized for your study:

Regular exercise
Consuming healthy balanced diets
Adequate water consumption
Reduce stressors
Get enough quality sleep
Avoid heavy alcohol and smoking

If your lack of concentration and fatigue continues for too long, consider an appointment with your doctor.

In Conclusion

Stress or ADHD can make studying suddenly become impossible. Brain fog can be the worse experience if you’re a student wishing to concentrate and focus on school work.

Thankfully, CBD has shown some promising results for stress, ADHD, and other adverse neurological effects.

Although there are many other options, CBD may be a more natural and safer alternative than most conventional prescriptions – after all, it has no notable side effects. CBD has been promoted not only to boost concentration but reduce anxiety and stabilize your mood – and, of course, help you get the best grades possible.