The marijuana industry is simply booming, and it’s not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. It’s projected by the year 2030, the cannabis industry will be a 40 billion dollar industry. Will that mean Tommy Chong was right? “If more people were stoned, there would be less violence in the world.” Time can only tell.

While there are more than 100 cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant, there are two that are the most studied and well-known: THC and CBD. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is what most people think of when they hear the words “marijuana” or “weed.” When THC interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in our endocannabinoid system, they produce psychoactive effects (AKA, getting “high”).

But CBD is different. Instead of binding to the receptors in the way THC does, they interact with those same receptors differently, providing benefits to the body without affecting their mental state. CBD specifically has been growing in popularity and, for many states in the US, was legalized far earlier than its THC counterpart.

The most common products on the market are CBD edibles and oils, packaged in a more consumer-friendly way instead of requiring the user to smoke a dried herb to receive health benefits. Until recently, I assumed that CBD should only be taken as a way to wind down. Somehow, in my mind, I equated it to a sleeping pill that is only used to fall asleep.

I’m happy to report that I was very wrong. I found an article detailing what happens when you combine CBD and caffeine. While there’s still research that needs to be conducted, a decent amount of anecdotal evidence suggests combining the two may provide some benefits to a person’s day.

Caffeine is a stimulant. Its job is to activate the central nervous system while blocking adenosine receptors, neurotransmitters in your brain that promote sleep. At the same time, caffeine increases neurotransmitters that help with energy levels (like dopamine).

CBD has relaxing effects, interacting with our nervous system by regulating dopamine and serotonin in the brain. When caffeine and CBD are combined, for a vast amount of people, the effects prove that opposites do indeed attract. The pairing works together, the caffeine giving the person a boost of energy, while the CBD brings a layer of calm, getting them into a zone of clear focus.

After doing some research - something I suggest you do whenever you’re looking to add a new supplement to your routine - I found a product that intrigued me. It was a CBD edible that contained natural and plant-based caffeine. I’m all for convenience, so finding a gummy with the correct dose of each ingredient cut down on a lot of trial and error.

But if the thought of giving up your morning coffee makes you want to throw a mug against the wall, you can save your floor from a hazardous mess and find a CBD supplement that works best for you. Did you know when you consume too much caffeine, your anxiety levels are likely to rise? When you incorporate CBD into your morning pick-me-up, it helps counteract the anxiety with feelings of calm. And if you’re a two or three-cup of coffee a day kind of person, you should definitely consider taking some CBD.

A lot of society would be lost if they couldn’t have caffeine. In the US alone, over 80% of people report drinking coffee regularly. That’s not counting the people who get their caffeine from tea or other sources. While caffeine is a stimulant to get us up and running for the day ahead, too much caffeine has been shown to cause disruptions in people’s sleep.

Studies show caffeine consumption interferes with our circadian melatonin rhythms. When this happens, we have trouble falling asleep. But CBD has the opposite effect on our sleep, as it promotes relaxation hormones helping us fall asleep faster. So again, try introducing some CBD into your morning routine if you feel like you’ll bite someone’s head off if they talk to you before you’ve had your morning cup of stimulant. Your motivation and family will thank you.

Like any supplement or health tip, do your own research. Look for reviews from real people sharing their stories on how products affected them; find articles backing up the science behind the claims being suggested, and then figure it out for yourself. And remember, always consult your doctor before starting any new health regimen. This is especially crucial if you have any serious medical issues.

But personally, I’ve found starting my day with the right amount of caffeine and CBD sets me up to have a good day. I’m in the sweet spot between feeling awake and energized while also feeling relaxed. I’ve found my days are far more productive, and my mood stays light.