When most people think of cannabis they envision themselves relaxing and unwinding after a long, stressful day. But what if we told you that cannabis could actually help you perform better cognitively, either in work or study? It’s true.
The concept of using cannabis for focus is really interesting. Some people find it to be a powerful addition to their workday regimen. Others find it to have the opposite effect. This comes down to choosing the best strain for focus, understanding dosage, and a few other tips.
So can cannabis help you focus? Absolutely - you just need to find the right way to incorporate it into your day-to-day life! We’ll share some insights below and introduce you to our cannabis mints and shots that are helping people tap into an unprecedented level of concentration.
Can Cannabis Help You Focus?
It sounds too good to be true…can cannabis help you focus? Yes, but there are quite a few caveats you need to keep in mind. You can’t just pick up the first strain you find, smoke a joint, and get high during the day, expecting to automatically be more productive.
That said, there’s too much anecdotal evidence of people who use cannabis for focus to ignore. People are using this often misunderstood plant to improve concentration and cognitive function - but how does cannabis help you focus?
How Cannabis Interacts with the Brain
Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors responsible for how you “feel” cannabis.
The active compounds in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, interact with these receptors to elicit various responses. Different cannabinoids bind to different receptors, but the two most common are THC and CBD.
THC boosts dopamine release in the body, and because this neurotransmitter is linked to motivation and reward, small doses can improve focus. Too much of a good thing can be harmful, though. Higher THC doses tend to have the opposite intended effect and may put you in a mental fog.
That’s where CBD comes in. It has a unique ability to modulate THC and prevent overstimulation. This helps minimize distractions caused by anxiety or stress. Plus, CBD itself can synergize with serotonin receptors to bring out a calm, clear state of mind.
But aside from these two primary cannabinoids, there are hundreds of other minor cannabinoids that bring something to the table. CBC is one of these, often referred to as the “focus cannabinoid” for its interaction with brain receptors linked to attention and mental clarity.
Cannabinoids are just one piece of the puzzle, though. Terpenes are also found in cannabis and they do much more than just influence the taste and aroma of different strains. For instance, pinene and limonene are two uplifting terpenes associated with alertness and cognition.
The Link Between Cannabis and Flow State
Whether you do creative work or menial, repetitive tasks, getting into a flow state is something every professional should strive for. Productivity feels effortless when you’re in this trance-like state.
So, can cannabis help you focus and work your way into a deep flow state? There’s certainly reason to believe it can. It enhances your sensory awareness, lowers self-doubt and anxious feelings that can distract you, and helps you engage with the task at hand, tuning out the noise.
Much of this has to do with THC’s ability to regulate dopamine and norepinephrine, as balancing these neurotransmitters helps with sustained attention and task-switching. Some strains for focus even support divergent thinking, empowering you to approach problems from new angles.
Cannabis for ADHD and Attention Support
So many people struggling with ADHD find that traditional medication mutes their personality and lowers their performance. They want a better way to manage their condition, and using cannabis for focus presents a compelling case.
ADHD brains tend to have lower dopamine activity - that’s what makes it hard for these individuals to concentrate. But since THC (in controlled doses, of course) can boost dopamine availability, there’s reason to believe it could help.
Meanwhile, CBD can help calm nervous system activity without sedation. This can help mitigate some of the excess mental stimulation that people with ADHD struggle with, preventing the frustration of constant distractions.
Why Does Cannabis Help Me Focus Sometimes and Not Others?
While the idea of using cannabis for focus sounds great, it doesn’t always work how people had hoped. We see this question asked all the time - why does cannabis help me focus sometimes and in other scenarios, it lowers my focus?
There are quite a few things to unpack here, as the issue could be a combination of things. From choosing the best strain for focus to understanding dosages, here’s what you need to know.
Not All Cannabis Works the Same Way
Cannabis is an umbrella term for a seemingly endless list of unique varieties, known as strains. Different strains have their own unique cannabinoid and terpene profiles, which dictate the specific effects they provide.
Strains high in THC can be mentally stimulating at low doses but overwhelming at higher doses. On the other hand, strains with high CBD or pinene and limonene content can do a better job promoting focus.
The point is you need to do your due diligence into the best strain for focus to avoid lulling yourself into a blissfully carefree state when you’re trying to improve concentration. Even the right cannabis for focus can backfire if you don’t use it right, though…
The Fine Line Between Focus and Distraction
How much cannabis you consume directly impacts your experience. While low to moderate THC doses can sharpen focus and help you get into that flow state we described earlier, too much THC holds you back cognitively and makes it easier to get distracted.
Microdosing cannabis tends to be the way to go for improving concentration. You might not even feel high, but you’ll notice a subtle lift in your mental bandwidth. Save the big doses for when you’re ready to relax and unwind with our calm mints or a sleep shot.
External Factors Affect Performance
Focus is influenced by so many external factors, which is why the time of day and your working environment need to be taken into consideration when using cannabis for focus.
Some people find cannabis energizing in the morning but distracting at night, while other experience the opposite. We all have a unique ECS which means you might need to go through a bit of trial and error to see how cannabis works for you.
For what it’s worth, not all tasks are a great choice for pairing with cannabis. In our experience, it works best for creative processes but might hinder performance when it comes to analytical or ultra-detail-oriented work.
Choosing the Best Strain for Focus
The best thing you can do when using cannabis to improve concentration is find the best strain for focus. Knowing what to look for in a strain is important so you can weigh your options, but we’ll also list out a few worthy candidates for you below.
Are Sativa or Indica Strains Better for Focus?
In the past, choosing a cannabis strain was as simple as narrowing it down to either an indica or sativa. We believed indica was best for sedation and nighttime use, whereas sativa strains provided a headier high perfect for social settings or any daytime scenario.
Today, though, we know this classification system is outdated. While sativa strains do tend to make for better strains for focus, that’s not always the case.
Conversely, there are some really great indica strains that won’t lull you into a stupor and leave you feeling like you’re melting on the couch. Instead, they can reduce stress-related distractions and empower you to work with a clear mind.
All of this is to say you need to dig a bit deeper into the strain to gauge its cannabinoid and terpene profile - those are the two things that ultimately dictate how a strain will affect you.
Top Cannabis Strains for Focus and Productivity
So, what is the best strain for focus? There are so many great choices at your disposal, and more are emerging every year as cultivars experiment with new genetics. Here are some strains we fall back on when we need to stir up our creative juices and stimulate concentration:
- Jack Herer: A classic choice for mental clarity and motivation with a strong pinene presence to provide a productive lift. It has a lower THC concentration of just 18%.
- Sour Diesel: An energizing, clear-headed buzz perfect for helping you cross off everything on your to-do list. It’s powered by caryophyllene and limonene terpenes. While it has virtually no CBD content, it has plenty of THC at roughly 19%.
- Green Crack: An uplifting, fast-acting mental boost to help you get into a productive flow state. It also contains caryophyllene and limonene, like most other strains on this list. The lower THC content of 13-21% is perfect for daytime use.
- Durban Poison: A pure sativa known for its cerebral stimulation and creative drive. It has both pinene and caryophyllene as dominant terpenes. Just be aware this is a stronger strain for focus with as high as 24% THC.
- Harlequin (High-CBD Option): A balanced CBD-to-THC strain that sharpens focus without overwhelming psychoactivity. Stop us if we’re sounding like a broken record, but pinene and caryophyllene are the dominant terps.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cannabis strains that support focus and cognitive function. But there is actually a better option available than all of these, right here at Mr. Moxey’s. Keep reading to learn more.
Tips on Trying Cannabis for Focus: Consumption Methods, Dosage, and More
Choosing the right strain is a great first step, but there’s so much more that goes into using cannabis for focus effectively. After all, the last thing you want is to end up distracted and derailed when you need help concentrating! Follow these tips to make the most of cannabis for concentration.
Choosing the Right Consumption Method for Focus
Smoking or vaping isn’t something we ever recommend, simply for the toll it takes on your lungs. But it’s also too difficult to dose effectively since it’s a guessing game as to how much you’re getting. That’s why oral consumption is the way to go.
Not just any oral method, though - while edibles have their place, sublingual mints and shots are your best bet for precise, microdosed control. You get steady effects for sustained attention through these delivery methods.
Our focus mints are a perfect pick if you’re ready to see how cannabis can supercharge your focus. They contain just 2.5mg THC and 2.5mg CBC per mint so you can easily find the exact level of stimulation that works best for your focus needs. Plus, we’ve infused the mints with green tea and rosemary to bring out even better mental clarity.
Or, try a focus shot for faster onset times and a stronger lift. These contain 5mg THC and 5mg CBC per bottle, twice the strength of the mints. We’ve also included organic turmeric for inflammatory support and blood orange for a refreshing lift. It’s our go-to for sustained energy without the jitters of caffeine.
Finding Your Ideal Dose for Focus
Dosing is just as important as choosing the right strain for focus. Too little and you won’t notice a difference, but too much, and you’ll definitely feel something - but not in a good way.
Our advice is always to go low and slow, even if you have experience with cannabis. This is a new use case and there might be some trial and error. But by starting with as low a dose as possible you can at least prevent the frustration and discomfort that comes with getting too high.
Begin with one Energize Peppermint Mint or half an Energize Blood Orange Wellness Shot. Wait an hour or two and gauge how you feel. If that doesn't get the job done, you can double the dose next time with 2 minutes or a full shot.
Continue titrating this way until you get to the point where you feel exactly how you want without any bit of mental overwhelm from the THC. Remember, the goal is not to get high. You just want to improve focus!
Other Tips to Improve Focus
Cannabis is just one way to enhance concentration, and it should be combined with lifestyle and work adjustments to optimize focus, minimize distractions, and sustain mental energy for deep work sessions. Here are some strategies to try:
- Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused 25-45-minute intervals, followed by short 5-minute breaks. This proven method minimizes mental fatigue and keeps your attention sharp.
- Incorporate Movement Breaks: During those 5 minute breaks, try stretching, a quick walk, or deep breathing exercises to refresh mental clarity.
- Hydrate and Fuel Your Brain: Dehydration and blood sugar dips cause brain fog. Drink plenty of water and eat brain-boosting foods like nuts, berries, and dark chocolate. Keep in mind that overeating can do more harm than good, so keep your snacks light.
- Curate Your Environment: A cluttered space creates a cluttered mind. Keep your workspace minimalist and organized. Use noise-canceling headphones or focus-friendly music to supercharge concentration.
- Time Your Cannabis Consumption Strategically: Experiment to find the ideal time window where focus is enhanced without grogginess or overstimulation. You might find that starting your day with THC doesn’t work, but using it to push through a mid-day lull does!
- Get Quality Sleep: Your cognitive ability is always going to be dictated by how well rested you are. You need to get at least 7-9 hours of deep, restorative sleep every night.
These tips, paired with the right sleep shot or sleep mints can help you unlock a level of creativity and concentration you never thought possible. So, take the next step at Mr. Moxey’s today!
Closing Thoughts on Cannabis for Focus
So does cannabis help you focus? It certainly can, but there are a lot of caveats to keep in mind when using cannabis for focus. Choose the best strain for focus and find the right dosage to make the most of this concentration hack.
Whether you need a gentle lift for creative work or sustained mental energy throughout the day, we have great solutions waiting to be discovered. You can also count on us for all your other wellness needs, including anxiety mints, wellness shots, mood mints, sleep mints, sleep shots, and more.
Refine your routine and sharpen your focus with our THC CBD shot or mints today. Fuel your mind with nature’s finest to experience unparalleled concentration!
