CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, a chemical derived from hemp.
CBD is not psychoactive like THC, so it produces its effects without creating a high in the user. There are countless claims about the benefits of CBD. Some claim it treats insomnia, anxiety, pain, seizures, epilepsy, and even inflammation.1
The oil is used virtually everywhere these days, including in smoothies, lotions, and even vape pen cartridges. So, how safe is CBD, and is CBD addictive? The alleged health benefits of CBD are as numerous as the products that contain this chemical, so what’s the truth about CBD?
What Does CBD Do?
The body has CB1 and CB2 receptors, with a concentration of CB1 receptors in the brain. These receptors involve functions including coordination, pain, emotions, mood, thinking, and memory.2 CBD is believed to affect these receptors, causing an alleged wealth of benefits. But the strongest scientific evidence is that CBD has shown promise for treating severe forms of epilepsy. 3 Its other alleged benefits have not been tested as thoroughly.Is CBD Safe?
Because CBD is largely unregulated, its safety is questionable. It is widely sold as an unregulated supplement, meaning it doesn’t meet the same high-level scrutiny of other medications on the market. 3 If you buy CBD, you may not be getting what you think you are. Worse yet, if you choose to vape CBD, you’re putting yourself at risk for common long-term dangers of vaping.Can CBD Oil Become Addictive?
It is widely believed that CBD oil is not addictive. So, while CBD may not be addictive in the traditional sense, unregulated CBD products may still carry risks of addiction. More studies are needed to fully determine whether or not CBD oil is forming, but the current science on its absorption in the body shows that pure CBD oil is not addictive.4 But, it can be habitat-forming in users.Some studies show that CBD is being explored as an option for treating other addictions and withdrawal symptoms. 5 But, CBD on its own carries some potential negative side effects. Side effects of CBD include:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Interactions with some medications
CBD can increase levels of certain blood thinners in the body, which can interact with some medications that you may be taking. 3
Treating CBD Addiction at Banyan Hartland
Our Heartland drug and alcohol rehab offers medically monitored detox in Illinois and treatment for patients who need to overcome addiction. While CBD addiction is still being studied, it is important to recognize when habits become dangerous. If you are addicted to CBD, heroin, or other drugs, our team is here to help.Call 888-280-4763 to get started.
Sources:
- WebMD - CBD Oil: All the Rage, But Is It Safe & Effective?
- Medical News Today - Everything you need to know about CBD oil
- Harvard Health Publishing - Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t
- PopSugar - Before Popping a Gummy or Squirting Some Oil, Experts Answer — Is CBD Addictive?
- Wiley Online Library - Cannabidiol for the treatment of cannabis withdrawal syndrome: a case report
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.
