The cannabis plant contains a variety of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. Out of all the cannabinoids, the most popular found in the plant are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is what produces the euphoric “high” feeling associated with marijuana use. In contrast, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects at all, meaning it cannot get you high.
Many people are using CBD to aid with a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and PMS symptoms. But those who haven’t tried it yet or are interested in getting started often ask the question: is CBD addictive?
Trying CBD for the first time can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure how to take it. This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about CBD — from dosages to positive effects.
Is CBD addictive? Scientists weigh in
CBD oil is a popular product in the wellness industry, but we often hear the question: “is CBD addictive?” Some experts are saying “no” due to the absence of THC — the molecule that gets you high and causes euphoric feelings.
Some studies also point to CBD’s potential to intervene in the likelihood of substance addictions, rather than stimulating addiction. Although more research is still needed, it is thought that CBD can greatly reduce toxicity, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and paranoia. Preliminary research also believes that the cannabinoid can reduce the emotional memory and situational cravings (i.e. stress) associated with a substance like cocaine.
The World Health Organization also weighed in on the subject in their 2017 Pre-Review Report, which stated that research involving human subjects “indicates that CBD is not associated with abuse potential.”
What dosage should you use and how often?
Whether you are using CBD oils, tinctures, capsules, or edibles, one of the most important things is knowing how much CBD is right for you. One of our tried-and-true tips include starting with 1-2 dropperfuls about two times per day and gradually increasing. We also recommend avoiding psychoactive substances that could inhibit or alter your response to CBD.
All CBD products should come with clear dosage instructions, so be sure to read those and follow them accordingly. After you have tried the recommended dosage a few times, you can start to gradually increase it until you find the amount of CBD that works best for you.
Although upping the dosage may re-spark the question, “Is CBD addictive?,” the CBD cannabinoid is non-psychoactive, non-addictive.
The potential benefits of CBD
So, if the answer to “Is CBD addictive?” is no, then you are probably wondering how CBD works and what it can do for you.
For a brief overview of how CBD works, let’s start by explaining the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors throughout your brain and body that are responsible for regulating things like mood, appetite, sleep, immune function, pain, and inflammation. Because the body naturally produces cannabinoids, the cannabinoids in CBD bind with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the ECS!
Many CBD advocates rave about the effects of CBD on their overall well-being. A few potential pros to using CBD, include its ability to act as an:
- Anti-inflammatory agent
- Analgesic for chronic pain relief
- Anxiolytic (reduces anxiety) by supporting a state of relaxation and calm
- Sleep aid when combined with cannabinol (CBN), which is known for being a “sleepy” cannabinoid
It is also thought that CBD can help with substance use disorders. Some studies have pointed to stress protection, which could aid in treating addiction disorders, including cigarettes, alcohol, and opioids. While many do claim that CBD has these effects, more research is still needed to confirm these potential benefits.
When should you take CBD?
Many people wonder when the best time to take CBD oil is. Before bedtime? First thing in the morning? A few hours after eating lunch? The answer really comes down to your CBD goals and the product you’re using.
Here are a few ideas to align with various needs and times:
Morning Boost: Adding a CBD honey stick to a cup of herbal tea or taking a dropperful of Lemon Berry Mint Tincture can start your day on the right foot.
Midday Pick-Me-Up: CBD gummies are a great, on-the-go snack that can give you the energy needed to power through the rest of the day.
Sleep Aid: To catch better zzz’s, look for product formulas that include CBD and cannabinol (CBN). CBN is often associated with sleep due to its affinity for the body’s CB2 receptors, which link to the immune, skeletal, and peripheral nervous system. Because the CB2 receptors work on these systems, it is thought that the introduction of CBN can result in pain relief, therefore improving sleep.
Post-Workout Recovery: CBD topicals that are formulated with a variety of potent ingredients for joint and muscle relief are perfect for tossing in your gym bag to use after a workout session.
Should I worry about bad strains of CBD?
Have you been using CBD for a while, but are noticing the effects are not as strong? Or, have you noticed that the last few times that you have taken your CBD it had a different effect than usual? With the rise in popularity of cannabidiol, many people are wondering what they should look for when it comes to buying quality products.
When it comes to quality, the true difference lies in how companies harvest their CBD and manufacture their products. At Hempzilla CBD, all products are harvested, formulated, and manufactured in the USA for direct access to oversee every aspect of the production process.
Additionally, Hempzilla products use complex cannabinoids, never isolates, because the body has a significantly better response to them. In contrast, most companies choose to use isolates because they are cheaper, easier to formulate into products, and tasteless, which leaves room for artificial flavoring.
So, is CBD addictive? Here’s our final answer
There are many reasons why CBD oil is popular among consumers. And as we have shown, it is safe to use and has no addictive properties thanks to the absence of THC — the molecule that gets you high. With no risk for addiction, dependency, or withdrawal symptoms, like other drugs on the market today (think: opioids), you can gain all the benefits of this amazing natural supplement without worry!