Cannabis, whether it be marijuana or hemp, is shaping our world into an extremely different place than it was just a few years ago. Less than a decade ago, cannabis was villainized as a gateway drug and shunned by many as a dangerous plant that brought harm to all who used it. Today, however, cannabis has shifted to become a healing plant that can soothe overactive minds and grant both mental and physical peace to those who need it. What is even more astonishing is that this once evil compound is actually legal in many states for both medicinal and recreational use.
Due to its rapid legalization, some workplaces don’t even bother with drug tests as employers realize that more and more people are consuming cannabis. Many users have taken this a step further and are using cannabis as a way to increase their productivity during work times. This begs the question…why? In this article, we’ll be going over how cannabis and cannabinoids can revolutionize the workforce for the greater good. While we’re not advocating getting high at work, there might just be some truth in this idea. Keep reading to see just how big a role cannabis can play in your daily work routine.
The Concept of Microdosing
Using cannabis has long been regarded as something that hinders the user’s ability to function properly, often by making them “spaced out” and lazy. But there’s so much more to cannabis than turning its consumers into sleepy couch potatoes. Cannabis has many side effects; while drowsiness and munchies are no doubt the most widely recognized, there are other effects that are incredibly useful. For example, sativa blends are known to deliver spurts of creativity and focus, often helping the user feel motivated to complete mundane tasks and finish projects. These positive side effects can also translate into the workplace, provided your job doesn’t conduct drug tests prior to or during employment.
But don’t confuse our encouragement of using cannabis for work as permission to smoke a full joint or eat several edibles before clocking in (although it’s highly probable that many cannabis users do this already). Rather, we’re suggesting using the beneficial side effects of cannabis to help you do your job more effectively, just in smaller doses. This practice is commonly referred to as “microdosing,” where you consume a much lower dosage that won’t interfere with your productivity.
Using Psychoactive Cannabinoids To Encourage Productivity
Have you ever had to complete a task at work that you really didn’t want to? Something as simple as replying to emails or finding the motivation to make a difficult phone call might be something you absolutely dread, thus you find yourself avoiding and busying yourself with other work. What about procrastination to finish a report or organize your schedule so that you know what projects are coming up? The list goes on and on. Many of us struggle with being productive on a personal level, either from ingrained routines or constant distractions. While some people find solace in physical exertion (going to the gym or taking a long walk) or quiet time (reading a book or listening to music), many of us feel overwhelmed to the point where it is easier to put it off until it’s crunch time and then we stress to get said task done quickly.
While all of these methods are effective and can be a source of comfort, there’s another way to help you with your productivity: cannabis. Whether you choose to consume actual weed or hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids, there are many claims that using a psychoactive compound can help you in unique ways. The key is knowing your limits; once you figure out the dosage that works for you, try to start using less in order to harness productivity but not feel the full effects.
How To Make The Cannabinoids Work For You
The next time you have a difficult project or something you’re not keen on completing, try consuming a very low amount of a psychoactive or non-psychoactive cannabinoid. For example, most cannabinoid-infused gummies come in the 20mg range. If you eat a half or a third of the gummy and save the remainder for later, resulting in about a 10mg or 3mg total consumption. The positives of the psychoactive compound, such as creativity and inspiration, will activate and can help you get more done. The negatives like the drowinessness or increased appetite will be much less intense or may not be present at all!
Depending on the type of cannabinoid-infused product you consume, you may have some time before the effects kick in. For example, if you choose an edible, you will have at least half an hour to an hour before the effects of your high would typically kick in. Use this time to prepare your workspace and your mind. Start collecting all the materials you need to complete your task, and try to get rid of all potential distractions. As the cannabinoids get to work, you’ll start to feel the creativity flow. Your mind will start to encourage the motivation and focus you need to complete the task at hand.
Which Cannabinoids Should I Use?
Both psychoactive cannabinoids and non-psychoactive cannabinoids can help spur your creative mental state. For the non-psychoactive cannabinoids, CBG especially has been compared to coffee as it can help stimulate your adrenaline (though not quite as intensely). For those who have sensitivity to caffeine, try CBG the next time you’re trying to motivate your mind in the morning. CBD is also another great non-psychoactive, as it provides the benefits of the hemp plant with no intoxicating effects. Many people praise CBD for its ability to help balance your mood and improve your overall health and wellness. Lastly, CBN can help you sleep better; if you know you have an important presentation or a busy work day the following morning, try consuming CBN to help you get a restful sleep so you’ll be better prepared for the tasks ahead.
Psychoactive cannabinoids can be a bit trickier, as their effects are quite noticeable and can be detrimental if too much is consumed. If you’re stressed out and looking for a way to decrease your uneasy mind, both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC can help you reach your zen. Be careful to stick with low amounts of these two, as they are known to have sedating effects that can leave you feeling sleepy and lethargic. Both of them encourage creativity and enhanced imagination. Delta-10 THC is also another great psychoactive, in that it helps your creativity but it is less likely to make you sleepy or couch-locked. HHC is known for its uplifting and euphoric effects, something that might help get you out of your mental funk and catapult you into a more creative state. THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid but is originally Delta-8 THC before its chemical alteration. As such, you’ll need a very small dose of THC-O in order to harness its creativity-boosting benefits.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with ways to manage your productivity at work, cannabis can help in ways you never thought possible. Whether you use hemp-derived cannabinoids or straight weed, the benefits of this incredible plant are undeniable. You can jumpstart your imagination, enhance your creativity, encourage focus, sidestep procrastination, prevent mental roadblocks, and so much more. Instead of lounging in a dreamy euphoria after the end of a long day, now you can use cannabis during the day to help you make the best of your working hours. This doesn’t mean you should overindulge in your usage, as the intoxicating effects can render you drowsy and lethargic. Rather, taking less (usually substantially less) can help you enjoy the benefits of the cannabinoid without feeling like a lazy couch potato. You’ll have to experiment with the dosages to find your ideal consumption levels, but once you do, you’ll be surprised at how helpful cannabis can be for day use.