Day: February 1, 2024

Last updated: September 2026. The short answer L-theanine and CBD are both natural supplements people take to feel calmer, but they work in different ways. L-theanine, an amino acid from tea, tends to give a “relaxed but alert” feeling and is popular for calm focus during the day. CBD, from hemp, is more often used to wind down and as part of an evening routine. Neither is “better”: it depends on what you want. They can also be taken together, and there is no known interaction between them. L-theanine vs CBD at a glance L-theanine CBD What it is An amino acid found in tea leaves A compound from the hemp plant How it works Increases calm, “alert” alpha brain waves and affects calming brain chemicals such as GABA Works with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, rest and stress Typical amount 100 to 400mg a day 15 to 50mg a day Felt within 30 to 60 minutes 15 to 60 minutes (oil under the tongue) Makes you sleepy? Usually not; “relaxed but alert” Can make some people drowsy at higher amounts Popular for Calm focus, taking the edge off coffee Winding down, stress, sleep routine What is L-theanine? L-theanine is an amino acid found mainly in green and black tea. A cup of tea contains roughly 10 to 30mg. It is a big part of why tea feels calming in a way coffee doesn’t, even though both contain caffeine. As a supplement it is usually sold as capsules, powders or gummies containing 100 to 200mg per serving. Research on L-theanine is small but consistent. A 2008 study found 50mg increased alpha brain wave activity, a pattern linked with relaxed alertness (Nobre et al., 2008). In a 2019 trial, 30 healthy adults who took 200mg a day for four weeks reported lower stress-related symptoms and better sleep quality than with placebo (Hidese et al., 2019). Paired with caffeine, it has also been shown to improve attention in some studies (Owen et al., 2008). What is CBD? CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound from the hemp plant. It does not cause a “high”. It works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors involved in keeping the body in balance. Most people take it as an oil under the tongue. Our 10% CBD oil gives 5mg per drop, and most people start with around 25mg a day. In a 2019 case series of 72 adults, most reported lower anxiety scores within the first month of taking CBD, and about two thirds reported better sleep at first (Shannon et al., 2019). Small controlled studies have also found CBD reduced anxiety during stressful tasks such as public speaking. L-theanine vs CBD: which should you choose? L-theanine vs CBD for anxiety Both have small studies suggesting they may help with everyday stress and anxious feelings, and neither is a treatment for an anxiety disorder. If you have been diagnosed with anxiety or take medication for your mood, speak to your GP before trying either. Can you take L-theanine and CBD together? Yes. For most healthy adults, L-theanine and CBD can be taken together, and there is no known interaction between them. No study has tested the combination directly, so the usual advice applies: start with a low amount of each, add one at a time, and see how you feel before driving if you notice any drowsiness. Popular ways to combine them: L-theanine and CBD interaction and safety Both are well tolerated by most people. L-theanine rarely causes side effects but may slightly lower blood pressure. CBD can cause tiredness, a dry mouth or an upset stomach in some people, and it can interact with medicines processed by the liver’s CYP450 enzymes, including blood thinners. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before combining them if you: For more on CBD and blood thinners, see does CBD oil affect blood clotting? L-theanine and CBD gummies Some brands sell gummies that combine both. They are convenient, but check the label for how much of each is in a gummy, as amounts are often low. Taking them separately lets you adjust each one. If you like gummies, our CBD gummies contain 15mg of CBD each, and you can pair them with your own L-theanine. Where L-theanine comes from: your cup of tea L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves. It is one reason a cup of tea can feel calmer than a cup of coffee, even though both contain caffeine. A cup of green or black tea typically contains somewhere between 5mg and 30mg of L-theanine, depending on the tea and how long you brew it. Supplements usually contain much more, often 100mg to 200mg per capsule. If you drink several cups of tea a day, you are already getting some L-theanine. Supplements simply give a larger, more consistent amount. A simple daytime routine with L-theanine and CBD Many people use the two at different times of day rather than together. One routine our customers like: Start with one product at a time, so you know how each affects you, before combining them. How to choose an L-theanine or CBD supplement For L-theanine, look for a product that clearly states the amount per capsule and lists few other ingredients. For CBD, look for the amount of CBD in mg, a batch lab report and an Irish or EU company behind the product. Whichever you choose, avoid products that promise to treat anxiety or any other condition. Food supplements cannot make those claims, and a seller that does is cutting corners. Frequently asked questions Is L-theanine or CBD better for sleep? CBD is more commonly used as part of an evening routine. L-theanine has one small study showing better sleep quality over four weeks. Some people take both. For sleep, you may also like our guide to CBD and magnesium. Does L-theanine make you tired? Usually not. Most people describe it as calm but alert, which is why it is popular with