Best Cannabinoids for Productivity at Work
From Maya Angelou to William Shakespeare, many successful authors used cannabis to spark creativity and enter a state of flow. Cannabis has been linked to laziness and memory problems, but modern science looks into the plant’s complete composition — and there’s undoubtedly much more to it than THC.
Although some cannabinoids may improve productivity, others are a double-edged sword — take a higher dose, and you’re locked on the couch for the day. This article dives into the use of cannabinoids to increase productivity and how to go about it.
Can Cannabinoids Really Affect Productivity?
Experts don’t have a clear answer on the effects of cannabinoids on productivity per se. Still, research has shown that these molecules influence critical parts of the system that may boost or lower productivity. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, something or someone is productive when they have the quality or power of producing, particularly in abundance, or simply being effective in yielding results or benefits.
Cannabinoids are active chemical molecules that bind to receptors in the brain and body (or influence these parts through various other pathways). As such, they stimulate the central nervous system and create an array of different effects along the way.
Cannabinoids may stimulate appetite, mood and behavior, awareness, thinking and perception. Boosting these processes alone can tremendously improve productivity.
In a way, they are similar to coffee, which is another central nervous stimulant shown to improve memory and cognitive function. Psychoactive substances like cannabinoids and caffeine are not the solution to a productive day or week, but a means to an end. Therefore, you should use them wisely.
Research on Cannabis and Productivity
Not all cannabinoids are made equal.
Take THC, for example. Delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana, also found in very low quantities in hemp. It’s no secret that THC can lift you and energize you, but it can also produce short-term problems with thinking, memory, executive function, and physical performance that requires the connection between motor and cognitive abilities, like driving.
Most of the studies on this topic investigate marijuana’s or medical marijuana’s effects on the brain, but there are some on hemp-derived CBD. Here’s what the research says:
Study #1: Cannabis Use Doesn’t Decrease Motivation
A new study (2020) led by researchers at the University of Cambridge suggested that there’s little to no difference in motivation or loss of interest from rewards in cannabis and non-cannabis users. The study was performed on 274 adolescent and adult cannabis users who have used the plant at least weekly or up to four days on average within the last three months and compared them to non-users.
Another research article (2020) published in the Journal of Drug Issues revealed that there’s no significant difference in maintaining stable, full-time employment between cannabis users and non-users. These findings debunk the myth of the “lazy” stoner, but more research is needed.
Study #2: MMJ May Improve Cognitive Function
Another study (2016) that assessed the impact of medical marijuana on executive function (set of cognitive skills for self-control and managing behaviors) in twenty-four MMJ patients points out the potential of cannabis in increasing productivity. Researchers explored whether medical marijuana would improve cognitive function in patients who used it for three months.
The results showed that the participants experienced some improvement in functioning by completing tasks in a shorter amount of time while preserving accuracy. An interesting observation made by the authors was that, unlike MMJ patients, recreational users tend to widely report deficits in executive function even after using cannabis for up to three months.
This may or may not be connected to the types of products consumed by recreational and medical marijuana users. Adult cannabis use relies on potency — the more THC in a strain, the more valuable it is to the users. High THC, low CBD strains may be more in demand but have shown to be too potent for the brain and may cause adverse effects on its cognitive performance.
Medical marijuana typically balances the amount of CBD/THC in a strain, which is good for the brain. Studies show that higher levels of CBD are associated with better recognition memory compared to cannabis products with undetectable CBD levels.
Study #3: Long-Term Cannabis Use Decreases Dopamine
The long-term cognitive implications of prolonged cannabis use are unknown, but in long-term users, a decrease in productivity may happen.
According to a 2013 study by researchers at King’s College London, Imperial College London, and UCL, people who used cannabis for years showed decreased levels of dopamine (a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good), which may lead to low motivation. Dopamine also affects concentration and decides whether a goal is worth the effort. Therefore, the dosage, types of cannabinoids, and frequency of use are essential in maintaining a productive brain, especially when it comes to THC.
Indica or Sativa for Productivity?
This brings us to the next important point: cannabis strains. When it comes to productivity and motivation, most users in the cannabis community agree that sativas are better than indicas. Sativa hemp strains are invigorating, while indicas tend to produce more sedating and relaxing effects.
The verdict on indica versus sativa is anecdotal, so it’s all about finding the right balance. When it comes to creative jobs, hybrid strains tend to get more praise because of their ability to balance out extreme sativa and extreme indica effects — which may as well come from their terpene profiles. For example, sativas make some people too racy to focus, while indicas make them lethargic and unable to focus.
Therefore, high-THC strains may be bad news for professional drivers or people who need to solve a test or a quiz but might be a boost to someone in the creative realm, like writing and arts. The dosage of THC when starting to do anything is critical because higher levels of this compound tend to affect the brain negatively.
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that produces entirely different effects than THC. Let’s look at the effects of cannabinoids on productivity and which is the best.
Best Cannabinoids for Productivity at Work
If you’ve been meaning to try hemp-derived cannabinoids to help you stay productive at work, here are tips on how to go about it.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an entirely non-intoxicating cannabinoid that interacts with the endocannabinoid system and affects energy, mood, sleep, stress, pain and immune response. Consuming a compound that gives you a boost in energy and improves mood can directly affect focus and productivity.
Studies show that CBD eases serotonin’s flow towards the brain, the neurochemical that stabilizes the mood. This is an important function because when you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. When cortisol levels are high, your ability to focus, think, or maintain overall mental clarity may be compromised.
So, when you take CBD, the compound may help manage stress and anxiety by affecting the cortisol response. This helps the brain release serotonin and increase energy, motivation, and focus to make you more productive. Our Full Spectrum CBD Gummies provide you with 25 mg of whole plant CBD for this effect.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Another non-intoxicating compound with its own special benefits, CBG, may affect productivity.
A study has found that CBG has a unique interaction with adrenoreceptors (or adrenergic receptors) — a class of G protein-coupled receptors that mediate hormones like noradrenaline and adrenaline. Therefore, CBG causes a boost similar to coffee but at a weaker intensity. Our Full Spectrum CBG Gummies provide a potent formula of 40 mg of CBG and 20 mg of CBD to keep you focused.
Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 is the primary cannabinoid in cannabis with intoxicating and highly stimulating effects. This cannabinoid can be excellent for generating new ideas but can also be overwhelming in high doses. For productivity, a low THC combination will relax you without feeling overly lethargic.
Our Delta 9 THC Gummies (yes, they are legal in the US) are a hemp-derived product that contains 10 mg delta 9 THC per gummy, which is the equivalent of the legal 0.3% for hemp products. These gummies are best used at night before bed and not through the daytime because THC is a sedative cannabinoid. That being said, these gummies contain lower amounts of THC and may offer a boost of productivity and creativity for seasoned users.
Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 is another THC cannabinoid that provides a calming effect on the mind and body. Known as the less intoxicating version of delta 9, delta 8 THC is an excellent alternative for people who want a milder version of THC that’s legal where they live.
Again, high doses will likely make you lethargic, so our premium Delta 8 THC Gummies will be perfect for some nighttime work. Each gummy contains 10 mg to 20 mg of this cannabinoid, which is enough to relieve stress and anxiety and potentially make you more relaxed and introspective. These are also used best before going to bed or when doing creative work.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)
HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is another cannabinoid with incredibly relaxing effects that may prove a great way to start your day if consumed in the right dosage. Although we need research on how this cannabinoid may improve cognition and focus, anecdotal evidence shows that it works really well for people that are stressed or anxious.
Due to its relaxing effects, you want to avoid taking this cannabinoid in large doses. Our HHC Gummies are some of the most potent on the market (50 mg per gummy), so we recommend taking a half or a quarter of them or going the CBD flower route with Sour Space Candy HHC Flower.
Final Thoughts — Best Cannabinoids for Productivity
Early research suggests that CBD and CBG are the best options for focused daytime work and productivity. These two cannabinoids are non-intoxicating and can be derived from hemp, so they are entirely legal in the US.
Delta 8, delta 9 and HHC are intoxicating cannabinoids and are recommended for creative work during the evenings because they may make you more sleepy, particularly if consumed in large doses.
FAQs on Best Cannabinoids for Productivity
What is the best strain for productivity?
The best strain for productivity is Hawaiian Haze Hemp Flower. This amazing daytime strain is packed with CBD and provides a sativa-like experience that energizes.
Will sativa make you more productive?
Thanks to its uplifting effects, sativa strains or sativa-dominant hybrids are most used for days when you want to stay productive rather than relax.
Is indica or sativa better for productivity?
Anecdotally, sativa strains are known to energize, motivate and keep the mood and focus elevated. Indica strains do a great job at making you tired and sleepy, so they are not the best for productivity.
Which strain is best for motivation?
Sativas are known for that uplifted, happy feeling that can even feel like an energy boost that motivates.