Is CBD addictive ?

What is an addiction

According to the WHO (World Health Organization, addiction or dependence refers to "a set of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena in which the use of a specific psychoactive substance or class of substances leads to a progressive disinvestment from other activities. (...) The notion of psychological or psychic dependence refers to the uncontrolled use of alcohol or psychoactive substances, whereas physiological or physical dependence concerns tolerance and withdrawal symptoms."

In other words, addiction is an uncontrollable urge to use a specific substance. It can also be generated by products and habits. When this craving is not satisfied, the addicted person goes into withdrawal and adopts nervous or even aggressive behavior. These behavioral phenomena are a natural reaction of the brain that seeks to obtain the substance of which it is deprived.

On the other hand, addiction should not be confused with habituation. Indeed, addiction is defined by the adaptation of the organism to a specific substance. It is therefore possible to become accustomed or accustomed to a substance without falling into addiction.

Can CBD cause addiction ?

Some people think CBD can be addictive because they associate CBD with cannabis and therefore drugs. In reality, this is a confusion between THC (illegal cannabis) and CBD (legal cannabis). To understand this, you need to know that these two cannabinoids come from the same plant but that they offer different effects. THC causes psychoactive effects, which is why it is illegal in France and in most European countries. Considered a narcotic and illegal product, THC can cause addiction.

For that matter, THC is generally consumed for its psychotropic effects that will stimulate the production of dopamine, the hormone of immediate pleasure. People who use THC call themselves "stoned" or "high" because of the euphoric effects that can create a sense of addiction.

They are also known as "highs.

For its part, CBD is a molecule known for its relaxing, stress-relieving and pain-relieving properties. It is generally used to relieve pain, reduce stress, combat anxiety and improve sleep quality. All without any psychoactive or harmful health effects.

If CBD is authorized in France and Europe, it is thanks to scientific research that has confirmed the absence of side effects and addiction.

Note that CBD can create a form of addiction, meaning that it is possible to get used to this molecule. This is especially true for regular users who need to increase the dosage or level of CBD to feel the benefits. Addiction is a normal phenomenon that occurs with all new molecules that you introduce in your daily life. But addiction is not synonymous with dependence.

How does CBD work on the body ?

Contrary to THC, CBD does not interfere with dopamine production and does not cause a euphoric effect. Therefore, it cannot make you addicted. CBD acts on the body through the endocannabinoid system. To understand, you must know that all mammals have this system which aims to regulate the essential functions of the body such as mood, sleep or appetite. By binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, CBD supports its proper functioning and fills the imbalances of the body.

That's why CBD can help you relieve chronic pain, regain your zest for life and good humor, or enjoy deep, restful sleep. All this, without any side effects or harmful effects for your health. Thanks to its role as a regulator, CBD acts in depth and over the long term. For example, if you suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia, it is possible to consume CBD to remedy this problem permanently, even after stopping CBD.

Can CBD help fight addictions ?

Reduce nicotine consumption

While CBD does not cause any form of addiction, it can help deliver you from certain addictions. Recent studies have shed light on the beneficial action of CBD on addictions, including alcohol, tobacco and THC. In one experiment, a group of people received a placebo, while the other received CBD by vaporization. It turns out that after one week of analysis, cigarette consumption decreased by 40% in the people who received CBD. Although the studies are not yet extensive enough to confirm the role of CBD on nicotine addiction, the results are very encouraging and the researchers are determined to continue their investigations.

Fighting alcohol addiction

CBD is also said to have a positive impact on alcoholism. A preclinical study found that injecting CBD into rats enhanced liver steatosis and cell turnover. Another study in 2019 found that CBD helped reduce alcohol consumption and prevented relapses. In other words, CBD helps fight alcoholism with its relaxing and calming effect, while limiting the damage to the body and especially the liver.

Fighting THC addiction

Many CBD users are former THC smokers. And for good reason, CBD is the perfect ingredient to make that smooth transition and quit smoking joints for good. For former THC users, CBD has allowed them to retain the sensations and flavors of cannabis, without the harmful effects of THC.