Is CBD Addictive?

The popularity of CBD in the world of health and wellness has been increasing even further. Of course, together with its popularity, comes the idea that the compound could cure every ailment there is.  The truth is, CBD does have a ton of potential as a product. And it’s already known to have a lot of benefits that help relieve pain, anxiety, and a lot more. But the question here is, is CBD addictive or not?  Scientific evidence notes that heavy use of cannabis may increase your risk of dependence. Yet CBD itself doesn’t appear to be addictive.  Before we give you more details about the question “Is CBD addictive?”, let’s look at what CBD is first.

THC/CBD Concentrated Oil In Cartridge Closeup With Marijuana Herb & Glass Pipe On White CBD Consumption Forms

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it’s second to THC as the most common active ingredient in cannabis. While CBD is a vital element of medical cannabis, it is taken directly from the hemp plant. Hemp is the cousin of the marijuana plant.

While CBD is one of the many compounds of cannabis, on its own, it doesn’t make you high. Based on one of the WHO (World Health Organization) reports,  the compound doesn’t display potential dependence or abuse effects.

To date, there isn’t any proof of public health-related issues that are linked with the utilization of pure CBD.

So is CBD addictive? Let’s continue to find out.

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Sources of CBD

CBD based on hemp plants has little to no THC. If there are traces of it, it should be less than 0.3% according to the United States’ federal law. With that, an individual who takes CBD should not develop any withdrawal symptoms that may come from increased THC intake.

The Difference Between CBD and THC

A piece of vital information to first note of is this: cannabis consists of two primary components. These are THC or tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD or cannabidiol. THC is the compound that’s mostly known to people since it’s what produces that infamous high.

CBD doesn’t have the psychoactive effects that THC gives since the latter is largely responsible for that “high” feeling. As for CBD, it helps balance out and modulate THC together with its psychoactive properties.

Interaction of CBD with the ECS

Endocannabinoids are like the chemical compounds present in cannabis and are known as phytocannabinoids.

The two primary endocannabinoids, specifically 2-AG and anandamide, activate two varying cannabinoid receptors, which are CB-2 and CB-1.

The CB-1 receptor is mainly present in neurons found in the nervous system and the brain. Its primary function is to curb excitatory neurotransmissions.

For most of the CB-2 receptors, they’re mostly located in the peripheral nervous system and the immune cells. Specifically, they’re in areas associated with cancer and inflammation.

Because of the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids that are naturally present in cannabis can readily interplay with cannabinoid receptors. These will then adjust the physiological functions just like with endocannabinoids.

Despite this, the two cannabinoids have extremely different manners of interacting. Some of the functions regulated by the ECS include digestion, appetite, immune function, temperature, inflammation, mood, motor control, and memory. Also, it manages sleep and the response to pleasure and pain.

How CBD Functions in the ECS

CBD doesn’t bind to the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors like how THC does. Instead, CBD links to serotonin receptors, which are among the receptors that the compound interacts with.

Serotonin controls things like pain experiences, mood, and sleep functions. In addition to this, CBD also binds to the vanilloid receptors concerned with the perception of pain and inflammation.

Another way CBD interacts with our body is by connecting with the orphan receptors. These receptors play a vital role in how a person’s blood pressure is managed.

It’s also linked to bone density, reabsorption, and the migration of cancer cells.

These are just a few examples of how CBD interacts with the receptors of one’s body. It also shows the specific ways on how the compound can impact our health and wellness.

CBD and Addiction

Now, let’s see: is CBD addictive? Technically, addiction experts say that addiction is an intricate response to stimuli. Although your brain’s response to chemical stimulation plays a vital part in addiction, experts say that this isn’t the case.

Addiction is also the interrelation between activity, substance, and the different sensations one may feel. In other words, addiction may possibly be psychological.

This interplay is extremely vital in determining the answer for “is CBD addictive”.

First, CBD doesn’t have the psychoactive components that give you a “high.” CBD is also much like a supplement since its function is geared towards a therapeutic effect.

It will then activate specific receptors in the brain. Doing so will cause the user to feel relief from different conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, or depression.

In fact, studies show that the compound may possibly negate addiction. Not only that, but it can also aid in the recovery process in numerous ways.

Some tests also had people increase their intake doses of CBD to 1,500mg daily. The results? CBD didn’t cause any symptoms or issues related to drug dependency.

The reason for this is because CBD doesn’t give a euphoric high. Plus, to answer the question “is CBD addictive”, the answer is definitely no. It isn’t.

Yet if you’re concerned about addiction, it’s best to be cautious when sourcing CBD. That’s because CBD with increased THC concentrations could give that high experience.

CBD Could Help Fight Addiction

In recent years, CBD has acquired lots of attention because of its potential drug treatment and alcohol abuse control. Literature targets the pharmacotherapeutic potential of the compound when it comes to preventing relapse in drug use.

It is claimed that CBD is efficient in aiming for the risk states of drug use relapse. It’s done by decreasing stress and anxiety that’s related to drug use, and mediating anti-depressant activities.

Not only that, but CBD also has a positive impact on the brain’s circuitry. It’s responsible for seeking behaviors and drug craving triggered by stress and drug-linked context.

Evidence shows that CBD can also be utilized to combat the negative side effects of THC like cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

In a report from 2013, researchers gave CBD to a young woman who had cannabis withdrawal syndrome. It was administered over a ten-day period, which then resulted in decreased withdrawal symptoms.

Another study was conducted in 2010 then published in Neuropsychopharmacology. Here, almost a hundred cannabis users were examined.

The test was to determine what role CBD:THC ratios played in increasing the effects of drugs. It was also to include attentional intolerance to drug stimuli.

Compared to smokers who utilized low CBD strains, the study discovered that those using increased CBD strains displayed notable results. They had a decrease in attentional bias to food and drug stimuli. Aside from this, it showed a reduction in self-rated appreciation of the cannabis stimuli.

The research team of this test concluded that the compound has a huge potential as a treatment for cannabis reliance. Plus, it could offer potential medication for other addictive ailments.

Current research also shows that CBD aids in thwarting a person’s addiction to other dangerous substances. These include opioids and tobacco.

Another study in 2013  was published in Addictive Behaviors. It exhibited the efficiency of CBD as a means to decrease cigarette and tobacco consumption.

Almost 25 tobacco smokers were observed during the experiment, and research gave half of the participants a CBD inhaler. The other half received a placebo instead.

Here, those with inhalers were instructed to use it when they felt the need to smoke.  Over the week-long experiment, those who utilized the CBD inhaler decreased the number of cigarettes they smoked by about 40%.

For those participants with the placebo, they displayed no notable differences with their cigarette use.

How Does CBD Combat Addiction

THC primarily binds to the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors. With that, it’s important to note that the receptors are found in the peripheral and central nervous systems.

It makes sense that taking THC can alter one’s memory, perception, and concentration. Thus, leaving people using it feeling intoxicated.

Cannabidiol primarily binds to the body’s other numerous receptors, which explains why the compound doesn’t cause any intoxication.

Moreover, the compound doesn’t cause any intoxications, and it alters the manner in which THC binds to the CB-1 receptors. So when someone simultaneously takes THC and CBD in large doses, THC’s intoxicating effects are weakened.

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Risks of Using CBD

Is CBD addictive? No. And while it isn’t, there’s still a challenge linked to it. That’s determining if the CBD-based product you’re purchasing comes from a reputable brand or company.

If you find that the CBD product you purchased consists of increased THC levels, that’s a different story.

The highest risk in purchasing store-bought CBD products is it can contain THC despite what is advertised on the label. Generally, the possible benefits of CBD-based products can be acquired via reliable, safe and efficient means.

Remember, that no matter what product you’re purchasing, quality matters. Low-grade CBD-based products may not offer adequate levels and benefits offered by top-notch and trusted brands.

Aside from having THC content, take note of the side effects that you may experience. These include drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, reduced appetite, and diarrhea.

If you’re taking specific medications, using CBD can also cause adverse reactions.

With that, it’s vital to understand the various CBD products that are available. Plus, it’s also efficient to determine which products are there that best suits your needs.

Also, remember that taking CBD should be done regularly and not only when needed. It should be a part of your daily routine for your body to acquire what it needs to maintain homeostasis.

How to Choose CBD Products

Now you know the answer to the question “is CBD addictive?”. WIth that, it’s also best for you to make the right purchases for your CBD-based products.

Selecting the best quality CBD products are vital. A lot of stores online supply a variety of goods, but that doesn’t mean they’re legit or trustworthy.

With that, here’s how to select high-quality products from trusted companies.

When purchasing, you have the right to inquire about every product you’re going to buy. That’s the reason why you should know what’s present in your CBD goods.

As a distributor of such products, these companies should know their products and what these consist of.

This makes the third-party tests extremely important when choosing your products. It’s the best way to keep companies or brands honest.

So, don’t be afraid to ask for proof that their product has undergone such tests. Remember, testing companies have no motive to deny or report ingredients in any formula.

Do a little research and check where the company or brand sources their hemp from. If it’s available, try looking for US-grown hemp since US farmers need to have a certificate from their state’s department of agriculture.

This information can be seen on the retailer/manufacturer’s website, and from their support center.

Also, search for CBD products that display the amount of CBD you’re getting. Don’t only look for the amount in the entire bottle, but for each dose.

These are usually measured in milligrams, though they can vary depending on the product’s form.

Plus, experts always suggest that beginners should start with CBD-based products containing relatively low doses.

Bottom Line – Is CBD Addictive?

Overall, is CBD addictive? The simple answer is no. CBD at a molecular-level, isn’t addictive and it doesn’t produce that infamous stoned effect that THC gives.

Using CBD won’t make you see or imagine things, nor will it give you that high. Plus, it’s not identified as being addictive.

But as mentioned earlier, be aware of the CBD products that you plan to purchase. These products may have a ton of potential benefits, the last thing you want to get is a CBD-based good with THC levels that’s over 0.3%.

This could put you at risk of going over the provided legal limit. To put it simply, you can get into trouble. Also, before trying CBD, make sure to consult a licensed physician about its safe dosages. They will also inform you of possible adverse reactions that may occur when taken with other medications.

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