CBD has grown in popularity since the Farm Bill and federal legalization in 2018, especially within the world of health and wellness. There are many questions asked about the potential risks and benefits of CBD for public health-related problems, and ongoing misconceptions regarding whether it’s safe to use daily or possibly even addictive.
Understanding any cannabis-derived products that affect the body and mind before starting use is an essential step. Read on to find out more regarding CBD and addiction.
Table of Contents
What is CBD
Cannabidiol CBD is a chemical found in marijuana, and the cannabis plant is used to manage various health conditions such as inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
CBD can come from hemp and marijuana plants; however, hemp-derived CBD products do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical in marijuana that causes psychoactive effects referred to as a high.
CBD from Hemp
Hemp oil has a higher CBD content than marijuana-derived CBD, and many CBD products contain hemp-derived CBD. Hemp seed oil comes from the Cannabis Sativa family and has long been used to make clothing, paper, and cloth for medical purposes.
CBD from Marijuana
CBD is found in all strains of cannabis, both Indica, and Sativa. Marijuana contains a much higher THC content than hemp and contains other chemicals that can aid and bolster the therapeutic benefits of CBD. A cannabis Sativa plant will also have higher levels of pure CBD than hemp plants.
The Basics of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant and are produced naturally by the human body. We have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that internally produces cannabinoids. These compounds are essential to maintaining internal balance through many different body systems.
Cannabinoids interact with our ECS to help maintain functional balance through a system of messenger molecules and receptors. Sleep, energy, cardiovascular function, reproduction, stress, chronic pain, motivation, appetite, digestion, and more are some bodily functions that cannabinoids impact.
CBD vs THC
CBD can be derived from hemp or marijuana, while THC only comes from marijuana cannabis plants. While CBD and THC cannabinoids are present in both the hemp flower and marijuana plant matter, hemp tends to have more CBD and a less potent level of THC. This results in more minor psychoactive effects and more therapeutic, medicinal benefits.
Health Benefits
A recent study was performed on smokers to see if cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption. It showed that CBD reduced the number of cigarettes smoked by 40 percent compared to placebo-treated patients.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that CBD oil can have medical benefits for those who suffer from health conditions such as:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders
- Inflammatory Bowel disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain & Neuropathic Pain
- Nervous system disorders
- Low & High Blood Pressure
- Severe forms of Insomnia
- Epilepsy
- Seizures, Dravet syndrome, Lennox Gastaut Syndrome
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence-withdrawal symptoms from alcohol abuse, substance use disorders, psychostimulant addiction, heroin addiction, or other drug addiction.
- Cancer treatment; drug and food stimuli for chemotherapy patients
- Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Take a look at some of the benefits of using a CBD oil:
- chronic pain relief- reduce inflammation
- helps relieve cancer-related symptoms- nausea, loss of appetite
- can alleviate mental disorder symptoms- anxiety and depression
- promote healthier sleep patterns- may eliminate insomnia
Potential Risks
CBD is typically well-tolerated by the human body, although it can cause adverse effects like dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and drowsiness.
CBD can also cause adverse events from drug interactions with prescription medications (blood thinners or blood pressure drugs) or dietary supplements, so be sure to seek professional medical advice if you’re on current medications and considering CBD use.
CBD and the brain
CBD does not have the same psychoactive effect on most people as THC. There is no mental state of euphoria or intoxicated type feeling. CBD does not interact with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain that THC and other cannabinoids do. Instead, CBD induces the brain’s endocannabinoid system to create more natural cannabinoids and then slows down the chemical breakdown in the brain.
CBD could also have some neuroprotective properties and has been shown to slow some degeneration of neurons. CBD works as a natural pain suppressant and increases the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain. This increased activity positively affects pain, reduces anxiety disorders, stress, depression, sleep disorders, and obesity, among other things.
What does the ECS do?
The endocannabinoid system regulates and controls learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. This vital system is currently at the center of renewed international research and drug development.
Is CBD addictive when used daily?
While cannabidiol interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD does not have THC’s same psychological symptoms. Research suggests it is reasonably safe and is well tolerated at doses up to 1,500 mg with little to no negative consequences or risk of substance abuse.
Unlike THC, CBD does not bring about psychoactive effects. And while heavy marijuana use can lead to dependence, current preclinical studies suggest that CBD is not an addictive substance, nor does it promote addictive behaviors in people.
The World Health Organization has concluded that CBD exhibits no effects that indicate abuse or dependence potential in humans. There is no preliminary evidence of an immune system or a substance use disorder associated with the use of pure CBD.
What is Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome?
Research is polarized regarding cannabis withdrawal syndrome, as many feel that cannabis addiction is not possible. However, some frequent marijuana users have reported feelings of withdrawal after stopping heavy use. As with most cannabis-related issues, more research is needed, and it greatly depends on the individual.
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms may include addictive behaviors such as emotional distress (irritability/anger/depression), difficulty sleeping, and decreased appetite. For frequent marijuana smokers, the cannabis dependence symptoms can begin within the first seven days of abstinence and typically cease after a few weeks.
Can CBD help with addiction symptoms?
Clinical data from a recent study by the Recovery Research Institute concluded that:
This study showed that CBD, compared to placebo, helped decrease the cue-induced craving and anxiety of individuals with heroin use disorder. Many people with opioid use disorders seek alternative treatments to curb cravings and reduce stress and are reluctant to try agonist treatments such as methadone or suboxone.
This particular study suggests individuals with drug addiction may benefit from EPIDIOLEX, the FDA-approved CBD addiction medicine. Still, more extensive studies are needed to confirm this as clinical evidence. Individuals seeking to use cannabis, in general, for opioid addiction should proceed cautiously as with any pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD dose
The right CBD dose depends on many things. Factors include the quality and content of CBD contained as well as the tolerance and experience level of the individual. A person’s weight and metabolism can even play a role.
We recommend beginning with smaller doses to see how your body reacts first. Smaller quantities start around 20 mg of CBD daily, and you can always increase to high doses as you feel comfortable.
How do I use CBD products?
CBD products come in many forms. It can be ingested, taken sublingually, taken in pill form, used in a tincture, hemp oil, and smoked and vaporized.
What is a strain?
Cannabis strains are considered to be a pure or hybrid genetic variation of the plant Genus Cannabis. There are three species: Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Ruderalis is not as popularly known; however, it is a derivative of cannabis with the lowest THC levels.
Although they are popular among the medical marijuana community, hybrids are not considered a species as they are made of Sativa and Indica, with typically one or the other dominating the gene pool.
Best high CBD strains
CBD-rich strains can be used as preventative medicine and can help with stress, nausea, joint pain, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, arthritis, anxiety, depression, moodiness, and general pain relief.
Harlequin
Harlequin is one of the Sativa dominant hybrids that crosses Swiss Sativas, Nepalesian Indicas, Thai Sativas & Colombia. The typical THC/CBD ratio is nearly a 1:1 ratio making it a reasonably high CBD strain. Harlequin contains 7-95% THC & 10% CBD. This large percentage results in an intoxicating intensity that makes your mind wander and promotes creativity.
Users claim that the benefits from this cannabis strain provide them with a relaxing and enjoyable mental state, free from anxiety, without the feelings of exhaustion and irritability afterward.
Cannatonic
Cannatonic is a popular medical marijuana strain. It’s a hybrid cross between MK Ultra and G-13 Haze. This earthy strain is known for its healing components and is a novel treatment sure to leave you feeling happy and uplifted.
This hybrid marijuana strain has 17 percent CBD and only 6 percent THC, making it ideal for those looking for medicinal benefits without the intense high. Although it can give you dry eyes and mouth, it’s one of the better strains for vegging out on the couch.
It’s beneficial for patients with IBS, migraines, and those needing pain alternatives for neuropathic symptoms.
Ringo’s Gift
Ringo’s Gift is named after its breeder, Lawrence Ringo. It’s regularly used as an effective treatment for skincare products due to the 24 percent CBD content. This is the perfect weed for salves, balms, and lotions with anti-inflammatory and pain relief qualities.
ACDC
This strain is a relaxing, CBD-heavy hybrid plant. It has a unique flavor profile that’s both earthy and sweet. It offers a feeling of happiness and relaxation while relieving some peripheral neuropathic problems and chronic pain. There’s a subtle high associated, but you should remain clear-headed, just without as much pain.
Frisian Dew
This is a nearly perfect 50/50 hybrid with a low THC content. This strain is helpful in social settings because it assists in staying present and letting your creativity shine through to come up with interesting questions and keep the conversation going with others. Frisian Dew is a good option because of its balance of Indica and Sativa.
Critical Cure is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain that has a lovely balance of CBD and THC percentages at around eight percent each. It’s quick-acting and long-lasting with mildly psychoactive effects. This descendant of Critical Kush will be sure to relieve tension, ease muscles, and provide a sense of satisfaction. It can offset the effects of human experimental anxiety from caffeine, nicotine, and other legal substances.
Charlotte’s Web
It’s an excellent strain for those seeking all the medicinal benefits and pain relief of cannabis without the high. It’s known to be a neuroprotective strain for those prone to seizures. This medicinal cannabis strain is anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory, and significantly helps those who experience pain regularly.
Best CBD oil dispensary products
- CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
- Charlotte’s Web 60-mg CBD oil
- cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture
- Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture
- Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Is CBD Non-Addictive and Safe for Managing Everyday Aches and Pains?
Yes, CBD for pain relief is non-addictive and safe for managing everyday aches and pains. Many people use CBD as an alternative to traditional pain medications due to its natural properties. It can help alleviate discomfort without the risk of addiction or harmful side effects.
Farm Bill 2018
The Farm Bill of 2018 made cannabidiol CBD legal in the United States. Low-THC and hemp-derived CBD products have been approved by the FDA as a practical option for seizures and are often used to help patients with epilepsy. Research is ongoing to learn more about the therapeutic properties and health effects of CBD.
CBD derived from non-hemp varieties of cannabis Sativa is legal in some but not all states. So, the legality of CBD depends on one’s location and the type of CBD used. Individual states have different laws on the medical use of non-hemp-derived CBD oil and how they regulate CBD products in general.
Final Thoughts- Is CBD Oil Addictive?
CBD can have various health benefits, from pain management to helping with cancer symptoms; CBD is utilized in many different forms and settings. Clinical trials on the uses and effects that CBD exhibits remain ongoing, so it’s important to discuss its use with a trusted healthcare provider, especially if you are currently battling drug or alcohol addiction.
Leafy Mate can assist you with getting a medical card, connect you with providers in your area, and find the best deals on high-quality CBD products.
