Mixing Weed and Coffee - 3 Things to Keep in Mind

Though mixing weed and coffee may seem like a marriage made in heaven, some claim that they actually cancel out each other's effects. While the caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant, offering energizing and invigorating effects, cannabis acts not only as a stimulant but also as a depressant (depending on the strain), bringing on feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and general well-being.

Mixing caffeine and weed is nothing new; Amsterdam and other European destinations are full of coffee shops in which combining cannabis with a cup of coffee is the norm. In American destinations like Seattle, Washington, people are more likely to have cannabis and coffee together at home (as smoking cannabis in public places is illegal). But what about the effects—does weed cancel out the effects of coffee or vice-versa, and does mixing the two come with any risks?

What You Should Know About the Combined Effects of Caffeine and Weed

According to data collected by the National Coffee Association (NCA) in 2022, 66% of Americans drink coffee every day, more than any other beverage (including tap water), representing an increase of nearly 14% since January 2021. And while the figure is somewhat lower, almost 17% of Americans regularly use weed. The widespread consumption of these two substances makes it almost inevitable that some weed users in the United States will end up mixing cannabis and caffeine. 

If you are one of the Americans that regularly consume cannabis and caffeine, the following are important points to keep in mind:

1. Both Caffeine and Cannabis Can Act as Stimulants

Though coffee is the most typical source of most people's caffeine intake, you don't have to drink coffee to get a caffeine fix. Energy drinks, some sodas, and even chocolate contain caffeine, albeit in lower doses. Caffeine supplements, favored by those who don't like the taste of coffee, are also another potential source of high doses of caffeine.

Like every substance, consuming caffeine within the recommended limits poses few risks. However, because caffeine acts as a stimulant, too much caffeine can lead to symptoms such as:

• Sleep deprivation

• Jitters

• Anxiety

• Rapid heart rate

• Upset stomach or nausea

• Headache

• Feelings of dysphoria

On the positive side, some suggest that caffeine can improve concentration, memory, and physical performance, as well as give people a much-needed boost first thing in the morning. Caffeine use has even been linked to a reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. 

Caffeine works to stimulate your body via hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that elevate your blood pressure and increase your energy supply. This is what causes the boost to your system that’s akin to euphoria, a boost that’s also offered by certain strains of cannabis. 

Cannabis as a Stimulant

Sativa strains are generally more stimulating than indica or hybrid strains. Famous indica strains such as Jack Herer, Sour Diesel, and Durban Poison aren't usually recommended for evening use since they're anecdotally known to promote alertness, motivation, focus, and energy.

Sativa-based edibles should be consumed with caution, especially with coffee, and especially if you are unfamiliar with your level of tolerance. Because the effects of edibles can take a while to feel, always wait for an hour or two after consumption to see how the edible will affect you, consuming more only if you need it.

People who consume marijuana for its relaxing effects or to help them overcome sleeping difficulties may opt for indica strains for sleep such as Kush strains that are known for their sedative effects. Keeping in mind that indica strains may cause drowsiness, some people may find mixing indicas and coffee to be counterproductive. However, everyone is different and the combination might not affect you in the same way.

2. Mixing Cannabis and Caffeine May Cause Memory Deficits

Though there is limited scientific research into the effects of combining weed and coffee on cognitive impairment (or otherwise), one study on caffeine and THC reported that mixing THC and caffeine may produce memory deficits, and concluded that a mix of the two had more significant effects on memory than consuming a higher dose of THC alone.

This study was carried out using rats, however, so it's unclear how short-term memory is affected in humans. However, this study does suggest that combining caffeine with THC might not be entirely risk-free.

3. Your Individual Tolerance is a Key Factor

The effects of mixing caffeine and weed on both cognitive function and the nervous system could be affected by your individual chemistry and the tolerance you have for each substance. Your tolerance for caffeine largely depends on how many caffeinated drinks you consume each day. The same goes for cannabis.

Your state of mind or health can also be an important factor in how the coffee-and-cannabis combination affects you; somebody who suffers from anxiety may find that the stimulant effects of cannabis and coffee exacerbate these feelings, whereas somebody without anxiety may simply enjoy these substances’ energizing effects.

Mixing Cannabis and Caffeine Doesn't Seem to Be Overly Risky

As with all research involving cannabis, more academic studies are needed before making any definitive conclusions. Having said this, however, neither research nor anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that mixing caffeine and cannabis poses a heightened risk of short-term or long-term harm.

If you are concerned about the possible effects this combination could have on you, simply avoid mixing the two, or choose a weed strain that’s low in THC. The budtenders in your local dispensary can also advise you on the strains that are best for mixing with coffee.