Is CBD Addictive?

Is-CBD-Addictive

As CBD gains popularity and fills up the spaces on the pharmacy shelves, and online stores, people are getting concerned about what is the potential for CBD addiction. This is understandable as there is limited research into its long-term effects and of course the connection to the name Cannabis. CBD is a non-psychoactive and non-addictive cannabinoid that is found in abundant amounts in the hemp plants, unlike its other famous cannabinoid THC. The word cannabis has been stigmatized for a long time. On the contrary, Cannabis plants and their extracts hold an abundance of health benefits that we need for the betterment of life. 

With the myriad of benefits already known and much research work is undergoing to find out more substantial outcomes, CBD is surely a cannabis extract you can’t miss at all costs. CBD or Cannabidiol has become so popular in recent years that it’s an ingredient of oils, beauty products, health supplements, edibles, vapes, creams, etc. It has also become so easy to procure, being available online, in pharmacies, wellness centers, health food stores, and spas. 

Even after taking the market by storm, people still are anxious about its use. The majority of people are concerned about the potential of CBD dependence. And that worry shouldn’t hold you back from gaining the incredible benefits of CBD. CBD, as described by the World Health Organization, exhibits no effects indicative of abuse or dependence potential.[1

Let us understand more about what makes this cannabis extract different from others. 

Quick Recap of Cannabidiol

  • Cannabidiol is one of the many active cannabinoids present in the Cannabis sativa plant or industrial hemp.
  • It is non-psychoactive, therefore, does not get you high unlike the other famous cannabis extract – Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. 
  • It works in the body by interacting with the Endocannabinoid System.
  • CBD is known to have many health benefits that work both physically and psychologically to enhance overall well-being.[2,3]
  • It is considered legal according to the federal laws after the passing of the Farm Bill 2018. 
  • The bill legalizes the sale and purchase of products extracted from cannabis plants that have less than 0.3% delta 9 THC.

What is Addiction?

cbd addiction

Addiction or Severe Substance Use Disorder is a condition affecting the brain’s structure and function by rampant use of a substance despite its known harmful effects. This results in strong cravings for the substance, and the development of tolerance which increases consumption. Usually, people begin substance abuse to feel good, to feel better, to do better, or just experimenting with something new. This brain disorder is defined by an obsessive engagement in a stimulus that targets the reward system of the brain. Dopamine is one of the reward system’s neurotransmitters. Any substance that has the potential for abuse acts on this reward system to release dopamine in the brain, creating a euphoric feeling.

Isn’t Cannabis Addictive? 

‘Aren’t Cannabis & Marijuana the same?’ is the most common question we get. To understand CBD, we must first understand the difference between Cannabis and Marijuana. Cannabis plants have many different species and strains. Marijuana is one of them. It does not represent the entire Cannabis family, unlike what many people think. Cannabis has been under the negative limelight for so long because of the dependency and addiction potential, followed by psychotic illness as part of its side effects. The cannabinoid responsible for causing these undesirable effects is THC, more specifically delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol. 

So to answer the question, Is CBD habit-forming? No, CBD lacks the properties to have the potential for addiction. On the other hand, THC is addictive.[6,7] Hemp plants also belong to the Cannabis group of plants but have naturally low amounts of THC in them. Marijuana causes psychoactive effects when used as a whole due to the presence of THC in it. 

Why does THC get you high but CBD won’t?

THC and CBD may belong to similar categories – cannabinoids, but they interact with the Endocannabinoid System differently. CBD interferes with the effects of THC by blocking its pathway for binding with ECS receptors.[4,5] The interactions between CBD and dopamine affect behavior and cognition differently from the instructions between THC and dopamine. [8]

CBD Addiction – Hemp-derived CBD or Marijuana-derived CBD?

CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants. CBD that is derived from marijuana plants will have a significant amount of THC in it because marijuana is naturally rich in THC. This may result in the development of psychoactive effects in users, and regular use may result in the development of dependence, not because of CBD but the levels of THC present in the extract. 

However, CBD that is derived from a hemp plant has high CBD content and negligible amounts of THC. Therefore, CBD from hemp plants is not only non-psychoactive but also non-addictive. Amusingly, the thing people are concerned about developing an addiction for may help resist it.[9,10] More research is required to fully substantiate this, the evidence available seems quite promising. 

Things To Look Out For

If you are concerned about developing CBD addiction, you should be meticulous about where you are buying your products from. So to know, ‘is this CBD oil addictive?’ make sure to read the labels and ingredients – what is the content of THC, what are the levels of chemical residues in it.

To buy the best quality products, be cautious about 

  • Buying from the reputed suppliers: Whether you are buying online or at any pharmacy, make sure the products are from reliable sources, made from hemp that is grown locally in the United States. 
  • Checking supplier’s third-party laboratory reports for potency and quality: All the reputed suppliers have third-party laboratory test reports to back up their claims of quality and potency. Make sure to go through them before placing an order. (You can find ours here)
  • Going through the customer’s feedback: Read the customer’s feedback and experiences. The reputed websites will have lots of consumer responses.
  • The packaging of the products: Ideally the products, especially oils and tinctures, should be packaged and stored in an amber-colored bottle to protect the sensitive cannabinoids from getting damaged by exposure to light.

How Can You Experience The Goodness of CBD?

experience The Goodness of CBD

There are so many products to choose from to gain the phenomenal benefits Cannabidiol has to offer. With the drastic boost in sales of CBD products, a new innovative product is being introduced now and then. The time to give CBD a shot cannot be better than now. From beginners to expert users, there is a convenient option for everyone.

  1. CBD Oils & Tinctures: For those looking for a fast-absorbing CBD source, CBD oils and tinctures are perfect options. These are usually consumed sublingually which increases their chances of absorption into the bloodstream. The tiny capillaries under the tongue absorb them quickly and disseminate them directly to the bloodstream. With CBD Tincture 1000 mg as the lowest and CBD 5000 mg Tincture as the highest strength, we offer these small bottles of bountiful benefits in more than ten delectable flavors.
  2. CBD Edibles: If you are trying CBD for the first time, a CBD-containing edible product will be the best option for you as it releases CBD slowly into your bloodstream as the product gets metabolized over time. From brownies to chocolate bars, you will be amazed by the range of edible CBD-infused products available in the market. However, CBD gummies still top the list as the favorite edibles as they provide a discrete and convenient way to have CBD every day. 
  3. CBD Topicals: Ideal when you require a localized relief, CBD topicals are becoming a rage among regular gym-goers and athletes. Our CBD cream with 4000 mg concentration demonstrates amazing results within 30-60 minutes.
  4. CBD Vape Juices: Appropriate for those who are comfortable with vaping, this CBD technique provides the quickest absorption of CBD into the bloodstream through the pulmonary capillaries. It’s easy to use as well and lasts long, for example, only 1 milliliter of our 1000 mg CBD Vape Oil is required to be loaded into the vaping device to enjoy the benefits.
  5. CBD Massage Oils, Creams & Lotions: With so many benefits being added to the list of the extraordinary hemp extract, it was about time the CBD got launched into the world of beauty & cosmetic products. CBD creams and lotions are available in all sorts of markets and pharmacies to rejuvenate your skin.

Can You Get Addicted To CBD? The Final Verdict

The short and simple answer would be no. CBD interacts differently than THC with the receptors of the Endocannabinoid System. Cannabidiol offers all the benefits THC has to offer without the unpleasant side effects, addiction being one of them. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. What is CBD oil? Is it addictive?

  • CBD oil is produced by extracting CBD from cannabis plants, specifically the hemp plant. The extracted CBD is then diluted with a carrier oil to make a concoction. It is safe for use as it does not get you high or has the potential for addiction. 

Q2. Is CBD oil addictive when used for sleep?

  • WHO describes CBD as a substance that has zero potential for abuse. No matter the condition you are using them for, CBD products are not habit-forming. Be careful about the place you are buying your products from, and the content of THC.

 

Q3. Is Cannabis oil addictive?

  • It depends on the type of oil you are referring to. If your Cannabis oil has been extracted from the marijuana plant, it may have the potential for addiction as the marijuana plant contains THC, the psychoactive and intoxicating cannabinoid. However, if your cannabis oil has been extracted from hemp plants, and has less than 0.3% THC content, it is safe for use and doesn’t hold the potential to result in addiction.

 

References 

 

  1. https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3797438/
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23042808/
  6. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6223748/
  8. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s13659-020-00263-z.pdf
  9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23095052/
  10. [10]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444130/
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Author

Charlie Thompson

Charlie Thompson is an expert cannabis botanist and a plantsman who believes that our lives revolve around plants and that a person can create the healthiest version of himself by exploring the power of plants. Charlie, who's the Chief Editor at Divine Hemps suggests that choosing the right CBD product is as crucial as getting the right form of treatment for your ailment. He closely works with the team of Divine Hemps and helps them create unique formulations of CBD that are tailored to customer's needs and are safe, pure, and lab-tested.

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