Is CBD Addictive?
Once you get past the first question about CBD, being can CBD get you high (more on that here) you will likely move onto the next logical question, is CBD addictive?
Addiction is a disease that affects many people around the world and is not anything to be taken lightly. When it comes to any substance you may be considering putting into your body, it is important to ask first if it is addictive, and secondly how to ensure you use it responsibly and without risk.
Most resources with information about CBD tend to have a pretty black and white response to this question, it’s essentially yes, definitely, or no, positively not.
As is our nature, we’ve tried to find a greyer interpretation, using the available evidence and anecdotal stories to create less of an answer to this question, and more of an exploration of the subject matter.
The Main Reason why CBD Products May be Addictive
One of the possible reasons CBD products may be addictive is not due to cannabinol itself, but down to another potential ingredient, THC.
If you are buying legal CBD products, then this shouldn’t be a problem, as the majority of countries in the world where CBD is legal have strict regulations on the THC content that can be contained within the industrial hemp plants that CBD is derived from, which is rarely higher than 0.3%, which isn’t enough to make any impact.
However, not all CBD products are legal, and even those that claim to be, may not follow the rules due to the limited regulation in the industry. As a result, some CBD products have a higher THC content than is legally allowed, and as THC has proven addictive properties, this could become a problem.
The Gateway Concern
Anecdotal evidence and the concerns of some who speak regularly about CBD and the industry revolve around the potential of CBD as a ‘gateway drug’. Basically, the use of CBD can lead to the use of other things, most commonly THC.
While there is some justification to these concerns, they are in fact more connected to the way CBD is consumed to the cannabinoid itself.
For example, if you are wrapping up ‘joints’ with CBD, then that habit may itself lead to the wrapping up of other things.
However, when it comes to other CBD products, CBD oil that can be taken orally, for example, there is less evidence to suggest there is any connection to the use of other substances.
In fact, there is growing interest in the possibility that the opposite may be true.
Can CBD Treat Addiction?
Now, disclaimer from the outset here, this is a discussion that is occurring, and research is being carried out, but there is no concrete evidence at this point, making this section entirely hypothetical. We are certainly not claiming that CBD will cure addiction, but the potential effects deserve discussion, in our opinion at least.
There have been early signs through scientific research to suggest the possibility of CBD having a positive impact on those who have substance use disorders. We have opted not to mention the drugs in question here, because we would consider that to be irresponsible at this early stage in the research, but it is something we are keeping a firm eye on.
If the interaction between CBD and the body’s endocannabinoid system does have a positive effect, to any agree, on addictive behaviours or cravings, then this is something that needs to be discussed in much more detail.
Therefore, every time the science takes a step forward in this regard, you can expect us to bring you the news immediately.
What’s your opinion on the addictive nature of CBD? Do you think CBD could potentially aid in the treatment of substance use disorders? Let us know in the comments below.
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Disclaimer:
The products we sell do not have proven health benefits. While research is being carried out, these products are not, and should not, be considered to be medical products.
Any information we give in these articles is taken from scientific research, but should not be considered as a statement of fact. Links and information included in these articles do not reflect the opinion of Plant & Hemp. Any link to scientific studies is for information only, and not intended as a proof of any specific fact, or to validate any specific opinion.
We are simply bringing you the information needed to make an informed decision on what you want to use CBD for, and what you are comfortable using our products for.
CBD products should not be used as a replacement for any prescribed medication.