CBD and Caffeine: Can You Safely Combine Them? Here’s What Science Says

It’s a familiar scene: the first sip of coffee in the morning, that sense of the day beginning, and - if you're among the growing number of people exploring CBD - a few drops of oil stirred into the mug or a puff from a CBD vape before stepping out the door.

Caffeine and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the most widely used substances in modern routines. One is a wake-up call; the other, a tool many people use to wind down. But what happens when you mix them? Can these seemingly opposite forces work together - or do they cancel each other out?

A new scientific study has taken a closer look at this very question. And while the research is still early, the results are surprisingly reassuring. Let's take a look.

The Rise of CBD and Coffee Culture

For years, coffee was the undisputed champion of mornings. It’s energising, it boosts focus, and - let’s be honest - it’s a ritual we don’t like to skip. But for some, the side effects of caffeine, like jitteriness or anxiety, can somewhat cloud an otherwise great start to the day.

Enter CBD, a non-intoxicating compound from the hemp plant. CBD is increasingly found in CBD oils, CBD vapes, CBD gummies - and yes, even CBD coffee. It doesn’t make you feel high like its cousin THC, but many people say it helps them feel calmer, more balanced, or less reactive to daily stress.

The idea of pairing CBD and caffeine isn’t entirely new. From CBD lattes in trendy cafés to ready-to-drink energy blends, the two ingredients are already being sold side-by-side. But until recently, no one had taken a close scientific look at how they actually interact in the body. Do they balance each other out? Amplify effects? Or interfere with one another?

What the Study Looked At - and Why It Matters

Researchers from several US universities designed an experiment to explore how CBD and caffeine affect people when taken together. The study focused on healthy young adults who were regular caffeine users, which is important because most people consuming these products in the real world are already used to caffeine.

Participants were given 200 mg of caffeine - roughly the amount in two cups of coffee - along with different doses of CBD, ranging from 25 to 240 mg. These doses are similar to those found in common CBD products.

Over the course of 140 minutes, participants completed several self-report surveys measuring their mood, energy, focus, and anxiety. The goal? To see if combining CBD with caffeine would change how they felt compared to caffeine alone.

Key Findings: No Red Flags, and Some Subtle Clues

The results? No major surprises - at least in the way you might expect.

The researchers found that combining CBD with caffeine didn’t drastically change how people felt. Those who took both reported similar levels of alertness, focus, and mood compared to those who took caffeine alone. There was no increase in anxiety, no complaints of drowsiness, and no signs that CBD cancelled out the energising effects of caffeine.

In fact, at one of the higher doses - 160 mg of CBD - some participants reported subtle improvements in how pleasant the overall experience felt. They also reported slightly less pain and discomfort, though the sample size for this group was small, and researchers were cautious about drawing strong conclusions from that data.

But the most important finding was this: nothing negative happened. No unwanted effects. No significant disruptions to mood or energy. And that, in itself, is newsworthy.

What This Means for Your Daily Routine

While this study is just one piece of the puzzle, it suggests that using CBD and caffeine together may be safe and well-tolerated - at least for healthy adults at typical doses.

This matters because many people are already combining the two, whether in a CBD-infused coffee drink or by taking CBD alongside their morning espresso. Until now, we didn’t have much scientific data to support or challenge this trend.

Of course, everyone reacts differently to substances like caffeine and CBD. Some people are more sensitive than others, and how your body processes each ingredient can vary based on your genetics, lifestyle, or even what you’ve eaten that day.

But if you’ve been curious about blending CBD into your morning routine, this research offers some early reassurance. It suggests that small to moderate amounts of CBD - say 25 to 50 mg - won’t interfere with the benefits of caffeine. You might feel just as energised, with a little less tension or shakiness.

Why Some People Turn to CBD With Their Coffee

The idea behind combining CBD and caffeine isn’t just trendy - it’s rooted in a real need. Many coffee lovers enjoy the mental lift but could do without the jitters, racing heart, or sudden energy crash that sometimes follows.

CBD may offer a balancing effect. While it doesn’t make you sleepy, many people report that it helps take the edge off stressful situations or supports a more level mood. For those prone to caffeine-related anxiety, this could make the difference between a jittery rush and a calm, productive morning.

Think of it as a potential buffer: caffeine gets you going, CBD helps you stay grounded.

How to Try CBD and Caffeine Together

If you’re considering testing this combo for yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Start with low doses. A small amount of CBD (around 15–25 mg) is a good starting point, especially if you're new to it.

Choose your format. Oils and vapes are popular ways to take CBD with your coffee. Some prefer drops in their brew, while others take CBD a few minutes before or after their drink.

Quality matters. Always opt for lab-tested CBD products made with clear labelling and reliable sourcing.

Notice how you feel. Everyone is different. Pay attention to your body’s response and adjust accordingly. Some may prefer taking CBD in the morning; others might feel better saving it for later in the day.

Where Science Goes Next

This study is a solid first step - but it’s still early days. The researchers themselves noted that larger studies, with a wider variety of people and more specific testing (like on focus, sleep, or long-term effects), are still needed.

That said, this is the first controlled human study to show that typical doses of CBD don’t negatively affect how people experience caffeine. It opens the door to more research - and more confident exploration by those curious about combining the two.

As we learn more, we may discover more nuanced ways these ingredients work together: whether CBD helps smooth out caffeine’s side effects, or whether it changes how we focus, think, or recover from a long day.

Final Thoughts: A Calmer Cup of Coffee?

The world is noisy, fast, and always-on. For many of us, caffeine is the fuel that keeps things moving. But sometimes, a little calm goes a long way, too.

CBD and caffeine might seem like opposites at first glance - but when used thoughtfully, they could offer a more balanced approach to energy, mood, and mental clarity.

While the science continues to evolve, this new research offers a reassuring early message: if you’re curious about adding CBD to your coffee routine, you may not have to choose between energy and ease.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Ferretti ML, Gustin ND, Sokol CM, Zamarripa CA, Feldner MT, Bonn-Miller MO, Irons JG. A preliminary investigation of the simultaneous effects of cannabidiol and caffeine. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2024 Aug;32(4):475-484.