When most people think about cannabis, the first effects that come to mind are usually physical relief and an uplifted mood. Many people use it to help them get out of an emotional funk, in social situations, for a mental reset, or for out-of-the-box thinking. However, cannabis may be credited for a variety of other effects, including a notable boost in motivation, creativity, and even concentration.
Cannabis and concentration go together. Everyone has to focus on things, whether it's school work, taxes, work deadlines, or creative hobbies. As the plant becomes more readily available to different people and more people become educated on cannabis and its wide range of effects, anecdotal evidence backed up by small studies suggests that with the right products and at the right dosages, cannabis might actually make focusing a much easier feat.
So, how exactly can cannabis boost concentration and your ability to focus? Do we have any scientific evidence, or is this connection mostly anecdotal? Here's everything you need to know about the complex relationship between cannabis and our ability to concentrate, as well as a few of our favorite focus-boosting products.
How cannabis might help you concentrate
When people think about the effects of cannabis, they usually jump straight into its creativity-boosting effects. However, if you take a look at the way cannabis boosts creativity, you'll notice a direct interaction between the cannabinoids and terpenes in your frontal lobe, which is where all sorts of thinking and problem-solving take place.
If you partake in cannabis already, you've probably noticed that it tends to put you in a state of deep thought. Normally, these more profound thoughts are scattered, and you'll find yourself having an intense discussion about things like space, dreams, and how they get so much flavor into a single Doritos corn chip. But when your mind isn't idle, cannabis might be used to help you think deeply about one particular subject.
There are a lot of other variables involved with concentration, even when cannabis isn't in the mix. For example, your setting, mood, and the activity itself all play a part in your ability to focus on a task. We often put things off simply because we can't find the energy to concentrate long enough. We all have many things going on in our daily lives to distract us from things that need our attention, including pets, children, homemaking, deadlines, bills, and our jobs.
But that's precisely where many people are finding relief with cannabis. Cannabis reduces a lot of the noise in our daily lives. Instead of taking on the big picture of all of the different things going on in your day, cannabis makes it possible to itemize, divide, and conquer. Cannabis stimulates our frontal lobe, making it more active and promoting things like creativity, problem-solving, and divergent thinking. Many people find that enjoying cannabis with the intention of concentrating on a particular task after the high sets in have an easier time getting in the zone and staying focused on one thing at a time.
Cannabis may promote deep thought through focus, allowing you to process and analyze all of the pieces of your big puzzle one piece at a time. However, this effect is best documented in small doses. A study conducted on divergent thinking caused by cannabis found that smaller doses were more effective at improving these effects while larger doses hindered them.
What Does The Science Say?
All of it goes a little deeper than how cannabis affects your perception, though. Cannabinoids and terpenes are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, and their combined interaction is believed to contribute to the various effects of different cannabis strains. When it comes to focusing and energizing effects, specific terpenes play a crucial role alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in various plants, including cannabis, that give each strain its distinctive scent and flavor. Some terpenes are known to have stimulating and focusing properties. For example, terpenes like limonene and pinene are often associated with increased alertness and energy. Limonene, found in citrus fruits, is known for its mood-enhancing and uplifting qualities, while pinene, found in pine trees, has been linked to improved focus and mental clarity.
When you combine these energizing terpenes with certain cannabinoids, such as THC, you might experience a synergistic effect thanks to the Entourage Effect. THC might also stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain, enhancing mood and motivation, while energizing terpenes like limonene may complement these effects by increasing alertness and reducing feelings of lethargy.
If you're looking to feel focused and energized with cannabis, choosing strains or products rich in limonene or pinene might be a good option. Sativa-dominant strains are often associated with these terpenes and are typically preferred for their uplifting and stimulating effects.
However, it's essential to note that individual responses to cannabis can vary, so it's a good idea to start with a low dose and experiment to find the strain and dosage that works best for you to achieve the desired focus and energy boost while minimizing any potential side effects like anxiety or restlessness. Also, don't forget to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions that might contribute to your lack of motivation.
All in all, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support cannabis and concentration, though further scientific study is still necessary to support it. Just remember that everybody reacts to cannabis differently, so you may experience an uptick in concentration while using cannabis, or you may not. Just remember to use smaller doses to maximize your concentration and try a few different environments, products, and activities to see what conditions make focusing easiest for you.
Best Products for Focus
At Flower Ave, we recognize the connection between concentration and cannabis. Between its uplifting mental effects and its ability to help cancel out a lot of the noise in our day-to-day lives, cannabis can help people maximize their productivity by allowing them to keep a one-track mind. This complex relationship is meant to be challenged and explored by any individual who recognizes that creativity and out-of-the-box thinking can come from slipping into a deep thought flow, leading to a complete sense of self and an inspiring effect within ourselves and our thought processes.
If you're exploring cannabis in hopes of connecting with yourself and focusing in a more meaningful way, there are many different products marked on our website as focusing and inspiring. Many medical patients and recreational enthusiasts agree that cannabis may boost focus and might help you find an edge within your work, school, or daily life.
FAQs
Can cannabis help you focus? How?
The answer is yes and no. Further research is needed to find conclusive physical evidence about cannabis for focus. However, we do have lots and lots of anecdotal evidence from cannabis users who believe cannabis helps them to concentrate. The general consensus is that with the right product and the proper dosage, cannabis might improve focus. The 'how' lies within the complex relationship between cannabinoids, terpenes, and our bodies.
Which strains are best for helping with concentration?
Sativa-dominant strains and balanced hybrids are best for concentration. These strains are predominantly cerebral in nature and are less likely to cause brain fog or couch-lock, making it easier to concentrate and focus on whatever task you have on hand while also boosting your mood and energy levels.
Which products are best for helping with concentration?
The best products for focus usually are those you can enjoy in smaller doses and puff on as needed, such as flower, pre-rolls, and vape cartridges. Concentrates and edibles come on a little strong and last a long time, though they may also be effective in small doses.
Are high doses or low doses better for focus?
This answer is dependent on what you're focusing on. If it's something highly technical, you may want to use a low dose to help you get into your deep thought flow without hindering your ability to focus or encouraging your mind to wander. However, if you just want to focus on something creative or fun, take as much as you need!
Are there other factors that can help cannabis boost my concentration?
Yes! Cannabis affects everyone's mind and body differently. Since we all react to certain cannabinoids and strains differently, you should try different activities, strains, doses, and environments to see what effects suit you best. You should also avoid experimenting with cannabis on crucial projects until you get a good feel for how a strain or product affects you to avoid any trouble.