Living in the hectic world that we do today, it’s no wonder that focus is on short supply. We are constantly bombarded with notifications, phone calls, emails, family members shouting for our attention, events, house maintenance, and oh so much more. Seems a bit much for any one person to handle, right? Given today’s environment it’s no wonder that people go looking for ways that they can improve their focus. Pharmaceutical drugs, diet, meditation and yoga – these are all some of the methods that people use to improve their focus and concentration. What many people don’t realize is that cannabis has also been linked to improved focus and productivity.
Let’s look at some of the emerging science behind this newfound correlation between cannabis and focus. In Norway, a qualitative study reviewed one hundred cannabis users to determine the medical conditions that prompted their marijuana consumption. The most prevalent of the conditions reported were those related to attention disorders.((Loflin, Mallory, et al. “Subtypes of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cannabis use.” Substance use & misuse 49.4 (2014): 427-434.)) This is interesting considering that conflicting medical research has also pointed to heavy cannabis use as an indicator for the development of attention disorders. However, as scientists gain a greater understanding of the cannabinoids, terpenes and the composition of these in different cannabis chemovars, we are seeing a trend in results that seem to confirm the use of the plant to help with focus and motivation when properly dosed and consumed.
So how do we know what a proper dose is and which products are a good fit for improving focus? A newer study in Israel evaluated the dosing and cannabinoid profiles of patients using cannabis for attention disorders.((Hergenrather, Jeffrey Y., et al. “Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients.” Rambam Maimonides medical journal 11.1 (2020).)) The results indicated that evenly balanced THC and CBD profile products are the best fit. Looking a bit further at how terpenes can also contribute to the ultimate goal of perfect focus, we can see that products that offer a higher composition of alpha and beta pinene and beta-caryophyllene are the best candidates. While products that are higher in myrcene are best avoided given the relaxing and sedating effects of myrcene. In terms of dose, a micro dose is recommended for the optimal result. Caution in dosing is best, as secondary effects could quickly overpower the clear head and lucidity needed for deep focus and concentration. For continued focus, a microdose consumed every 1.5-2 hours is a good place to start.