Author: Alex Thompson
Is CBD Addictive? Can You Get Addicted to Hemp Oil?
When the brain interacts with substances like caffeine, nicotine, or a drug like amphetamine, this interaction causes a surge of euphoric sensations. The sudden influx of dopamine causes it to gradually increase in the nucleus accumbens, a brain’s area within the hypothalamus that controls addictive behaviors. CBD is also found in many foods and drinks in the U.S., so if you plan to consume these, discuss your total daily dose with your healthcare provider. If you notice these effects while using CBD oil, discontinue and discuss side effects with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
An interesting fact about cannabinoids is that even THC is not physically addictive. Addiction experts estimate that 91% of marijuana users never become problematic, meaning that 9% will form improper habits around the use of the plant, which may generate some form of abuse. CBD engages with major receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the major regulatory network in humans. These receptors are spread throughout the body and deliver signals for the brain to interpret. The functioning of your other systems and organs is largely dependent on endocannabinoid signaling.
What is CBD?
Physical dependence on THC is more likely among people who use high-THC cannabis strains. While marijuana use can lead to dependence, the current research suggests that cannabidiol is not addictive. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence indicated that CBD has the same potential for dependence as a placebo pill. Because marijuana can be addictive, particularly when it is used heavily and at high doses, you might wonder if CBD addiction is also possible. Products containing CBD have grown in popularity in recent years, found in everything from gummy supplements to post-workout smoothies to CBD-infused pillows.
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- Ultimately, the primary reasons why people use CBD is because it tends to have calming, relaxing, pain-reducing effects.
- It may also affect peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors’ gamma activity.
- Cannabidiol is one of several (probably 200) compounds of the cannabis plant.
- This article discusses the most common CBD side effects and other factors you should consider before taking CBD products.
- In a 2019 study, researchers examined CBD’s effects on 72 adults with anxiety and sleep problems.
The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling.
Cannabis-derived CBD products may be more effective than those from hemp, but industrial hemp-derived CBD still provides many health benefits. In a 2017 study, 60 adults with no history of anxiety, mental illness, or drug dependence received 100, 300, or 900 mg doses of CBD or a 1 mg dose of clonazepam before giving a speech. A 2018 preclinical animal study examining topical administration to rats addicted to alcohol and cocaine found that CBD effectively reduced drug use in the subjects. It also dampened the side effect of addiction, such as anxiety and impulsivity.
See more product reviews, recipes, and research-based articles about CBD. CBD is relatively new to the market and not well regulated, so there’s always a risk that a CBD product may contain more CBD or THC than the product label shows. Unnamed flavors, preservatives, and other additives may also be present.
Hemp-derived CBD vs. Marijuana-derived CBD
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Another cause for concern is the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products. A recent study of 84 CBD products bought online showed that more than a quarter of the products contained less CBD than labeled. CBD products may also contain higher levels of THC than stated on the label. It means that more studies are needed to determine what CBD might treat, when it is best used, and what dosage people should take. Also, many of the CBD products aren’t necessarily pure, and the label does not always reflect the amount of the supplement contained or any contaminants, such as THC, that may be there.
Why Is It Important to Tell Your Doctor You’re Taking CBD?
By Wendy Rose GouldWendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. As with any sort of supplement, talk to your doctor about whether using CBD makes sense for you. Your doctor can also recommend certain products that align with your needs and help ensure you get the correct dosage. CBD is not an intoxicating substance, whereas THC is a psychoactive that can get you high. Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics.
However, studies suggest that CBD is an effective treatment for rare, severe forms of childhood epilepsy. Current evidence also suggests CBD may help reduce anxiety and chronic pain. It is essential to carefully read a product’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included.
The authors of the study concluded that CBD could be best used to treat marijuana dependence and other substance use disorders. While CBD does not have psychoactive properties, it does have a variety of effects. Its potential impact on mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression has been a specific point of interest for many. In fact, some evidence indicates it may have some benefits for helping to treat addiction. However, CBD products often contain more THC than the label suggests—and THC is addictive. Cannabidiol is generally considered safe, but it is essential to be aware of the potential effects, risks, and side effects you may encounter.
Dosage: How Much CBD Oil Should I Take?
Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled. In one study, 91% of people with seizure disorders who took the prescription product Epidiolex had side effects from the medicine. The specific side effects and their severity vary from one person to the next and from one type of CBD to another. Cannabinoids act on the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate anxiety, mood, and appetite. CBD is extracted from cannabis plants (e.g., Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis).