There’s something motivating about January. Maybe it’s because we associate it with setting new goals or exploring new interests. But to fulfill these intentions, we need to hunker down and focus.

Finding focus can be hard. With so many distractions these days it’s hard to relax our minds completely as our brains can only absorb so much. In fact, one study on distractions and productivity reveals that roughly 50% of people in the workplace don’t feel productive. It’s almost as if dedicating our minds to the task at hand is an art form.

But the ability to focus doesn’t have to be a dying art. There are three things we need to think about:

  1. Sleep
  2. Pain management
  3. Stress and anxiety

CBD is in good standing when it comes to science-backed benefits. It’s known to aid with sleep regulation, pain relief, anxiety, and even neuropathy, all of which contribute to our ability to focus. If we can’t sleep, we know the day ahead will be a tough one. If we’re stressed or feeling anxious, it can be debilitating to our work ethic. If we’re in pain from last night’s workout, our mind doesn’t feel as sharp as usual. All the above contribute to our ability to focus. The further away we are from a clear mindset, the more inclined we are to zone out on social media and daydream.

Studies suggest that CBD can help control the production of cortisol (stress hormone) by releasing more dopamine and serotonin. What does this have to do with our ability to focus? Well, our body produces cortisol when stressed, which inhibits our ability to focus. CBD consumption allows dopamine and serotonin levels to be better regulated, which in turn positively affects memory, focus, energy, and motivation. It’s certainly easier to focus when our brain chemistry is better balanced.

Thanks to its non-psychoactive and calming nature, CBD is gaining a lot of attention. This newfound popularity means CBD is under constant evaluation and further research from third parties is underway. What we know is that THC-free cannabis products might be the natural way to improve focus and concentration.

 

Always remember that cannabis consumption differs from person to person. Be mindful of your dosing and consult your doctor if you’re uncertain whether CBD is right for you.

 

Sources:

Close, G.L., S.H. Gillham, and A.M. Kasper, Cannabidiol (CBD) and the athlete: Claims,vevidence, prevalence, and safety concerns. Sports Science Exchange, 2021. 213.

Belardo, C., et al., Oral cannabidiol prevents allodynia and neurological dysfunctions in a mouse model of mild traumatic brain injury. Frontiers in pharmacology, 2019. 10: p. 352.

Hammell, D., et al., Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain‐related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European journal of pain, 2016. 20(6): p. 936-948.

Minister of Health, Rheumatoid Arthritis in Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Editor. 2020.

Wade, D.T., et al., A preliminary controlled study to determine whether whole-plant cannabis extracts can improve intractable neurogenic symptoms. Clinical rehabilitation, 2003. 17(1): p. 21-29.

Abraham, A.D., et al., Orally consumed cannabinoids provide long-lasting relief of allodynia in a mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain. Neuropsychopharmacology, 2020. 45(7): p. 1105-1114.

King, K.M., et al., Single and combined effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in a mouse model of chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain. British journal of pharmacology, 2017. 174(17): p. 2832-2841.

Zuardi, A.W., Cannabidiol: from an inactive cannabinoid to a drug with wide spectrum of action. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008. 30: p. 271-280.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-019-05442-6

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8257923/

https://research.udemy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FINAL-Udemy_2018_Workplace_Distraction_Report.pdf

https://www.cbdmd.com/blog/post/cbd-for-focus/

CFAH – https://cfah.org/cbd-for-energy/