Can you be addicted to CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is enjoy major and ever-increasing popularity at the moment. Part of this popularity explosion is based on science. There are a growing number of studies highlighting the benefits of CBD, and the ongoing potential that requires further study. But many people still have questions about CBD use, most importantly: what exactly is CBD and can you get addicted to CBD or CBD products? Substance use disorder, including drug addiction, is a major problem around the world.

A growing number of companies have begun selling supplements, salves, and other CBD products, typically touting these items as natural remedies for issues like anxiety and pain. It is just one of hundreds of different compounds found in the cannabis plant. While cannabis has been used in holistic medicine for many years, only relatively recently have researchers begun to explore some of the medicinal purposes for it and other cannabinoids.

Many people have been looking for a safer, more natural way to treat things such as anxiety and depression, and CBD shows promising results to be that solution. More and more of us are using it for anxiety and related conditions and disorders. Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions that can have lasting effects on a person’s health, social life, ability to work, and overall well-being.

A doctor may prescribe pharmaceutical drugs to help a person treat or manage depression and other conditions. Many of these drugs have potentially debilitating side effects, such as mood swings, sleeplessness, and sexual dysfunction. They can also cause addiction and dependence. CBD has shown promise in initial studies as a treatment for depression, anxiety and many other physical & mental conditions. CBD also has the advantage of having very few side effects.

Can you be addicted to CBD? CBD Recap

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the cannabis plant’s two main prevalent cannabinoid compounds. The other is THC, which is the chemical responsible for the “high”. CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it won’t get you high. CBD is extracted from hemp, which is a relative of the cannabis plant. This ensures it contains only trace amounts of THC and thus makes it legal in the UK and many other countries around the world (although it’s worth checking your own countries’ laws if in doubt).

So can you be addicted to CBD?

Despite CBD’s growing popularity, recognition, and acceptance as a potentially beneficial supplement, people still debate the addictive nature of cannabinoids. While there’s plenty of documented success with CBD use, people are still concerned about its short-term and long-term effects. And what are their main concerns? Potential drug dependency, addiction, and the development of psychotic illness. This ties into the way cannabinoids work in your body. Recently, CBD has been proposed as an addiction treatment.

So, can CBD really help fight addiction? Well, studies suggest that CBD may help treat addiction and prevent relapses in substance abusers. How does it work? While we don’t know for sure, the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body are filled with opioids and when you fill those receptors with CBD instead the cravings of opioids are not as prevalent. So, it seems that not only is CBD non-addictive, but it can actually help fight addictions itself.

Conclusion

CBD products won’t make you high, and CBD itself hasn’t been identified as being addictive. So the answer to “Can you be addicted to CBD?” is no. If you want to try CBD, it’s a good idea to talk to a medical professional, like your doctor or a pharmacist, beforehand. You will want to do this especially if you are pregnant or on any prescription medication, as it will help you avoid any potential complications.