Cannabidiol – more commonly known as CBD – is just one of the 113 different cannabinoids derived from the hemp or cannabis plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive element of the plant, meaning there is no high or stoned feeling when it is consumed. While cannabidiol was discovered in the 1940s, its benefits did not gain popularity until the early 2000s. This non-addictive chemical can be consumed sublingually, orally, topically, transdermally, and even inhaled to treat various conditions – but can it improve focus and concentration?

As of 2023, doctors are not allowed to prescribe medical cannabis products to patients because it has not yet been FDA-approved and is still illegal under federal law. In certain states where medical marijuana has been legalized on a state level, physicians are able to recommend medical cannabis to patients with qualifying conditions.

In December 2015, the FDA altered regulation requirements to allow cannabidiol trials to be conducted by researchers so we could learn more about the properties of the chemical. By 2018, hemp was made legal all across the United States encouraging the rise of CBD education. 

Can CBD Improve Concentration?

When cannabidiol is metabolized, the body is affected in numerous ways. Cannabidiol has been known to attach itself to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which in turn acts on those receptors that alter our moods. If CBD is able to alter our mood, it is possible that its calming properties are also able to regulate our emotional state. 

According to a recent study in the Journal of Cannabis Research, CBD has been linked to calming the receptor associated with anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Though the preclinical trial and experimental research have begun, there is, unfortunately still an absence of human clinical trials to formulate concrete evidence that CBD improves concentration. Researchers are continuing to study links between how the sedated receptors that cause anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses are in relation to concentration.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that cannabidiol induces changes to cerebral flow, according to a recent investigation posted in November 2020. This study revealed that neuroimages taken of the subjects who were given cannabidiol showed that the chemical altered the prefrontal-subcortical connections of the subjects. 

Considering the impact that CBD has on certain receptors in the brain, studies suggest that there are links between having less anxiety and being able to concentrate better due to the lack of anxiety occurring in the brain. With consistent use of CBD, the chemical is able to build up in your system allowing you to reap the full benefits of the cannabinoid. 

A clinical trial conducted by Michael J. Telch at The University of Texas in Austin began in January 2020 to learn the impacts that CBD has on PTSD. In this clinical trial, patients are sublingually given 300 mg of CBD per day for 8 total weeks, and this study is set to be completed by May 2023. Telch predicts that PTSD patients receiving CBD will have significant improvement in PTSD symptoms and functional impairment than those who are receiving a placebo dose over the 8-week trial. With memory and concentration problems being a core issue for those with PTSD, this could be groundbreaking data.

How Much CBD Should You Consume Daily?

Cannabidiol is not currently FDA-approved, so it’s difficult to determine how much CBD should be consumed daily by an individual to treat specific conditions. Based on the research that has been conducted so far, it is suggested that a person could consume between 25 milligrams and 600 milligrams of CBD per day to effectively treat specific conditions. 

According to the previously mentioned study posted by the Journal of Cannabis Research, The Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom recommends not exceeding 70 mgs per day of CBD. Despite the recommendation from the FSA, researchers have conducted trials using up to 1200 mg of CBD per day without any significant side effects.

CBD is a non-addictive option to treat chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and more. Because everyone metabolizes it differently, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of using CBD to treat your condition with your primary care physician.

Lifestyle Changes That Pair Well With Cannabidiol To Support Focus

While the true benefits of CBD’s effect on concentration are still being studied, there are certain lifestyle changes that pair well with CBD to support focus. Getting a full night’s rest, meditating, and exercising regularly are three great ways to encourage a healthy mind and body.

A clinical study posted by the National Library of Medicine in 2019 determined that CBD can aid in a person’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. According to the study involving 103 adults, 66.7% of the patients had improved sleep scores over the course of 48 months. While additional research is needed to conclude the direct link between CBD and concentration, it is known that a person who has a consistent sleep schedule is able to focus longer and concentrate harder than someone who spends their days exhausted. 

Similarly, a person who chooses to exercise regularly may experience better concentration than someone who does not exercise. Grace McGregor of BYU posted a synopsis reviewing the direct correlation between exercise and positive effects on the brain. In her article, she notes that exercise aids in the formation of new synapses in the brain that dictate learning and memory, which in return helps us absorb information and create long-term memories! CBD has been shown to have positive effects on reducing inflammation in the body, especially after a workout. Exercise and concentration go hand in hand – CBD is able to support recovery.

DocCBD Products

DocCBD has been working hard to produce quality products that we believe in. With 7 different cannabidiol options to choose from, we’re certain we have a product that is right for you. DocCBD offers 3 soft gel products, 2 pain creams, sleep gummies, and a tincture option. Learn more about Doc CBD products here.

• Broad Spectrum CBD Soft Gels – 30 soft gels at 25 mg each
• CBD Fast-Acting Pain Roller – Great for arthritis, relaxation, and daily aches and pains.
• CBD Sleep Gummies – Tasty mixed berry flavored supplement with CBN and cannabidiol. (60 count per bottle).
• CBD Calm Tincture – A full spectrum minty-flavored blend made with cannabidiol and CBG.
• CBD Pain Relief Cream – This fast-acting cream is beneficial for relieving daily pain.
• CBD Soft Gels Concentrate  – 30 soft gels at 12.5 mg each or 25 mg each.

Additional Research Is Needed

The bottom line is that additional research must be conducted before we will understand the direct correlation that CBD has on concentration and focus. While CBD has proven to be beneficial in reducing symptoms in conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, inflammation, chronic pain, and more, it is important to discuss this supplement with your doctor. There are no known reports of anyone ever fatally overdosing on cannabidiol, but it is possible to consume more than your body is comfortable handling. Taking too much cannabidiol can cause nausea, lightheadedness, diarrhea, and drowsiness. If you are interested in participating in furthering CBD research, check out these ongoing projects to potentially be selected to participate in a study.

If you have any questions regarding how a DocCBD product may benefit you, give our office a call at (888) 316-6659.