There are plenty of distractions in modern life. It can be hard to focus on things like chores, homework, or paperwork when you have access to such a broad range of entertainment all the time. Finding ways to increase your focus can help you be more productive in less time. So, many people have turned to cannabis for focus, and the trend is growing.
There aren’t many studies that have produced evidence supporting the use of cannabis for focus. However, there aren’t many studies on the lesser-known effects of cannabis in general. For the moment, many people rely on anecdotal evidence and their own experiences regarding the plant.
While every user is different, there are many anecdotal reports that the right strain of cannabis can help you pay attention to things for longer. There are several theories why this is the case. First, cannabis is known for its ability to relax people. If your lack of focus is connected to anxiety or hyperactivity, the right dose may help you unwind enough to think clearly.
Meanwhile, some cannabis strains are known to give people more energy. If your head is foggy, sativa strains can help you zone in and focus on tasks that require dedicated attention. Additionally, people with chronic pain or debilitating health symptoms might struggle to focus on anything other than those problems. By relieving pain, cannabis might help you rediscover yourself and your attention span.
There’s more to using cannabis for focus than just using a fun strain. If you want the best chance of success, you should understand how to choose a cannabis strain and dose that’s most likely to help you pay attention.
Sativa Strains and Focus
There are two main groups of cannabis strains: indica and sativa. Indica strains are known for causing people to space out and become sleepy, which is not great for getting things done. On the other hand, sativa strains have a reputation for energizing and motivating people.
Most people who use cannabis for focus use sativa strains for just that reason. If you know you need to get things done, it’s smart to pick a strain that’s known for getting users up and off the couch. There are hundreds of sativa strains available today, so you have plenty of options regarding taste, smell, and potency.
Terpenes and Your Brain
The reason why indica and sativa seem to have these different effects is still up for debate. One popular theory is that indica and sativa have a different combination of terpenes. These are compounds naturally found in most plants that give them their smell and taste.
Terpenes have been shown to have significant effects on the human brain, and different terpenes lead to different results. Combined, these compounds can produce surprisingly complex flavors, smells, and mood changes. The theory is that the terpene mixes in sativa strains tend to mix energizing terpenes, and indicas are more likely to have relaxing terpenes.
You can use this knowledge to your advantage when you’re choosing strains. Looking for strains with energetic and uplifting terpenes will help you find the plants that will help you focus instead of knocking you out. These four compounds are known for being uplifting and energetic:
- Limonene: This terpene gives citrus its distinctive smell. It’s energizing and refreshing.
- Pinene: Pine trees smell so strong because they contain lots of pinene. It’s considered reinvigorating.
- Caryophyllene: If you’ve ever tried a strain of cannabis that seemed spicy, it probably had caryophyllene. It’s energetic and peppy.
- Terpineol: This unique compound smells like lime blossoms and lilac. It’s known to help with stress and anxiety.
If you find a strain with a significant amount of one or more of these terpenes, it’s probably a good choice for focus.
THC, CBD, or Both?
Beyond terpenes, you should also consider the balance of THC and CBD in a strain. THC is the cannabinoid that’s responsible for the buzz associated with cannabis. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and responsible for a lot of the calming effects of the plant.
No matter what you want out of your cannabis, it’s important to get the right balance of THC and CBD. If you want to focus and sit still, you may not want a strain with a lot of THC and no CBD. The CBD appears to balance out the headier effects of THC, keeping users grounded. If you need to be up and moving, then a strain with a lower CBD to THC ratio will keep you energized.
In general, you can look for a strain that offers a balance of the two. The right balance for you will depend on what you want to achieve.
Find Your Dose
Finally, the most important rule of using cannabis is to find your dose. No two people react to cannabis precisely the same way. If you’re looking to use cannabis to help you focus, you’ll probably need to experiment to find the right strain and amount.
Why is this experimentation necessary? Because cannabis has something known as “biphasic potential.” Essentially, a low dose of cannabis can affect someone differently than a high dose — it’s not as simple as feeling “less high.”
This is due to how cannabis interacts with your body. THC and CBD connect with your endocannabinoid system, a series of receptors and natural body compounds that control everything from your sleep cycle to your mood. THC and CBD act as additional endocannabinoids in your body.
When you use a microdose of cannabis, you’re just adding a small number of cannabinoids to your system. Your body remains within its normal threshold, so you just notice minor effects on your mood, appetite, and fatigue.
A high dose pushes you outside of that standard threshold. Instead of feeling less foggy and having more focus, you can get buzzed or experience uncomfortable side effects. The dose that crosses this threshold is different for everyone. Experiment with different strains and amounts until you find the right balance for you.
Regain Your Focus
Using cannabis for focus is more common than you’d think. If you’re considering trying Florida medical cannabis to improve your attention span, VidaCann can help. With online and in-person dispensaries across the state, you can always get the supplies you want. Whether you choose to go in person or get dispensary delivery, Florida residents can rely on VidaCann for all their medical cannabis needs.
