Unlike its cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn’t cause psychoactive effects or the “high” feeling. “Studies show that memory, motivation and executive function improve significantly within weeks to months of stopping,” Caplan says. He also suggests “engaging in mentally stimulating activities,” which help “strengthen neural pathways and restore executive function,” like reading, writing and problem-solving. That said, there are reasons to believe that cannabis works differently than other habit-forming substances. Emerging research suggests that unlike alcohol, nicotine and opioids, cannabis does not follow a linear relationship between dosage and addiction.
- In this analogy, we learn that it’s important not to have anything in your body be outside of an acceptable range because everything will suffer.
- It can help alleviate discomfort without the risk of addiction or harmful side effects.
- Homeostasis is the concept that all biological systems continually regulate themselves to maintain optimal values (i.e., equilibrium).
- In this article, we will delve into the scientific evidence to determine whether CBD is addictive.
CBD for Chronic Pain
Drug addiction is defined as a compulsive need to use a substance and an inability to stop using it despite negative consequences. A significant safety concern with CBD is that it is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement, not a medication. Currently, the FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements, and no one, really, is regulating the CBD market.
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation and reward-motivated behavior.
- CBD’s potential benefits, coupled with its non-addictive nature, offer a promising avenue for those seeking alternatives for various health and wellness goals.
- However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of CBD in the context of addiction.
More Health Conditions to Explore
These include Australia, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. However, it’s still important to keep in mind that CBD is not well-regulated, and its side effects may change when used in combination with other substances. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three case reports assessed the efficacy of CBD as a treatment for psychotic disorders (Table 1). Thus, CBD does not appear to have an impact on stimulants’ rewarding effect, but one study suggests that it may influence addictive behaviors during the relapse phase. While current evidence indicates that you won’t develop a CBD addiction, is cannabidiol addictive it is possible to have an adverse reaction to cannabidiol.
- The literature search was conducted in two electronic databases, MEDLINE and PubMed.
- If one of our articles is marked with a ‘reviewed for accuracy and expertise’ badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy.
- There are many different treatment programs available, and it is important to find one that will meet your needs.
Yes, You Can Give Your Pets ‘Human’ CBD Oil
Unlike its counterpart THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is another compound found in cannabis, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects that lead to addiction. In recent years, cannabidiol, or CBD, has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits. For addictions to stimulants such as cocaine or MDMA, many users find doses in the 20 mg range most effective. As with other types of drug addictions, it’s important to use CBD with other addiction treatments. In order to get the most out of CBD for this type of addiction, it should be taken while weaning off the drugs, and afterward for several weeks while going through the effects of withdrawal. CBD offers unique benefits in terms of managing the symptoms of opioid addiction because it modulates the opioid receptor function indirectly 4.
How Does CBD Interact with the Body?
Products containing CBD have grown in popularity in recent years, found in everything from gummy supplements to post-workout smoothies to CBD-infused pillows. Medical cannabis is available in more delivery methods than ever before, such as gummy bears, dried flowers, pills, lotions, drops and a variety of edibles, but what exactly does it do? With so much misinformation and junk-science on the internet, it is important to get solid facts from doctors and scientists you can trust before deciding if medical marijuana could help you. Now leading experts at Harvard Medical School are here to help you separate fact from frightening fiction about medical cannabis so you can make informed decisions. And, while there is a lot of positive talk about cannabis, there are risks—especially if you’re over 55. If you want to explore CBD for chronic pain management and other health conditions, having an open conversation with your doctor about CBD is an important step in your wellness routine.