Are CBD and CBG good for focus?
Yes—CBD and CBG may help you focus and concentrate through a variety of methods. CBG in particular is becoming increasingly popular for focus due to its potential neuroprotective and neuroregenerative qualities (meaning it may help protect and repair the neurons in your brain).
In this article, we will explore the science of focus and offer you some solutions for better concentration.
The Modern Concentration Crisis
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining focus can be a constant struggle. According to various sources across the internet, anywhere from 45%-80% of people report feeling distracted at work, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress. Moreover, surveys have found that between 30%-50% of people admit to only being able to spend 10-15 minutes on a task before getting distracted from it. Whether it’s notifications on our phones, the siren call of the internet, or other sources of interruptions, distractions are constant and everywhere.
All this considered, finding natural ways to support your concentration is more important than ever.
The Science of Focus: A Balancing Act
Focus, or attention, is a complex cognitive function that relies on a network of brain regions working together. When we need to focus, our brains filter out distractions and enhance the processing of relevant information. This intricate process is heavily influenced by the neurotransmitter system, particularly acetylcholine (Ach), which plays a crucial role in memory, learning, and concentration.
However, several factors can disrupt this delicate balance and impair focus. These include:
- Stress and Anxiety: When we’re stressed or anxious, our brains release the hormone cortisol, which can hinder the production of Ach, leading to difficulty concentrating.
- Sleep Deprivation: Not getting enough sleep significantly impacts cognitive function, including focus and attention.
- Modern Lifestyle: The constant barrage of information from digital devices and multitasking culture can overload our brains, making it challenging to sustain focus.
Can CBD and CBG Help for Focus? Exploring the Potential
Cannabinoids, particularly CBD and CBG, are emerging as potential allies in the quest for better focus. While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest these natural compounds might offer benefits:
- Reducing Anxiety: Several published studies, like this 2015 study published in Neurotherapeutics, have found CBD effective at reducing anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. Less anxiety can lead to a calmer mind and improved ability to concentrate.
- Promoting Better Sleep: CBD has also been found to help regulate sleep patterns. Better sleep quality can significantly improve focus and cognitive function the next day.
- CBG, short for Cannabigerol, can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood overall. Early research suggests CBG might be even more effective than CBD for focus.
- CBG for Focus: CBG’s claim to fame is in its potential neuroprotective qualites. Essentially, this means it may help protect the neurons in your brain from damage, which can be caused by stress, environment, or disease. Protecting and repairing neurons can help improve their function and decrease distraction in the brain, potentially leading to better focus.
- Reducing Inflammation in the Brain: There are multiple studies exploring CBG’s effect on the brain, such as this 2018 study from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences that explores its ability to reduce neuroinflammation (inflammation of the neurons).
- Helpful for Neurodivergent People: CBG is also commonly used to help with symptoms of Autism and ADHD. Check out the chart below from a Whole Plant Access for Autism survey that attests to relief from various symptoms:
The CBD and CBG Advantage: A Natural Approach to Focus
Unlike traditional medications for focus, which can come with side effects and dependency, CBD and CBG offer a natural approach. They are believed to work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that play a role in regulating various functions, including focus and memory.
How CBD and CBG interact with the Endocannabinoid System to Help With Focus
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors found throughout the body, including those in the brain regions responsible for focus and attention. CBD and CBG are thought to interact with the ECS in different ways, potentially influencing focus.
CBD acts more indirectly, possibly by inhibiting the breakdown of anandamide, a naturally occurring cannabinoid produced by the body. Anandamide mimics the effects of THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) and is believed to play a role in regulating mood, memory, and focus. By preventing its breakdown, CBD might indirectly enhance anandamide’s influence on the ECS, potentially leading to improved cognitive function.
CBG, on the other hand, might interact more directly with specific ECS receptors. An agonist is a molecule that binds to a receptor on a cell and triggers a biological response. Imagine a receptor as a lock and the agonist as a specific key. When the key fits in the lock (receptor), it activates a cellular response. While research is ongoing, some studies suggest CBG may act as a weak agonist on receptors involved in memory and learning. Additionally, CBG might influence the production of acetylcholine (Ach), the neurotransmitter crucial for focus. By interacting with the ECS in these ways, CBG could potentially support the neurotransmitter systems that govern concentration.
Optimizing Focus Beyond Supplements:
While CBD and CBG hold promise, remember they are meant to complement, not replace, healthy habits for focus. Here are some additional tips:
- Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Mindful Movement: Exercise can improve cognitive function and focus.
- Minimize Distractions: Create a focused work environment and silence notifications when tackling important tasks.
- Practice Mindfulness: Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help train your brain to focus and reduce mind-wandering.
- Participate in Activities that Build Focus: Reading books, completing puzzles, or participating in other activities that require extended periods of focus can help strengthen your ability to concentrate over time.
- Limit Time Spent on the Internet: The Internet is potentially the leading cause of focus problems in today’s world. Check out this article about how the internet rewires our brains for focus (or lack thereof) to learn more.
Want to try CBD or CBG for focus?
You’ve come to the right place if you’d like to try CBD or CBG for focus! FlowerChild offers premium CBD and CBG oils that have accrued hundreds of amazing testimonials over the years. We offer a 30 day money back guarantee, so if the product doesn’t work for you, you have nothing to lose. We’re a small family business that prides ourselves in offering the best products at the best prices. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, or if you want to get right to shopping —
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Thanks for reading. We wish you lots of focus-filled days!
– Britt and Kelly
FlowerChild CBD
