When you hear CBD, what comes to mind is most often cannabis, marijuana, or hemp. All these names have different meanings, which sometimes may not be clear. So it’s little wonder why some persons are confused about the effects of CBD, seeing as you can buy CBD products such as legal THC from almost anywhere currently. Is CBD addictive? What are its effects? Will CBD get a person high? The list of questions goes on and on.
There is a growing amount of research centered on CBD and its benefits. Results from these research studies are encouraging and point to CBD as a potential treatment option for various diseases. Because of that, many countries, including the United States, are loosening restrictions that prevent the legal use of CBD.
Despite its progress and recognition in the wellness niche, there are tons of questions surrounding CBD usage. This article discusses any concerns you might have about CBD’s ability to cause an addiction.
What is CBD? Is it Addictive?
Before we answer your question on CBD addiction, let’s first explain what CBD is.
CBD is the short term for cannabidiol, one of the common cannabinoids in cannabis. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds present in cannabis plants. There are over hundreds of cannabinoids. However, CBD and THC are most abundant and predominant.
THC and CBD have different psychoactive effects. THC is an addictive cannabinoid and causes intoxicating effects such as a mind-altering high. So, what about the second predominant compound? Is CBD addictive?
Use of CBD, on the other hand, is a non-habit-forming cannabinoid. CBD does not produce any intoxicating results. Because of this, it doesn’t appear to have any effects related to addiction.
According to the World Health Organization in a 2017 Pre-Review report, there are no cases of abuse or dependence with the use of CBD.
You can buy CBD in different forms, from CBD oil, gummies, topicals to vapes. The use of CBD is legal as far it doesn’t exceed an amount of THC. In the United States, the THC content of any CBD product must not exceed 0.3%. While in the European Union, THC content must not be more than 0.2%.
CBD is Not Marijuana
CBD is different from marijuana. While CBD is a component of marijuana, it’s predominant in hemp plants.
CBD is present both in hemp and marijuana, two varieties of the cannabis plant. Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD than THC, which is why most CBD products are hemp-derived. Conversely, marijuana has a higher amount of THC.
In terms of legal status, marijuana remains illegal at a federal level in the United States. It’s only legal in states with medical marijuana programs and legalized recreational use.
The Presence of THC in CBD Products
THC is the most prevalent compound in marijuana. This cannabinoid is also present in hemp plants, but it’s in low concentrations.
CBD products contain different levels of THC, depending on the source. One of the reasons people ask Is CBD addictive is because of the presence of THC in CBD products.
Hemp-derived CBD products are legal federally and contain small concentrations of THC, not more than 0.3%. This amount is not enough to cause any intoxicating effects or addiction.
On the other hand, CBD products from marijuana may contain more than 0.3% THC. If you use this type of CBD product in excess, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Also, marijuana-derived CBD is legal only in some select states with medical cannabis legalization.
Does CBD Cause High Effects?
Unlike the famous cannabinoid THC, CBD does not create any high effects. The effects of CBD are complex and different entirely from THC.
There are different theories on how CBD works in the body. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) affects a series of processes like appetite, pain sensation, memory, and mood. This system’s primary function is to maintain homeostasis in the body.
The ECS has receptors that are present throughout the body and brain. It’s believed that when you take CBD, it impacts the endocannabinoid system and brings about various physiological changes. It also works by activating non-cannabinoid receptors like serotonin and adenosine receptors.
THC, on the other hand, works majorly by activating cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. Also, CBD is thought to block the mind-altering effects of THC.
The Effects of CBD
Research into the effects of CBD is in its early stages. However, initial findings and current studies show CBD could be an effective treatment agent for many medical conditions. Some of these include the following areas:
Reduces Epileptic Seizures: CBD is widely-researched as an alternative treatment option for controlling seizures. In 2018, the FDA approved the first CBD treatment drug for epileptic seizures called Epidiolex. This drug helps in treating Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastuat syndrome, two rare forms of epilepsy.
Chronic Pain Relief: CBD is super effective as an analgesic. Various studies show the use of CBD to help treat chronic pain with no side effects. It’s referenced as a natural alternative to over-the-counter opioid pain medications. Most of the studies on CBD as a potential treatment for pain use a combination of CBD and THC. Specific pain-related conditions, according to research, where the use of CBD is beneficial are arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. Out of several CBD products for pain CBD topicals might be your best choice. It provides the best result for pain relief. If you are suffering from long term pain in certain parts of your body, give a try to CBD topicals promoted for pain relief.
Limits Inflammation: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for people experiencing pain or certain immune responses. This is true for both acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. In order to get the full anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, the cbd product must contain a good source of carrier oil and a perfect blend of active ingredients without any contaminations.
Treating Anxiety and Psychosis: Studies suggest CBD may help people with anxiety disorders. There is also a belief that CBD reduces the psychosis people experience when they take high doses of THC.
CBD has a range of other applications, which include:
- Help people with substance abuse disorders
- Improve the quality of sleep
- Help cancer patients manage chemotherapy symptoms like nausea and vomiting
- Manage effects of Alzheimer’s disease
- Potential to inhibit the growth of cancer
The Side Effects of CBD Products
CBD products are well-tolerated in many people, according to the WHO. However, mildew side effects can occur. The most common include:
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Changes in weight
- Dry mouth
Furthermore, CBD can interact with other prescription medications and cause unwanted side effects. Consult your doctor before using any CBD oil product if you’re on prescription drugs.
Also important is to buy CBD products from the best brands only. The CBD industry is under-regulated. Many products use low quality ingredients and aren’t even produced properly. Make sure you follow proper guide about buying CBD oil-based products whether its for chronic pain, reducing inflammation or any other remedies. Also Ensure you read reviews of brands and verify their reputation before making a purchase.
Furthermore, check for brands that take their products for third-party tests and post the results of these tests online. That way, you rest assured knowing you’re consuming a safe and pure CBD product.
Final Opinion
CBD does not have any potential for abuse or addiction as we’ve seen thus far. CBD proponents claim pure CBD may even help treat substance abuse disorder.
It is also an effective treatment for rare forms of epilepsy, chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Research is still ongoing into its potential pharmacological effects.
No study shows any link between the use of CBD and mind alterations. Studies, however, suggest CBD could be one of the ways to fight addiction.
