IS CBD OIL ADDICTIVE?

IS CBD OIL ADDICTIVE?

To answer the question of whether or not CBD oil is addictive, this article will examine the following topics in more detail, we will also offer some advice when it comes to purchasing CBD products.

• Research conducted into the addictive potential of CBD.
• Marijuana-derived CBD v Hemp-derived CBD. What is the difference?
• THC, CBD and the entourage effect.
• Can CBD prove helpful in tackling addiction to other substances?
• Interaction with blood thinners and other side effects.
• What questions should you ask before purchasing a CBD product?

As demand for CBD increases, researchers have begun to put together a significant body of work that shows the many benefits of its usage. These studies into the benefits of CBD indicate that it has seizure suppressant and anti-inflammatory properties among many other potential benefits.. Research also indicates it helps with reducing the impact of social anxiety. But is CBD itself addictive?

There is a growing group of countries all around the globe that have legalized the usage of CBD(cannabidiol). Since Canada passed The Cannabis Act legalizing cannabis usage among adults, all marijuana-derived and hemp-derived CBD are now legal throughout the country.

The European Union (EU) has legalized the cultivation of hemp as long as it produces a THC content below 0.2%. Many South American countries have followed suit. Many are loosening restrictions placed upon CBD oil as well as medical marijuana. Chile has established a full-scale medical marijuana program, with Brazil and Mexico legalizing the distribution of all CBD products to be used for certain medical conditions.

Despite its legalization, the growing recognition, and acceptance of its potential benefits. Some concerns remain about the potential addictiveness of the cannabinoid (CBD). This is primarily down to a level of confusion that exists between the intoxicating effects THC(another by-product of Hemp and Cannabis) and non-intoxicating CBD. 

There is a lack of education surrounding the ways in which CBD interacts with a body's endocannabinoid system and specifically the receptors in this system. CBD does not have any of the psychoactive effects of THC. in fact research has shown that CBD act as a blocker to the effects of THC restricting it's access to these receptors, this barrier effectively reduces the effects of THC.

Research conducted into the addictive potential of CBD

Scientists have concluded that the potential for CBD oils to be abused is unlikely, as it does not produce the highs that are closely associated with THC. An extensive study published in March 2017 in the Journal of Alcohol and Drug dependency examined the effects of CBD. Studying the results of a previous study, where doses of CBD were given to admitted frequent marijuana users. The CBD was taken in combination with smoked marijuana. The research study concluded participants were as likely to abuse a placebo as they were to abuse CPD. 

Further research conducted in 2011 into the safety of CBD. Compared to THC and other cannabinoids, it concluded that the subjects of the study could comfortably tolerate up to 1500 mg of CBD on a daily basis. This would be considered quite a high dosage and did not in any way impair their psychological or motor functions, nor did this affect their body temperature, blood pressure, or heart rate. 

A question does remain to be answered, as a wide variety of CBD products contain small levels of THC. Is it possible for someone to become dependent on CBD due to the THC levels? The key to answering this question surrounds where the CBD oil has been sourced and how it has been manufactured? 

Marijuana-derived CBD v Hemp-derived CBD. what is the difference?

As CBD oils can be sourced from both marijuana and hemp you can either get a CBD that has little no THC or one that has a potentially higher level.

Hemp plants used to produce CBD contains virtually no THC (far less than the 0.3% mandated by US federal law). These low levels of THC would indicate that the risk to an individual of developing a THC dependency or any of the known cannabis withdrawal symptoms by using Hemp-based CBD would be extremely low. 

Marijuana plants are specifically cultivated for their intoxicating effects of THC, any CBD extracted from these plants often contains higher THC levels. These usually far exceed the federally-mandated limits. If you choose to consume a CBD product that has been derived from a marijuana plant there is a possibility that you will experience some kind of withdrawal symptoms. Especially, if you use this oil in excessive amounts.

It's important to note that CBD oils with high THC levels above 0.3% are only available for sale and distribution in states where either the use of cannabis is legal for adults, or where you can legally purchase medical marijuana. Early indications from the extensive research conducted show that CBD is not addictive But if you consume large amounts of CBD, especially if it's derived from a cannabis plant instead of a hemp plant you might experience some side effects. 

Researchers agree that CBD usage does not have the same side effects as THC. They do clearly state that if you use a large quantity of CBD, might experience some side effects. Mainly if you suddenly quit usage, you may experience changes in anxiety levels, your ability to sleep and increased inflammation. 

Using a product that is a combination of CBD and THC produces what Scientists refer to as the Entourage effect. The presence of both cannabinoids actually boosts the therapeutic benefits and reduces the negative side effects. One such study conducted in 2010 hoped to relieve the pain in cancer patients. It found that a combination of CBD and THC was far more effective and helped treat patients' pain than combining a placebo with the THC. 

Can CBD prove helpful in tackling addiction to other substances?

In 2013 researchers published a report that suggests CBD can be very useful in helping combat the addictive effects of THC. It's especially useful in the treatment of cannabis withdrawal symptoms. As part of the study, CBD was administered to a 19-year-old patient suffering from cannabis withdrawal syndrome. She was given daily doses of CBD over a 10-day period. The study showed that she suffered a significant reduction in withdrawal symptoms. 

Neuropsychopharmacology conducted a study in 2010 where they examined the habits of 94 cannabis users. Studying the role that different THC to CBD ratios had in reinforcing the attentional bias to the drug stimuli and the effects of the drugs themselves. 

The results of the study indicated that participants who smoked strains of cannabis known to have higher CBD levels exhibited much reduced attentional bias to both the food stimuli and the drug When compared to those who smoked strains known to have low CBD levels. In other words, users of the cannabis strains that had a higher known CBD level exhibited much lower levels of what we know as “The Munchies”. A term used to describe an increased appetite which is a sometimes uncontrollable urge to eat after smoking cannabis.

The findings of this research teamwork included, CBD could have the potential to treat addictive disorders including the treatment of cannabis dependence Research continues into the role of CBD oil in helping thwart addiction, especially to other dangerous substances such as opioids and tobacco.

A study conducted in 2013 into the effectiveness of using CBD reduced addictive behaviors such as tobacco chewing or smoking. The research observed 24 tobacco users half of which were giving CBD inhalers and the other half got a placebo. They were instructed to use the inhaler whenever they felt like smoking. over the space of a week those who receive the CBD inhaler reduced their consumption of tobacco products by 40%, while those with the placebo exhibited no noticeable changes in behavior.

Can CBD be used to treat people with cannabis dependency?

As we mentioned above, using CBD has demonstrated potential in the treatment of tobacco and opioid addiction. A further preclinical animal study published on March 22nd 2018 in Psychopharmacology showed researchers applying CBD gel to lab rats. All the rats were thought to have developed an unhealthy dependency on cocaine and alcohol. The findings from The study concluded that taking CBD reduced the rats' need to consume either alcohol or cocaine. They also showed a reduction in many of the common side effects of the dependency on the substances including impulsivity and anxiety. 

In current human research trials CBD has also shown even more promise. An article published in the Journal of American psychiatry in May 2019 showed that CBD has been helpful in reducing cravings associated with addiction to heroin. 42 people who suffered from heroin addiction a minimum of 13 years were selected for the study. They were divided into three study groups. The first group received 800 mg of CBD daily, the second 400 mg of CBD daily, while the others were given a placebo. When compared to the placebo group two groups who have been administered significant amounts of CBD both showed more manageable cravings and a much-reduced level of anxiety. 

What are the known side effects of CBD usage?

As we now know CBD does not have any of the intoxicating effects associated with THC. However there are some possible side effects to using CBD oil.

According to research conducted by the Mayo clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center in the US. CBD usage has the potential to cause some adverse effects including fatigue, diarrhea , reduced appetite, dry mouth and drowsiness. Studies conducted on CBD hepatotoxicity in lab mice conducted by the University of Arkansas showed that excessive consumption of the cannabinoid led to an elevated risk of toxicity in the liver.

Anyone taking the medication Epidiolexto treat epilepsy, which is a FDA approved CBD based product will be aware of the potential side effects ice. CBD is effective in reducing drug use, and also reduces common side effects of drug dependency, such as anxiety and impulsivity. 

Interaction with blood thinners and other side effects

A study conducted in 1993 found that CBD had a negative interaction with an enzyme called cytochrome p450. This enzyme is responsible for eliminating up to 80% of pharmaceutical drugs from the human system. Researchers showed that CBD worked as an effective blocker for these enzymes and prevented them from metabolizing by breaking down in the liver. While this had a positive effect of allowing many patients to take much lower doses of prescription drugs. This positive was majorly outweighed by other results, which showed that it led to a toxic build-up of certain chemicals in the liver.

What questions should you ask before purchasing a CBD product?

Question #1: Are you able to provide a certificate of analysis or are the third-party lab results to verify the CBD content of your product?

Question #2: Are these CBD products produced from marijuana or from industrial hemp?

Question #3: Where do you source your hemp from?

Question #4: How do you extract the spear CBD from the hemp?

Question #5: Does the product use hemp seed oil or hemp oil?

Question #6: What percentage of CBD does your product contain? and what is your recommended daily dosage?

When you are purchasing CBD for the first time or any other time it is essential that you understand how much CBD is optimal for your body weight. CBD is not a one-size-fits-all product and you need to know what percentage is contained in the product you take before consumption. When the oil is extracted from a cannabis plant it contains a wide variety of different compounds. How much CBD is just wondering if some other compounds have their own unique abilities? This is why we would recommend purchasing a full spectrum product. 

We hope that our article on CBD oil and addiction will prove helpful. research has concluded that CBD is a non-addictive substance and there's little or no danger to people consuming it. as with any new medicine, it should never be taken without first consulting your physician to ensure that it will not interfere with any of the medicines you are currently taking. People on blood thinners should be especially careful when consuming CBD.