Can I Become Addicted To CBD Products?

Can I Become Addicted To CBD Products?

If you are wondering if it's possible to become addicted to taking CBD products, you will be happy to hear that there is no evidence at all that you are likely to become dependent on CBD. In fact, CBD has actually been found to be useful in the treatment of substance abuse, and some of America’s leading drug experts and global health organizations have stated that CBD has no addictive qualities.

Understanding CBD

Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD will not lead to euphoria or intoxication and is non-addictive. In fact, some users say it is a viable natural alternative for conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, chronic pain and inflammation, replacing opioid-based medicines that have been linked to addiction issues. [1] 

One study likened CBD to a placebo because during testing of frequent marijuana users, it did not create abuse liability signals [2]. The World Health Organization has also reported that it is not associated with any potential for addiction or abuse. These findings were based on assessment of human studies with stringent controls [3] and form one of the clearest and most authoritative clarifications of the believed non-addictive nature of CBD. Of course, there is still a limit to the amount of research that has been carried out so far, and it is certain that many more studies will be carried out in the future.

The signs are very conclusive so far, however, and a study reported on the NIH website actually noted the potential of CBD in the treatment of drug abuse and substance use disorders, or SUDs [4]. These include issues relating to marijuana, opioids, other stimulants, alcohol and nicotine.

The expert verdict: CBD is non-addictive

National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Dr. Nora Volkow told the National Institutes of Health in 2020 that CBD does not have euphoric or addictive effects [5]. This is due to the lack of THC and the fact that CBD does not have an affinity for attaching to receptors in brain cells and on neurons.

The World Health Organization also came to the conclusion that CBD has no more effect on addiction than a placebo [6]. This is based on data that was amassed in the Addiction Research Center Inventory, which is a standardized questionnaire that is used in assessing the effects of drugs [7].

Reverse tolerance explained

Unlike drugs like opioids and even alcohol, CBD has also been shown in some studies to have what is known as a reverse tolerance effect. If you drink alcohol over a period of time, for example, you will find that it takes more and more of the substance to have the same effect. With CBD, in contrast, there is a quantity of anecdotal evidence that says that the reverse is true, and over time, a person will actually need to consume less of their choice of CBD products, including oils such as the Any-Time Formula. There is not much real data about this, however, so more research is needed to fully establish whether this is the case for all people, some individuals, or everyone who chooses to use CBD products.

It is possible that this is the case given the common explanations of the effects of CBD. It is believed by many that continued use of CBD promotes human receptor activity rather than building tolerance levels. CBD increases activity, while THC reduces it. This means that while more and more THC may be needed over time, CBD users may experience exactly the opposite effect.

CBD in the fight against substance addiction

Further study is expected in the future, and previous testing has prompted some experts to suggest a use for CBD in countering substance addiction. A review that looked at both animal and human subjects in 2015 claimed to have discovered that CBD had a positive impact on intoxication and relapsing in the case of opioid addiction [8].

Preliminary evidence has suggested CBD’s potential usage in lowering the risks of developing methamphetamine and cocaine use disorders, and it may help to prevent relapses following detoxification and periods of sobriety.

Existing study data has shown that CBD was seen to have benefits when it comes to opioid and other similar drug addictions in animals, while human studies have shown possible benefits related to marijuana and tobacco dependence. Further studies are sure to follow as the popularity of CBD products, like full-spectrum CBD gummies such as the Amberwing Organics Green Apple variety, continues to increase around the world.

[1] https://archives.drugabuse.gov/testimonies/2015/biology-potential-therapeutic-effects-cannabidiol

[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871616310456?via%3Dihub

[3] https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf

[4] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00063/full

[5] https://archives.drugabuse.gov/testimonies/2015/biology-potential-therapeutic-effects-cannabidiol

[6] https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf

[7] https://datashare.nida.nih.gov/instrument/addiction-research-center-inventory

[8] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.4137/SART.S25081