COULD CBD OIL BE USED TO TREAT ADDICTION?

Over many decades, users of CBD products have continued to report a varied selection of possible benefits that may be brought about through the consumption of the substance in relation to pain, stress and even appetite. Of course, these benefits may be subjective and require a lot more research in order for us to confirm that they truly exist; however, we will continue to explore these possibilities in order for us to learn even more about the products that we offer, as well as educating our customers on their potential effects. 

An interesting suggestion that is frequently made by users of CBD, as well as researchers, is that it could play a role in treating addiction. With a limited amount of medical remedies out there that are proven to effectively treat this condition, it is important that this claim is explored and analysed to potentially make way for further research into this possible benefit. While CBD is yet to be classified as a food, supplement or cosmetic product, companies such as ourselves cannot make any direct statements about the effects of the substance, so it is important to understand that we will only be looking at past research and evidence objectively, as any medical or health claims made about CBD cannot be taken at face value. 

The use of CBD in addiction treatment

There is a wide selection of studies that suggest that CBD could play a key role in limiting chronic addiction and aiding those in recovery. One such research study highlights that the endocannabinoid system could be a fundamental element in this, suggesting that a selection of cannabinoids such as CBD may have anti-addictive properties. A past review published by Australian researchers took an in-depth look at the various facets of addiction and some of the neurological mechanisms by which CBD could limit addictive behaviours. It is thought that it may modulate serotonin directly as well as the endogenous cannabinoid and opioid systems indirectly, which may have a significant effect on how drug users recall their experience, potentially reducing the intensity of their cravings and limiting the neurological effects of their addiction. 

Furthermore, the study continued to examine the role of CBD when it comes to specific addictions, such as alcohol and tobacco use, suggesting that it shows great promise in reducing their use in individuals who are looking to quit. For smoking, in particular, there are already an array of different remedies and aids that claim to make quitting easier, such as vaping products, chewing gum and patches; however, as CBD does not contain nicotine, this makes it an exciting possibility when it comes to treating smoking addiction.

Can CBD oil help you quit smoking? 

While there is currently no clear evidence that proves the effectiveness of using CBD oil to quit smoking, there are several research studies that have begun to explore this idea. One project conducted in 2013 involved a pilot, randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled study looking into the impact of the ad-hoc use of cannabidiol in smokers who wished to quit. The participants were split into two groups, with one receiving an inhaler containing CBD and the other with a placebo to be used for one week. Each group was instructed to use their inhaler every time they felt the urge to smoke to establish the effectiveness of each method. 

It was found that the placebo-treated smokers showed no difference in the number of cigarettes that they smoked, whereas those who were treated with CBD reduced the number of cigarettes that they smoked by up to 40%. The results also suggested a level of maintenance of these effects when following up once the study was complete, supporting the idea that CBD could be a potential treatment for nicotine addiction, with the findings stating that further exploration needed to be done to confirm this. Again, it was suggested the potential role of the endocannabinoid system in nicotine addiction is increasingly being acknowledged. 

While the two studies mentioned in this article so far highlight the endocannabinoid system as a key element when it comes to stopping different types of addiction, it is important to remember that this has not been proven, and more research is needed to explore this further and expand our knowledge of the potential link between these two elements. Therefore, we cannot directly confirm that using CBD oil for smoking addiction will work for you, and each individual experience is likely to be different.

If we look at this complex idea objectively, instead of claiming that CBD oil has a positive effect on addiction, we can allow our customers to make their own informed decision on whether this is the case for them. As more research is conducted into the possible benefits that taking the substance could have on our bodies, we will continue to explore this and pass on our knowledge through our blog.

CBD oil does not contain any of the THC that is found in the cannabis plant, meaning that it is safe to take and does not result in the ‘high’ feeling commonly associated with the cannabis plant. Here at Holistic Herb, we provide high-quality CBD oils that have superior bioavailability compared to many other products on the market today. With 98% of the active CBD in our products being absorbed into the bloodstream, it remains there in higher quantities for longer periods of time so that you can experience the potential benefits.