Cannabis Brain Hacks: What Happens When You Mix Cannabinoids and Nootropics

What Is a Nootropic, and How Do These Brain-Boosting Substances Interact With Cannabis?

When it comes to consuming cannabis, different strains can provide you with vastly different cerebral experiences. There are types of cannabis that help you to relax, but there’s also cannabis you can use to focus or unleash a flow of creativity. You could call them cannabis brain hacks.

But did you know some supplements can also be used as brain hacks? They’re called nootropics, and when you mix cannabinoids and nootropics, you’ve got the potential for a potent cognitive boost.

What Is a Nootropic?

“Nootropic” is a term that encompasses a wide variety of natural and synthetic substances, supplements and drugs that may improve mental performance. In particular, nootropics are believed to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, focus, alertness, creativity and motivation.

While the term may sound strange, the truth is that nootropics are pretty common. Statistically speaking, you’ve probably already consumed one today: caffeine. Some other nootropics may also be familiar to you: nicotine, ginkgo biloba, creatine and panax ginseng, among others.

Can You Mix Cannabinoids and Nootropics?

So now we have a better idea of what nootropics are, but can you use cannabis with nootropics? Yes! Combining two or more nootropics, also known as “stacking,” is a practice intended to maximize the cognitive benefits of different nootropics.

In fact, in many circles, the effects of nonintoxicating cannabidiol (CBD) are considered to be nootropic, and so mixing cannabinoids and nootropics is not only something you can do but something plenty of people already do. Below are three quick examples of nootropics that are often infused or mixed with CBD or cannabis products. 

Caffeine 

Caffeine can be taken in many forms but is most frequently consumed in coffee or non-herbal tea. A cup of coffee increases your attention and alertness while decreasing your response time. Recent studies have also found that the effects of regularly drinking coffee are associated with a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

But no one likes the jittery, anxious feelings that often come with a big caffeine boost, which is why CBD-infused coffee beans are gaining popularity. The calming qualities of CBD make it a surprisingly fitting counterbalance for caffeine. This way, you get the benefits of feeling more alert and focused, without the jitters.

L-Theanine

While not as widely recognized as caffeine, L-theanine is a natural nootropic found in another popular beverage. It’s an amino acid contained in green and black teas, and has been found in multiple studies to have many of the same calming benefits as anti-anxiety medications, only without causing drowsiness. This makes L-theanine ideal if you need to focus on complex or stressful tasks. L-theanine also increases alpha waves in the brain, which are linked to creativity. 

Some CBD products already contain L-theanine, giving consumers a double-dose of calm. If your goal is to boost your focus and / or creativity, you could try combining an L-theanine supplement along with a Sativa-dominant cannabis strain as a strong combination. 

Melatonin 

While you can find synthetic melatonin in the vitamin section of most any supermarket, melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the brain that helps regulate your circadian rhythm, also known as your “internal clock.” Your circadian rhythm can be thrown off by things like jet lag, insomnia, anxiety or depression. 

Studies have found melatonin to be beneficial to regulating sleep patterns, thereby potentially aiding alertness, lowering stress levels, and perhaps even helping combat seasonal depression. As with caffeine and L-theanine, melatonin can often be purchased already combined with either cannabis or CBD, most commonly in the form of gummies designed to help you get a good night’s sleep. 

A True Cannabis Brain Hack: Veritas Strain Resources

There’s more to cannabis than just a buzz. Depending on what you pair it with, you may be able to give yourself an additional brain boost. But whether you’re looking for a cannabis strain to get you feeling focused, creative and ready to work, or something on the more mellow side, with more than 90 strains in our library, Veritas has you covered.