CBD Oil: Weighing the Risks vs Benefits

And while the compounds have similar chemical structures, they have very different psychoactive effects. Several studies assessed the effects of CBD on the intoxication and relapse phases of psychostimulant addiction. CBD has no psychoactive contents, making them non-addictive substances. Thus, some people consider it a natural alternative to opioid-based medication for managing inflammation, chronic pain, diabetes, and epilepsy(5). Existing research also demonstrates that CBD oil could help thwart addiction to other dangerous substances, such as tobacco or opioids. A 2013 study published in Addictive Behaviors looked at the effectiveness of CBD as a way to reduce tobacco cigarette consumption.

Other substances

• Since THC can be addictive and numerous CBD products contain varying levels of THC, the question of whether CBD oil is addictive can depend on where the CBD comes from.
• Further studies are clearly necessary to fully evaluate the potential of CBD as an intervention for addictive disorders.
• CBD oil should not contain more than 0.3% THC, so it does not typically cause a feeling of euphoria—so many people assume it’s safe, although it may not be, especially for specific populations.
• Among nine healthy male volunteers, the subjects who took CBD had lower blood pressure, decreased stroke volume, increased heart rate, and a blunted forearm skin blood flow.
• CBD oil with THC levels above 0.3% is only available in states with medical or adult-use cannabis legalization.
• It contributed data to estimates of event rates but did not contribute data to the calculation of OR.

Substances that lead to dependence and addiction affect the pleasure centers of the brain, often making it so that people need to consume a substance to avoid experiencing symptoms of withdrawal. In many cases, people may also need to use more and more of a drug in order to continue experiencing the same euphoric effects that they initially felt. CBD’s burgeoning popularity has been fueled in part by the compound’s purported mental health-boosting properties. However, some people may hesitate to use such products for fear that CBD might have the same potential for addiction as cannabis. CBD derived from non-hemp varieties of cannabis Sativa is legal in some but not all states.

Is Withdrawal From CBD Difficult?

On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD contains only most of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, except THC. CBD-infused products are widely available in different forms(26), making it imperative to understand CBD. However, no standard analytic method is used to test suitability and accuracy. Customers can verify a product’s concentration and potency through its lab results or certificate of analysis (COA).

Can CBD Help Counter Addiction?

Although evidence agrees that there are minimal or no side effects from a high-quality CBD product, consumers need to consult with their physicians before purchasing CBD products. High-dose CBD oil could potentially cause blood clotting, which may complicate hemophilia and related diseases. A 2019 study examined CBD’s potential effects in treating PTSD symptoms among 11 adult patients(23). The CBD components of the cannabis plants suppressed the main factors that lead to Alzheimer’s disease. A study examined CBD’s impact on nicotine addiction through a randomized, placebo-controlled study on smokers who wanted to quit the habit(14).

Can it be an effective/beneficial method for treating some substance use disorders?

The cannabis plant has hundreds of active chemicals, including more than 120 cannabinoids found in the stalks, seeds and flowers. Marijuana is a term used to generally refer to the dried plant form of cannabis. Some people use the term hemp when referring to cannabis, while others use the term cannabis to refer to varieties of the plant cultivated for non-drug use, such as fiber. The main difference in varieties comes down to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Hemp oil is simply one type of cannabis oil because the hemp plant is a variety of Cannabis sativa plants. Industrial hemp contains high CBD levels, which explains why most CBD products are hemp-derived.

• Although several studies on CBD’s health benefits exist, there is insufficient evidence to support its overall safety.
• That said, CBD has a weaker tendency (low affinity) to bind to the cannabinoid receptors, compared to THC, which may point to its low addictive potential.
• That said, using THC daily can negatively impact the endocannabinoid system, reducing the number of CB1 receptors in the brain.
• Using the CBD oil, the patient was able to maintain nonuse of marijuana.
• Keep an eye out for serious side effects like fatigue, changes in appetite, seizures, or pneumonia.

This possibility is a concern that potential customers should consider. The results indicated that CBD may inhibit cue-induced drug-seeking behaviors of animal subjects. Volkow added that CBD acts on the immune system and other brain signaling systems to help its users benefit from CBD’s purported therapeutic effects. According to Nora Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, CBD does not produce addictive and euphoric effects(6). While CBD doesn’t produce the kind of intoxicating effects THC is known for, it’s important to consider any possible CBD oil side effects. Studies have shown that CBD provides anti-inflammatory and seizure-suppressant properties, as well as the ability to reduce social anxiety.

That’s because THC does have a high frequency of binding to cannabinoid receptors, particularly within the brain where the brain’s “reward system” is located. For example, a 2022 comprehensive review of the effects of cannabinoids on normal sleep and sleep disorders showed that cannabis products have minimal to no effects on sleep and may produce negative effects in some individuals. With the legalization of hemp — which is simply cannabis with less than 0.3% THC — and hemp-derived products containing CBD, there’s potential for those products to have a significant impact on drug testing programs. Also, depending on the amount used and route of administration, these products have the potential to produce impairing drug effects. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and, in some cases, stop them altogether. Epidiolex, which primarily consists of CBD, is the first cannabis-derived medicine approved by the FDA for these conditions.

If you use certain substances for long enough, this can cause dependence on the active compounds of addictive substances in your nerve cells located in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an extensive report about the safety and efficacy of CBD, acknowledging its high safety profile. CBD is well-tolerated by humans, even in doses reaching 1,500 mg daily. Ultimately, the primary reasons why people use CBD is because it tends to have calming, relaxing, pain-reducing effects. It has been used to alleviate joint pain and nerve pain, reduce anxiety and stress, treat insomnia, improve migraines, and address nausea.

Can Interact With Other Medications

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you might be taking in order to prevent any potential drug interactions. Watch for side effects and don’t take more than the dose that your doctor recommends. is cannabidiol addictive While CBD does not appear to be addictive and may have some benefits, one large-scale review concluded that there was not enough evidence to support the use of CBD as a treatment for mental health conditions.

May 17, 2021 3:14 am
Categories: Sober Living