Cannabis coffee sits right at the crossroads of stimulation and relaxation. On one side, coffee is known for boosting alertness and focus. On the other hand, cannabis is often associated with calm, slowed thinking and body relaxation. Putting them together might sound contradictory, but many people enjoy the mix, and some research suggests the interaction may be stronger than expected.
Before getting into the recipe, it helps to understand why this pairing is still debated.
Cannabis and Coffee: What Does the Research Say?
Caffeine and THC both affect the brain’s dopamine system, which plays a role in mood, motivation, and reward. Some animal studies suggest that caffeine may amplify the effects of THC rather than cancel them out.
A frequently cited animal study published in Behavioural Pharmacology found that caffeine enhanced the effects of low doses of THC in squirrel monkeys, making the psychoactive effects more noticeable even at smaller amounts. While this doesn’t translate directly to humans, it suggests the combination can be more potent than cannabis alone.
Other researchers urge caution. Medical experts interviewed by Live Science have pointed out that combining caffeine and THC may worsen short-term memory or increase anxiety in some people, especially at higher doses. Because human research is still limited, the effects vary widely depending on tolerance, dosage, and individual sensitivity.
In short, cannabis coffee isn’t inherently good or bad, but it does deserve respect.
Is Cannabis Coffee a Good Idea?
For some people, cannabis coffee fits neatly into a slow morning routine or a creative afternoon. For others, it can feel overstimulating or mentally foggy. The key difference usually comes down to dose.
Edibles and infused drinks often feel stronger and last longer than smoking or vaping cannabis. When caffeine is added to the mix, the effects can feel more intense or arrive faster than expected. That’s why starting with small amounts is essential, especially if you’re new to infused beverages.
If you’re comfortable with cannabis edibles and understand your tolerance, cannabis coffee can be an interesting option.
How to Make Cannabis-Infused Coffee at Home
Important note: This recipe uses an estimated amount of cannabis. Edibles can affect people very differently, so it’s wise to start low and adjust over time.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of water
- Freshly brewed coffee (your preferred roast)
- 2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil
- ½ gram of dried cannabis flower
- Optional: honey, vanilla extract, or cinnamon
Preparation
- Grind the cannabis as finely as possible. Smaller pieces expose more surface area, which helps cannabinoids transfer into the fat.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
- Add the butter or coconut oil to the water. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are fat-soluble, so this step is essential.
- Add the ground cannabis to the pan and reduce the heat slightly.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Avoid letting it boil aggressively.
- Strain the liquid using a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, removing all plant material.
- Use this infused liquid as the base for your coffee.
- Blend the coffee briefly to prevent the fat from separating at the top.
- Sweeten or flavor to taste.
Sip slowly and wait before considering more.
Final Thoughts on Cannabis Coffee
Cannabis coffee blends two widely used psychoactive substances into a single drink, and that combination can feel stronger than expected. While early research suggests caffeine may amplify THC’s effects, human studies are still limited, and individual reactions vary.
If you choose to try it, moderation and patience matter more than anything else. A small amount can go a long way.