How much coffee is consumed may impact relationship with THC, according to two recent studies. In the first study, consuming cannabis and caffeine resulted in memory deficits. The second study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, showed that consuming low doses of caffeine lowered THC cravings while higher doses increased THC cravings.
“This appears to be because coffee triggers activity at the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor site, the same one that THC interacts with to cause psychoactivity and create feelings of euphoria. If you ever wondered why people seem to perk up and get happier when they drink coffee, this is why.”
In the study on memory, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, study authors indicated that THC “induces deficits in short-term memory,” but found that caffeine served to selectively improve memory function. When consumed together, however, THC and caffeine resulted in memory loss.
Still, several caffeine-infused edibles entered the market last year tailored to patients who find benefits by combining THC with caffeine.
“Three new brands entered the market in 2015 – Chocowaska, Jane’s Brew and Pot-O-Coffee. Chocowaska has various flavors of medicated drinks all based off hemp milk, and their “Mocha” variety has 43 mg of caffeine from organic espresso concentrate, which also packs 150mg of THC (nearly four times the amount in THCafe). Chocowaska is the only brand that currently uses organic coffee (though it is from a concentrate). Jane’s Brew has medicated coffees and teas, in both THC and CBD-rich options, and varying potencies ranging up to 200mg for THC and 20mg of CBD. Jane’s Brew features both pre-brewed and brew-it-yourself options.”
Read the full study, Published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, and titled “Combined effects of THC and caffeine on working memory in rats.”
Read the full study, Published in The Journal of Neuroscience, and titled “Differential Effects of Presynaptic versus Postsynaptic Adenosine Receptor Blockade on Tetrahydrocannabinol.”
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