Best 2024 Cannabinoids to Keep You in the Zone

Have you been having a hard time concentrating at work, or do you find yourself in a state of brain fog? If so, certain cannabinoids in hemp just might be able to help. Cannabinoids are the cannabis-derived compounds that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate our physiological processes, including our cognitive functions like focus, motivation, alertness, and memory. The thing about cannabinoids, too, is that they’re nontoxic, all-natural, and just fine to take long-term. So, took the time to highlight our favorite cannabinoids that can boost focus and concentration, thus allowing you to feel more productive throughout the day.

Why Do Lots of People Struggle with Focus & Concentration?

A lot of people report difficulty focusing on important tasks like work, home responsibilities, or even a movie that’s playing in front of them after a long day. There are all kinds of reasons why some people struggle with cognitive skills like focus more than others, such as:

• Stress
• Neurodivergent disorders (ADHD in particular)
• Mood disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Reliance on substances such as alcohol, caffeine, or sugar
• Burnout (Overexerting oneself physically or mentally for a prolonged period of time)
• Poor sleep
• Hormonal imbalances
• Certain health conditions
• Side effects of certain medications

Now, of course, the most important thing is trying to figure out why you’re having difficulties with your cognitive functions. For instance, if you’re seriously lacking in a certain nutrient, like Vitamin B, no amount of brain exercises is going to fix that. But, at the same time, there are things that we can do to improve our focus and concentration that certainly won’t hurt, and one of them is cannabis.

The cannabis plant has 100+ cannabinoids, and each one interacts with the brain in a distinctive way. And, many of the cannabinoids in cannabis have been shown in studies to offer an astounding amount of potential benefits through its relationship to the (ECS). One thing we’ve seen with a number of cannabinoids is their interaction with the brain’s cognitive center, which controls focus, along with motivation, memory, alertness, and other crucial brain functions.

Which Cannabinoids are the Best for Boosting Focus & Concentration?

Without further ado, we gotta cover our favorite picks for cannabinoids that offer a unique ability to improve focus & concentration levels, in order to help you make the most out of your daily life. Each of these cannabinoids we’ll discuss interact directly with receptors in the brain that regulate neural functions, and all of them are available for purchase in all kinds of product types, strains, etc.

Focus-Enhancing Cannabinoid #8: CBC

What CBC is: Cannabichromene (CBC) is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis, and one with very little research behind it, unfortunately. We know that it’s nonintoxicating, and even may act as a potentiator to other cannabinoids – that is, a compound that boosts the effectiveness of other cannabinoids when taken in combination with one another. CBC is a rarer cannabinoid than, say, CBD, and so you won’t find as many products on the market at this time.

Why CBC Can Help: CBC is a cannabinoid that we’re still learning about, as we await medical researchers to take an interest in exploring its effects. But one thing that we’ve seen consistently in studies, like the one that we linked above, is that it’s a CB2 agonist - so what does that mean? CB2 receptors are cannabinoid receptors that are more closely associated with processes related to the digestive and immune system, and besides that, CB2 receptors seem to play a larger role than CB1 receptors in regulating cognitive functions. So, it’s no surprise that so many people say that taking CBC helps them feel clear-minded, and able to concentrate on what’s in front of them.

CBC Product Recommendation: ELYXR CBC Nano Infused Tincture. This tincture from ELYXR is one of the best, being nano-emulsified for better absorption. It comes in refreshing peppermint and invigorating citrus orange flavors, with 500mg and 1000mg options so you can get the right dose. Just take a dropper of oil under the tongue, and then see for yourself what it can do for you.

Focus-Enhancing Cannabinoid #7: THCP

What it is: Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is another cannabinoid naturally found in cannabis, and it was discovered back in 2019. THCP is the most potent cannabinoid in the plant, estimated to be 10x as strong as delta 9 THC, thanks to its enhanced carbon sidechain which allows it to attach to CB1 receptors (cannabinoid receptors in the brain) at up to 33x the rate of delta 9. Essentially, THCP has been found to supply the same effects as delta 9, only much stronger.

Why THCP Can Help: A lot of people find that delta 9 THC helps them concentrate better, especially when taken during the daytime in the form of a sativa strain. The same can be said of THCP, except that the effects are likely stronger. The reason why THCP isn’t closer to the top of our list is because it’s so intoxicating that on those with a low THC tolerance, it can produce the opposite effect.

THCP Product Recommendation: Binoid THCP Vape Cartridge in Trainwreck. This THCP vape cart fits onto any 510 threaded vape pen, and features premium THC-P distillate, skillfully blended with Delta 8. Not only that, but Trainwreck is a super powerful sativa strain that can give your brain a mega-boost.

Focus-Enhancing Cannabinoid #6: THCA

What THCA is: Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is something of a misleading cannabinoid. THCA is the raw precursor to delta 9 THC, and it’s found in raw cannabis flower. When THCA is heated, it turns into delta 9 THC through a process called decarboxylation, which changes its chemical structure and enables it to attach to CB1 receptors to produce the THC effects we all know. THCA vapes, flower, and dabs may not be labeled as THC products, but when they’re used, the heat to which the THCA is exposed converts the cannabinoid into delta 9, meaning that you’re really just getting high off of delta 9 like you would if you were taking marijuana.

Why THCA Can Help: Delta 9 THC may be closely associated with cliches about weed making people “dumb”. Now, a lot of that has since been dispelled, as certain people are finding that cannabis actually helps them focus better - especially in the case of those with neurodivergent disorders like ADHD. So, it’s no wonder why certain THCA products are really taking off, given that they render the many promising effects of delta 9, legally.

THCA Product Recommendation: Pops Premium Clarity Series THCA + D9P + D10 + D8 2G Disposable Vape Pen in Green Apple OG. The name says it all, as this disposable from the “Clarity Series” offers a blend of cannabinoids aimed at boosting concentration and awareness. Green Apple OG is a sativa strain that brings out these effects even more, for a recharged mindset.

Focus-Enhancing Cannabinoid #5: THCH

What THCH is: Tetrahydrocannabihexol (THCH) is a newly discovered cannabinoid that we’re still learning about. THCH is classified as a hexyl homologue of delta 9 THC, and they share an identical molecular formula. This means that rearranging delta 9 THC can convert it into THCH. It’s also regarded as the second most potent cannabinoid in all of cannabis, after THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol). How come? Well, because THCH’s chemical structure enables better attachment to cannabinoid receptors that elicit various responses that lead to the cannabinoid’s effects.

Why THCH Can Help: Now, be aware that THC-H hasn’t undergone any real clinical testing yet, which would give us a clearer idea of what kinds of benefits it offers. But we have heard from a number of THC-H fans that it gives them a surprising increase in cognitive function, which can be super useful to anyone with a high THC tolerance who is looking for some extra brainpower.

THCH Product Recommendation: ELYXR THC-H + THC-B + THC-P Live Resin Mutant Gummies. These super potent gummies can give you a serious boost, boasting 3 high-potency cannabinoids that can get those wheels turning. Just keep in mind that these are highly intoxicating, so they’re best saved for a high-tolerance user.

Focus-Enhancing Cannabinoid #4: CBD

What CBD is: CBD (cannabidiol) is the dominant cannabinoid in the hemp plant, and it’s nonintoxicating, allowing it to be a nice option for those seeking relief without any psychoactive effects. CBD is a cannabinoid that’s been studied at length since its discovery several decades ago, and it has been found to provide a substantial number of potential benefits.

Why CBD Can Help: CBD has, in fact, been studied for its effects on cognitive function, with some pretty promising results. It seems that this cannabinoid may directly regulate cognitive processes to help us feel alert, invigorated, and totally focused.

CBD Product Recommendation: Blue Moon Hemp CBD Gummies. Taking CBD in a gummy form leads to very long-lasting effects, as these are some of the best-tasting CBD Gummies on the market – packed wtih a variation of Gummy Worms, Bears, and Drops, each delivering 7mg of soothing hemp-derived cannabinoid extracts in a mouth-watering sweet n’ sour gummy.

Focus-Enhancing Cannabinoid #3: Delta 9 THC

What it is: Delta 9 THC is the dominant chemical compound in marijuana, and it’s found in trace amounts in the hemp plant. Legally, hemp products must contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC per dry weight, so companies have had to get creative in order to create products that deliver an effective number of milligrams of THC. THC is also the most widely studied cannabinoid in history, and the reason why medical marijuana exists in the United States.

Why Delta 9 THC Can Help: Like previously mentioned, delta 9 THC could present a surprising amount of help in the cognitive department, boosting awareness and focus, especially when taken in a lower-than-average dose.

Delta 9 THC Product Recommendation: Farma Barn Delta 9 THC Water Soluble Beverage Enhancer. You can turn any drink into a delta 9 beverage with this clever product that dissolves easily in water, for long-lasting effects that can give you the mental boost you’re looking for. With 5mg per serving, it can supply an ideal strength for cognitive effects.

Best Cannabinoid for Energy #3: THCV

What THCV is: Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a minor cannabinoid discovered in 1973, and is known to have only very mild psychoactive properties – when taken in high doses, mind you, as low doses don’t seem to have any intoxicating effects whatsoever. THCV is regarded highly for its numerous potential properties that relate to metabolic processes.

Why THCV Can Help: Now, we haven’t seen any studies directly showing that THCV can improve focus and concentration, but the anecdotal info out there speaks for itself. And, given its relationship to CB2 receptors, it’s not surprising that THCV shows a lot of promise in this area.

THCV Product Recommendation: ATLRx THCV Gummies. Just one gummy gives you 10mg of THCV, which can very well be enough to get those juices flowing. Besides that, gummies, like we pointed out earlier, can deliver hours of positive effects.

Best Cannabinoid for Energy #2: Delta 10 THC

What Delta 10 THC is: Delta 10 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that has only been discovered within the last few years. Hence, there isn’t any real research on its properties. What we do know is that it’s milder than delta 9 THC, with a buzz-like high that’s similar to that of delta 8 THC. Except, delta 10 has the distinction of, according to countless enthusiasts, providing a surprising increase in energy and focus, making it very “sativa-like” according to its biggest fans.

Why Delta 10 THC Can Help: While there aren’t any studies on the potential benefits of delta 10 THC just yet, the consensus is clear among its users: this cannabinoid can offer a surprising increase in cognitive function, with a high that makes you feel alert, uplifted, and focused.

Delta 10 THC Product Recommendation: iDelta8 Delta 10 THC Disposable Vape Pen in Blue Dream Berries. We’re pretty obsessed with this delta 10 vape pen, truth be told, when it comes to increasing focus and awareness. Not only does it contain an ultra-pure delta 10 distillate, but it comes in Blue Dream Berries, a strain that is one of the most highly rated for those who are dealing with brain fog.

Focus-Enhancing Cannabinoid #1: CBG

What it is: Cannabigerol (CBG) is a nonintoxicating cannabinoid known as the “mother cannabinoid”, since it’s the initial cannabinoid to develop in immature cannabis buds prior to splitting itself into over 100 new cannabinoids. CBG operates primarily on CB2 receptors, found in the immune and digestive systems, while also affecting cognitive functions and certain nervous system functions.

Why CBG Can Help: CBG works on CB2 receptors, like we said, and many people who take it will tell you that it extends some serious benefits when it comes to cognitive functions. In fact, one study found that it was useful to those dealing with cognitive impairment.

CBG Product Recommendation: Hempzilla Broad Spectrum CBD + CBG Socialize Vape Pen. We love this vape pen for anyone who wants a nice mental boost without a high. It offers the perfect balance between the two cannabinoids, along with a very thoughtfully curated terpene profile that can impact brain function.

Improve Your Focus & Concentration Naturally at The Calm Leaf!

These outstanding cannabinoids all have what it takes to provide you with some extra brain power, by working naturally with cannabinoid receptors that regulate cognitive tasks in the brain. Still, as is always the case, it’s best to experiment, because with cannabis, YMMV. We invite you to check out the many different formulas we carry at The Calm Leaf in order to find the solution you’re looking for, so that you can start the day off with a more focused state of mind.