Is CBD a Nootropic? CBD’s Effect on the Brain

In recent years, the understanding of nootropics and their popularity have grown rapidly as people are wanting to learn more about so-called “smart drugs.” People want to know what they are, how they work, and if other products like CBD share the same effects of other nootropics.

Check out our guide below for some answers to questions surrounding nootropics and how they relate to CBD.

What Are Nootropics?

There are five defining qualities that classify a substance as a nootropic. It must:

• Enhance memory and ability to learn
• Help the brain function under disruptive conditions
• Protect the brain from chemical and physical assaults
• Increase the efficacy of neuronal firing control mechanisms
• Possess few or no side effects and be virtually non-toxic

Simply put, nootropics are cognitive enhancers that may help the brain perform its job better. There are more than 80 known nootropics, including common substances such as caffeine, turmeric, and artichokes.

Many benefits have been associated with nootropics, such as increased motivation, memory, mood, stress resistance, learning, physical performance, attention, and creativity. While nootropics are commonly taken for present-day benefits, they may also support future brain health by enhancing long-range memory and improving mental clarity.

It is believed that nootropics support brain enhancement by:

• Increasing blood flow to the brain
• Optimizing brain energy
• Supporting brain regeneration
• Manipulating dopamine to enhance motivation
• Tuning brain waves to Alpha frequency, which helps relax the brain

Though research on nootropics’ benefits is still in the early stages, studies show they may strengthen memory retention, treat memory disorders, and potentially increase brain concentration.

Is CBD a Nootropic?

When it comes to interacting with our brains, it’s widely understood that the cannabinoid THC has psychoactive properties, which is what creates a high-like feeling. However, CBD doesn’t have this property, and while more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s benefits, there is evidence to suggest it could be one of the best nootropics available.

How is this possible? Within our endocannabinoid system (ECS), CBD interacts with CB1 receptors in ways that may help curb anxiety, migraines, insomnia, depression, and more. Research suggests it can also interact with the brain’s serotonin receptor, which helps to regulate mood and stress. These studies indicate there are reasons to use CBD oil for brain health.

On top of that, CBD may also help improve memory and focus and work as an effective brain fog treatment. Brain fog, or the lack of mental clarity and concentration, is believed to be caused by neuroinflammation. Studies have suggested that CBD can decrease neuroinflammation and help to sharpen an individual’s focus and fight the effects of brain fog.

How to Amplify CBD’s Effects with Other Nootropics

It’s common for nootropics to be used in stacks. That is, taking several at the same time to complement and enhance one another’s benefits. However, getting the right stack requires a delicate balance. Some nootropics don’t complement each other, and some may even have adverse side effects when taken together.

Identify the issue you’re hoping to address and research the combinations that may help you. This will help you find the right dosage, format (pills, powders, liquids, etc.), and interaction to create the ideal stack of nootropic supplements.

Here are some of the nootropics that may stack well with CBD.

Lion’s Mane

This superfood mushroom may help with the production of the molecule Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) to support brain cell regeneration. When paired with CBD, it can help reduce cognitive decline.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid that could help foster a state of calm, attentive awareness. It may work with CBD to fight insomnia and decrease stress and anxiety.

Caffeine

Though caffeine is a great source of energy, it can come with a case of the jitters. CBD’s calming effects may mitigate that side effect, so this stack could promote alertness without anxiety.

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine

This dietary supplement is commonly used to improve focus, attention, and alertness. With the addition of CBD, it may help in these areas as well, so the two nootropics complement each other well.

Whether you choose to use it in a stack or on its own, there is reasonable evidence to believe in CBD as a nootropic. However, you’re unlikely to experience CBD’s wide-ranging benefits unless you’re using a quality product. Frontier Jackson’s products are backed by a certificate of analysis to ensure that what you’re buying is what you get. Find the CBD products you need today.