Is CBD Addictive?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the cannabis plant, but is CBD addictive? Learn more about CBD and its effects here.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) has gone mainstream as more people seek alternative health treatments for their medical conditions. Its popularity has continued to skyrocket, and CBD sales are projected to rise worldwide. While many people may mistake CBD for marijuana, there is a distinction between both.
CBD is the second most common active ingredient in the cannabis plant, with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) first. In addition, CBD is a vital component of medical marijuana, derived directly from the hemp plant.
Is CBD Addictive

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Is CBD Addictive?

Unlike marijuana, which can lead to addiction, current research indicates that CBD is well tolerated, as it has a low risk of addiction and withdrawal. In fact, a few studies have found CBD to be an effective craving suppressant to tobacco and heroin under certain conditions.1

In addition, some preliminary studies show that CBD holds significant promise in treating cocaine and methamphetamine addiction, such as reducing withdrawal symptoms, seizures, cravings, impulsivity, and paranoia.2

How Is Cannabidiol Different From Marijuana?

CBD and marijuana share some similarities; however, there are some key differences between the two.

Marijuana

  • Marijuana is another name for the cannabis plant
  • Contains high amounts of the psychoactive ingredient THC

Cannabidiol

  • CBD is a cannabinoid that can be derived from cannabis and hemp plants
  • More commonly extracted from hemp as it contains very low levels of THC (less than or equal to 0.3%)

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

Research on the potential benefits of CBD is still ongoing. However, some suggest that CBD has the following benefits:

Improves Anxiety

Statistics show that 49% of people who use CBD do so to help manage their anxiety. CBD can reduce anxiety by interacting with the 5HT1 receptor, a serotonin subtype. Serotonin is known for enhancing mood and increasing feelings of happiness.3

Combat Depression

Depression, alongside anxiety, is a mental health condition that can greatly affect people’s day-to-day lives. According to research, CBD has shown great promise in treating depression due to it interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain.4

Serotonin influences various bodily functions, including a person’s emotional state and feeling of well-being. The goal of using CBD for depression is to keep serotonin levels balanced.

Mitigates Inflammation

Studies have shown CBD to help reduce chronic and inflammatory pain by influencing endocannabinoid receptor activity and decreasing inflammation. Similarly, several studies reveal that a combination of CBD and THC effectively manages pains related to arthritis.5

Regulates the Immune System

The immune system comprises cells, tissues, and organs that eliminate foreign particles and Invaders. Some studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system may work to alert the body of incorrect autoimmune responses. This happens when defense cells end up attacking healthy organs and tissues. As a result, CBD can treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis disease.6

Is CBD Safe?

CBD is safe to take in prescribed doses; nonetheless, it is recommended to talk to a doctor or healthcare provider before using CBD to ensure it is safe and appropriate. Many people tolerate CBD well, and it won’t get you a high due to the very low levels of THC.

Pregnant and Nursing Mothers Should Not Use Cannabis Products ​

Experts do not consider CBD safe to use while pregnant. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly warns pregnant and nursing mothers against using cannabis products, including CBD. They believe it could pose a serious risk to the fetus and baby of nursing mothers who use CBD.

How Can CBD Be Taken? ​

People can take CBD by using the following ways: 

Sublingually

Place oil under the tongue and let it remain there for up to a minute before swallowing. 

Orally

CBD can be consumed by mouth via capsules or by adding CBD oil to food.

Topically

Lotions infused with CBD can be applied to the skin’s surface. 

Inhalation

Some forms of CBD, such as hemp-derived vape cartridges, can be inhaled. 

Why Do People Use CBD?

People use CBD to gain relief from the following medical conditions:

  • Chronic pain
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Cancer
  • Cancer
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Addiction
  • Glaucoma
  • Arthritis

How Does CBD Interact With the Body?

CBD works by interacting with several receptors in the body. CBD targets receptors in the brain and enhances how the body utilizes existing cannabinoids. Like most substances and drugs, taking more than the prescribed amount can have adverse effects. However, large doses of CBD are likely to cause dizziness or nausea, and it’s not fatal. A study revealed that the toxic dose of CBD is around 20,000 mg if ingested simultaneously.7

Effects of CBD​

  • Seizures
  • Anxiety
  • Changes in appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Fertility problems
  • Nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness
  • Mood changes

What Is the Difference Between CBD and THC?

CBD and THC affect different receptors in the brain—THC binds with receptors mostly in the brain, and CBD interacts and binds with other receptors and ion channels. As a result, CBD does not have psychoactive effects and cannot produce a high.

THC is most commonly derived from marijuana, and CBD is commonly extracted from hemp. Both cannabinoids are found in marijuana and hemp, but marijuana contains larger levels of THC while hemp contains very little. So, this is why marijuana is associated with psychoactive effects, as it has higher traces of THC, and CBD is frequently associated with therapeutic effects, as it contains small amounts of THC. 

Is CBD addictive

Difference Between CBD and THC Dosage

Due to its non psychoactive nature, there is no universally agreed dosage for CBD, and people may react differently to various dosages of CBD.

On the other hand, there are dosages for THC. A standard unit of THC is 5 mg. Most cannabis manufacturers offer their recommendations for how much THC to take. Experts suggest starting at 2.5 mg of THC. They also suggest not exceeding 40 mg of THC per day. 

Drug Testing for CBD and THC

THC is the primary psychoactive substance in marijuana, and it can be detected on the majority of standard drug tests. CBD can also be detected, but many drug tests are not designed to detect CBD.

The Legality of CBD and THC

THC is still included in the US Controlled Substances Act, which is not legal under federal law. However, some states allow recreational and medical use of marijuana and THC-containing products. In addition, hemp-based CBD products are legal in the US and most parts of the world.

Treatment at Concise Recovery

At Concise Recovery, we offer proven and trusted therapies for addiction that allow our clients to attain long-term recovery. In addition, our residential treatment programs, also known as inpatient care, involve compassionate and supportive care from highly qualified staff as clients undergo their treatment plans. 

Contact us today at Concise Recovery to learn more about our treatment options and how we can help.

Resources

  1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31315244/
  3. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1182688/leading-reasons-why-american-adults-use-cbd/
  4. https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/cbd-and-depression/126363/
  5. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/22/8870/pdf
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173676/
  7. https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/take-too-much-cbd/71920/