Is CBD Oil Addictive?

There's an ever increasing amount of research pointing out the benefits of CBD. CBD is praised by many for aiding healthy lifestyles and general wellness amongst many other benefits screamed about across the globe. However, does this therefore mean it has addictive properties?

So, is CBD oil addictive?
In a word, according to current levels of research, NO!

Despite growing acceptance and recognition of CBD's potential benefits, concerns remain about the cannabinoid's power to cause addiction. This may be due to confusion between non-intoxicating CBD and its intoxicating counterpart, THC. Because of the way CBD interacts with receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system, it doesn't have the psychoactive effects of THC. In fact, CBD basically blocks THC's access to those receptors found throughout the nervous system, thereby reducing some of THC's effects.

Because CBD doesn't produce the high associated with THC, it's potential for abuse is considered limited by scientists. A March 2017 study published in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence examined details of a previous study where researchers administered various oral dosages of CBD to frequent marijuana users alone and in combination with smoked marijuana. The researchers determined that CBD had as much likelihood for abuse as the placebo in this study.      

A 2011 study concluded that CBD has a better safety profile compared to THC and other cannabinoids. Researchers found that high doses of CBD of up to 1,500 milligrams per day were well-tolerated by the human subjects. Compared with THC, CBD did not impair motor or psychological functions, nor did it alter the heart rate, blood pressure, or body temperature. 

Since THC can be addictive and numerous CBD products contain varying levels of THC, the question of whether CBD oil is addictive can depend on where the CBD comes from.

CBD derived from Hemp (Associated CBD brands), Marijuana derived CBD (Not us!)  

CBD derived from hemp plants contains little to no THC (less than 0.2% according to UK Law), and therefore should not put an individual at risk of developing cannabis withdrawal symptoms that might come from heavier THC intake. This is what our products at Assoicated CBD are derived from!

Marijuana-derived CBD is extracted from marijuana plants that are usually grown for their intoxicating properties. Unlike hemp-extracted CBD, marijuana-derived CBD oil often contains levels of THC that exceed the federal 0.3% limit. In the event the CBD oil has particularly high levels of THC, an individual could possibly experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms if the oil was used to excess.So, given we don't sell this form of derived CBD we shall leave that here :)

While  CBD doesn't produce the same addictive effects as THC, it's possible that someone who takes large amounts of CBD on a daily basis could experience side effects such as changes in sleep, inflammation, and anxiety if they quit suddenly. So be sensible, and consult a doctor if you are concerned.

CBD could actually help fight addiction...

Evidence suggests that CBD could also be used to help combat the adverse effects of THC, such as cannabis withdrawal symptoms. In a 2013 report, researchers administered CBD to a 19-year-old woman with cannabis withdrawal syndrome over a ten day period, which effectively resulted in reduced withdrawal symptoms. Another study, conducted in 2010 and published in Neuropsychopharmacology, examined a total of 94 cannabis users to see what role CBD-to-THC ratios played in reinforcing the effects of drugs and implicit attentional bias to drug stimuli. Compared with smokers of low-CBD strains, the study found that smokers of high-CBD strains showed reduced attentional bias to drug and food stimuli, as well as lower self-rated liking of cannabis stimuli. The research team concluded that “CBD has potential as a treatment for cannabis dependence” and could offer a potential treatment for other addictive disorders. 

Existing research also demonstrates that CBD oil could help thwart addiction to other dangerous substances, such as tobacco or opioids. A 2013 study published in Addictive Behaviors looked at the effectiveness of CBD as a way to reduce tobacco cigarette consumption. Observing a total of 24 tobacco smokers, researchers gave half of the subjects an inhaler of CBD and the other half a placebo, instructing them to use the inhaler when they felt the need to smoke. Over a week long period, those treated with CBD reduced the number of cigarettes smoked by 40%, while those with the placebo showed no notable difference.

CBD has also demonstrated the potential to curb the use of other addictive substances. In a preclinical animal study published in Neuropsychopharmacology on March 22, 2018, researchers applied CBD gel to lab rats that had a history of voluntary alcohol or cocaine use and showcased addiction-like behavior. The study concluded that CBD was effective in reducing drug use in the rodents, and also reduced common side effects of drug dependency, such as anxiety and impulsivity. 

This non-intoxicating cannabinoid has also shown promise in human models. A May 2019 study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, found that CBD could be effective in reducing cravings associated with heroin addiction. To conduct the study, researchers recruited 42 adults who had been using heroin for an average of 13 years. The subjects were divided into three groups: one group was given 800 milligrams of CBD, another 400 milligrams of CBD, and another a placebo. Compared with the placebo, those who were administered CBD significantly reduced both the craving and anxiety induced by the drug cues.

Final word from us at Associated CBD

The science to date suggests CBD is not addictive, but has clearly gained a questionable reputation from the wider environment with its connotations to THC and from its origins from hemp and more significantly marijuana.To state again, we only sell CBD derived from the Hemp plant at associatedcbd.co.uk and partner with some of the best brands in the industry. If you have more questions, please reach out to us at hello@associatedcbd.co.uk and of course if you wish to try our high quality products, you know where they are!