Is CBD Addictive? Separating the Facts from Fiction
Medical marijuana research has shown that cannabidiol is useful for treating several illnesses and physical and mental health conditions. One of the conditions it can alleviate is addiction.
Unfortunately, few products with this compound have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. These problems stem from the fact that many people falsely believe that CBD is addictive.
CBD is not an addictive substance, and published research from world-renowned institutions has shown this.
Table of Contents
- The Addiction Potential of Cannabidiol
- How Addictive Are CBD Oil Products?
- Can Cannabis Be Used for Treating Addiction?
- The Side Effects of Cannabidiol
- Precautions to Take When Using Cannabis
- How Does Cannabidiol Affect Canines?
- Final Thoughts About Medical Marijuana Research
Table of Contents
Is CBD Oil Physically Addictive?
Cannabidiol is not addictive, and there is a lot of evidence available to support this assertion. The World Health Organization published its findings, evaluating many aspects of the compound, including its abuse and dependence potential.
The paper stated that CBD showed no potential for dependence in human and animal studies and that no human test subjects suffered withdrawal symptoms. In other words, it will not get a person “high.”
The WHO referenced a study in which male mice were injected once a day for 14 days with CBD or THC. The mice developed a tolerance for THC, but not CBD.
Additionally, the WHO could not find any studies in which physical dependence in animals or humans was identified.
The paper also stated that there is minimal risk for abuse potential, citing a study in which Sprague-Dawley rats were given low to high CBD doses.
Low doses did not cause intracranial self-stimulation, and high doses resulted in a higher threshold for reward activity. As the paper correctly pointed out, drug abuse lowers the threshold of reward activity.
Another study on humans referenced by the WHO was conducted in the form of a random, double-blind procedure. Researchers found that CBD alone had no psychoactive effect on participants.
Cannabidiol is not addictive, and there is a lot of evidence available to support this assertion. The World Health Organization published its findings, evaluating many aspects of the compound, including its abuse and dependence potential.
The paper stated that CBD showed no potential for dependence in human and animal studies and that no human test subjects suffered withdrawal symptoms. In other words, it will not get a person “high.”
The WHO referenced a study in which male mice were injected once a day for 14 days with CBD or THC. The mice developed a tolerance for THC, but not CBD.
Additionally, the WHO could not find any studies in which physical dependence in animals or humans was identified.
The paper also stated that there is minimal risk for abuse potential, citing a study in which Sprague-Dawley rats were given low to high CBD doses.
Low doses did not cause intracranial self-stimulation, and high doses resulted in a higher threshold for reward activity. As the paper correctly pointed out, drug abuse lowers the threshold of reward activity.
Another study on humans referenced by the WHO was conducted in the form of a random, double-blind procedure. Researchers found that CBD alone had no psychoactive effect on participants.
Is CBD Addictive like THC?
The studies referenced by the World Health Organization show that hemp is highly unlikely to cause dependence and cannot get a person high. Despite this evidence, many people still believe that CBD is addictive; likely, they think cannabis is addictive because they associate it with THC.
Both of these compounds are indeed found in medical marijuana, but that does not mean both cause psychoactive effects. CBD is not psychoactive, unlike THC, which is present in the cannabis plant, and therefore does not cause a ‘high.’
The main difference between these compounds is how they affect the cannabinoid type one (CB1) receptors in the brain. THC stimulates these receptors, which causes medical marijuana users to get “high.”
However, cannabidiol does not stimulate these receptors as THC does. In fact, it does the exact opposite by blocking them. Additionally, THC increases the rate at which the mesolimbic ventral tegmental cells release dopamine, which is commonly caused by drug abuse. CBD does not have that effect.
However, one of the problems affecting the market is that many CBD products are contaminated with THC. There is little oversight of manufacturing, so buyers take a gamble whenever they make a purchase. However, CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC will not cause any psychoactive effects.
The studies referenced by the World Health Organization show that hemp is highly unlikely to cause dependence and cannot get a person high. Despite this evidence, many people still believe that CBD is addictive; likely, they think cannabis is addictive because they associate it with THC.
Both of these compounds are indeed found in medical marijuana, but that does not mean both cause psychoactive effects. CBD is not psychoactive, unlike THC, which is present in the cannabis plant, and therefore does not cause a ‘high.’
The main difference between these compounds is how they affect the cannabinoid type one (CB1) receptors in the brain. THC stimulates these receptors, which causes medical marijuana users to get “high.”
However, cannabidiol does not stimulate these receptors as THC does. In fact, it does the exact opposite by blocking them. Additionally, THC increases the rate at which the mesolimbic ventral tegmental cells release dopamine, which is commonly caused by drug abuse. CBD does not have that effect.
However, one of the problems affecting the market is that many CBD products are contaminated with THC. There is little oversight of manufacturing, so buyers take a gamble whenever they make a purchase. However, CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC will not cause any psychoactive effects.
Do CBD Oil Products Help with Addictions?
Addiction is one of the largest health concerns in the United States. The 2017 NSDUH Annual National Report states that four percent of adolescents, 14.8 percent of young adults, and 6.4 percent of people over 26 had an addiction problem.
Even 1 million people 65 and older were reported to have a substance abuse problem. Fortunately, hemp has shown itself to be a potentially useful tool in the fight against addiction.
Addiction is one of the largest health concerns in the United States. The 2017 NSDUH Annual National Report states that four percent of adolescents, 14.8 percent of young adults, and 6.4 percent of people over 26 had an addiction problem.
Even 1 million people 65 and older were reported to have a substance abuse problem. Fortunately, hemp has shown itself to be a potentially useful tool in the fight against addiction.
CBD’s Influence on Psychostimulant Drugs
Psychostimulant drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine alter the brain’s structure, influencing the user’s behavior and reward system and making it incredibly difficult to quit.
Furthermore, a person diagnosed with a mental health disorder, such as social anxiety disorder, is more likely to develop a substance abuse problem than someone without one.
A paper published in 2019 highlighted how cannabis could make recovering addicts more resilient to methamphetamine and cocaine use disorders. Furthermore, research has shown that CBD can alleviate the symptoms of various mental health disorders.
Psychostimulant drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine alter the brain’s structure, influencing the user’s behavior and reward system and making it incredibly difficult to quit.
Furthermore, a person diagnosed with a mental health disorder, such as social anxiety disorder, is more likely to develop a substance abuse problem than someone without one.
A paper published in 2019 highlighted how cannabis could make recovering addicts more resilient to methamphetamine and cocaine use disorders. Furthermore, research has shown that CBD can alleviate the symptoms of various mental health disorders.
Proactive Effects of Cannabis on Psychostimulant Drugs
Addicts often relapse because drugs alter the structure of neurotransmitters and molecular pathways. As a result, anything the user associates with drug use can trigger a relapse. These people find it hard to resist these triggers because their ability to control impulses has been diminished.
CBD oil products may reverse some of these changes in the brain structure, resulting in higher success rates for those who want to break the cycle of addiction.
Proactive Effects of Cannabis on Psychostimulant Drugs
Addicts often relapse because drugs alter the structure of neurotransmitters and molecular pathways. As a result, anything the user associates with drug use can trigger a relapse. These people find it hard to resist these triggers because their ability to control impulses has been diminished.
CBD oil products may reverse some of these changes in the brain structure, resulting in higher success rates for those who want to break the cycle of addiction.
Substance Abuse Disorders Cannabis Can Prevent
- Neuroadaptations: CBD causes an “anti-reward” effect in the brain and was seen to have a positive impact on modifying the acute reinforcing properties of morphine addiction. This shows that CBD oil products can reverse the effects of drugs on the brain’s reward system, making it easier to treat substance abuse.
- Behavioral Changes: One of the first things a person notices in an addict is radical changes in his or her behavior. Cannabis can reduce behavioral sensitization caused by amphetamines and reduces a person’s motivation to use methamphetamines and cocaine. Cannabidiol also reduces the stress that causes someone to revert to their old drug habits.
- Mental Disorders: in 2018, 19.3 million Americans were diagnosed as having a substance use disorder. 9.2 million of them also had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. It is reasonable to conclude that mental illness positively correlates with a person’s risk for developing a drug use new habit. CBD oil products have been shown to alleviate the symptoms of various mental health disorders, including anxiety and schizophrenia. Depending on the person and other factors, cannabis can both increase or improve anxiety. Treating a mental health problem is one of the best ways to reduce someone’s chances of succumbing to addiction.
- Reverse Effects of Neuroinflammation Caused by Psychoactive Drugs: Drug abuse can induce neuroinflammation. However, hemp may reduce these effects, as indicated in studies that showed the compound reduced the inflammatory effects of nerve injuries, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
- In one study, intracerebroventricular injection administration of CBD prevented reinstatement of cerebral perfusion pressure in meth addicts. Further studies have shown that CBD exerts a neuroprotective effect against the adverse health effects of alcohol abuse.
Based on this information, it is rational to believe that CBD may prevent neuroinflammation caused by other drugs. More research is needed to test this hypothesis.
Substance Abuse Disorders Cannabis Can Prevent
- Neuroadaptations: CBD causes an “anti-reward” effect in the brain and was seen to have a positive impact on modifying the acute reinforcing properties of morphine addiction. This shows that CBD oil products can reverse the effects of drugs on the brain’s reward system, making it easier to treat substance abuse.
- Behavioral Changes: One of the first things a person notices in an addict is radical changes in his or her behavior. Cannabis can reduce behavioral sensitization caused by amphetamines and reduces a person’s motivation to use methamphetamines and cocaine. Cannabidiol also reduces the stress that causes someone to revert to their old drug habits.
- Mental Disorders: in 2018, 19.3 million Americans were diagnosed as having a substance use disorder. 9.2 million of them also had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. It is reasonable to conclude that mental illness positively correlates with a person’s risk for developing a drug use new habit. CBD oil products have been shown to alleviate the symptoms of various mental health disorders, including anxiety and schizophrenia. Depending on the person and other factors, cannabis can both increase or improve anxiety. Treating a mental health problem is one of the best ways to reduce someone’s chances of succumbing to addiction.
- Reverse Effects of Neuroinflammation Caused by Psychoactive Drugs: Drug abuse can induce neuroinflammation. However, hemp may reduce these effects, as indicated in studies that showed the compound reduced the inflammatory effects of nerve injuries, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
- In one study, intracerebroventricular injection administration of CBD prevented reinstatement of cerebral perfusion pressure in meth addicts. Further studies have shown that CBD exerts a neuroprotective effect against the adverse health effects of alcohol abuse.
Based on this information, it is rational to believe that CBD may prevent neuroinflammation caused by other drugs. More research is needed to test this hypothesis.
CBD Oil Side Effects
Cannabis oil products do have side effects, but they are typically mild. The US Food and Drug Administration stated in an article that side effects are generally drowsiness and fatigue, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
The organization also noted that could cause liver injury and increase sedation risk if taken with drugs used to treat:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Panic
- Sleep disorders
Also, in some animal studies, CBD oil negatively affected male and female reproductivity and fertility. Little is known about how CBD interacts with the body, including its long-term effects. It could be years, if not more than a decade before the long-term effects of CBD use are known.
Cannabis oil products do have side effects, but they are typically mild. The US Food and Drug Administration stated in an article that side effects are generally drowsiness and fatigue, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
The organization also noted that could cause liver injury and increase sedation risk if taken with drugs used to treat:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Panic
- Sleep disorders
Also, in some animal studies, CBD oil negatively affected male and female reproductivity and fertility. Little is known about how CBD interacts with the body, including its long-term effects. It could be years, if not more than a decade before the long-term effects of CBD use are known.
Interactions With Other Drugs and Addictive Substances
The FDA article earlier referenced stated that using hemp with alcohol can slow brain activity and cause drowsiness, resulting in physical injury. CBD also can affect how the body metabolizes prescription drugs.
Certain enzymes that are needed to metabolize a drug instead metabolize CBD oil products. As a result, the medication can build up in the body and cause adverse medical consequences.
If taking hemp, refrain from drinking alcohol. Secondly, people who take medication should avoid using CBD. If it becomes necessary to use CBD, speak with a doctor to see if CBD treatment is appropriate.
The FDA article earlier referenced stated that using hemp with alcohol can slow brain activity and cause drowsiness, resulting in physical injury. CBD also can affect how the body metabolizes prescription drugs.
Certain enzymes that are needed to metabolize a drug instead metabolize CBD oil products. As a result, the medication can build up in the body and cause adverse medical consequences.
If taking hemp, refrain from drinking alcohol. Secondly, people who take medication should avoid using CBD. If it becomes necessary to use CBD, speak with a doctor to see if CBD treatment is appropriate.
Does Cannabidiol Use Cause Addiction in Dogs?
In the paper mentioned earlier, the World Health Organization stated that animal model studies showed that hemp has minimal risk for abuse potential. The same likely applies to dogs and other household pets.
However, there have been few if any studies on CBD’s effects on dogs. Anyone who wants to administer CBD to a pet should first discuss this treatment with a veterinarian.
In the paper mentioned earlier, the World Health Organization stated that animal model studies showed that hemp has minimal risk for abuse potential. The same likely applies to dogs and other household pets.
However, there have been few if any studies on CBD’s effects on dogs. Anyone who wants to administer CBD to a pet should first discuss this treatment with a veterinarian.
Closing Thoughts About Cannabidiol and Addiction
Addiction may be a severe health crisis affecting the well-being of millions of Americans and their families. Break out of the vicious circle of addiction is one of the most difficult challenges these people will ever face.
New approaches to overcoming substance abuse should be seriously studied and considered. This treatment is one such option that shows a lot of promise.
More can be done with medical marijuana than using it to get high. Research institutions, the FDA, and other regulatory agencies in the United States and worldwide should work together to determine whether cannabidiol extracted from hemp and marijuana is an effective treatment for those recovering from addiction.
Addiction may be a severe health crisis affecting the well-being of millions of Americans and their families. Break out of the vicious circle of addiction is one of the most difficult challenges these people will ever face.
New approaches to overcoming substance abuse should be seriously studied and considered. This treatment is one such option that shows a lot of promise.
More can be done with medical marijuana than using it to get high. Research institutions, the FDA, and other regulatory agencies in the United States and worldwide should work together to determine whether cannabidiol extracted from hemp and marijuana is an effective treatment for those recovering from addiction.
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