Wellness ►
Energy Drinks and Cannabis
What You Really Need to Know
by Tara Wolf, contributing writer
The variety of energy drinks lining the store shelves is impressive. Walk into any convenience store and you’ re likely to find two or more glass cases filled with a variety of energy drinks. Energy drinks began gaining popularity across the U. S. in the early 2000s. The launch of Monster Energy and Rockstar in 2001 targeted marketing toward young adults, athletes, and students. By the mid-2000s, energy drinks were widely consumed in Missouri, especially among high school and college students. Their popularity continued to grow through the 2010s, though public health concerns also led to local awareness campaigns and school bans in some districts. Dozens of new varieties are launched yearly due to evolving trends. Over 500 + unique energy drink products are actively sold worldwide.
Missouri’ s top 10 energy drinks: |
1. |
Red bull |
2. |
Monster Energy |
3. |
Rockstar |
4. |
Bang Energy |
5. |
Reign Total Body Fuel |
6. |
5-Hour Energy |
7. |
Celcius |
8. |
Alani Nu |
9. |
Ghost Energy |
10. Prime Energy |
All offered in a variety of categories:
● Caffeinated vs. Caffeine-Free
● Sugar-Free / Low-calorie options
● Natural / Organic ingredients
● Pre-Workout Blends
● Focus-enhancing / Nootropic-infused
● Non-carbonated / Juice-based options
● Energy Shots
Since the early 2000s, studies have shown both short-term and longterm effects of energy drinks on the body and brain.
Short-Term Effects:
● Increased heart rate and blood pressure
● Heightened alertness and energy
● Jitters, restlessness, and anxiety
● Dehydration
● Insomnia or disrupted sleep
● Nausea
Long-Term Effects:
● Risk of heart disease and arrhythmias
● Caffeine dependence and withdrawal symptoms
● Chronic sleep disturbances
● Increased risk of type 2 diabetes( from sugar)
● Liver Damage
Neurological and mental health effects are on the rise due to energy drinks. High doses of caffeine overstimulate the nervous system and affect the metabolic and endocrine systems. Many of these drinks contain 25-50 grams of sugar per can, leading to a cluster of conditions, including hypertension, high blood sugar, and abdominal obesity. Artificial sweeteners or high doses of niacin can cause GI distress. As a side effect of caffeine, dental issues can occur, with tooth decay and dry mouth the most common.
One of the biggest risks with energy drinks is their interaction with other substances.
● Alcohol: Combining energy drinks with alcohol masks intoxication, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning.
● Medications: Stimulants may interact negatively with antidepressants, ADHD medications, and blood pressure drugs.
Now, let’ s talk about Combining Cannabis with Energy Drinks
Some may say this is their perfect pair to get them through the day, but do you know how your body is trying to process all of this?
26 June 2025