Is CBD Addictive?

Cannabidiol (CBD) has seen a remarkable increase in popularity in the health and wellness industry in recent years. The Brightfield Group, a CBD and cannabis consumer data and market research company, even estimates that the value of the CBD industry will hit $22 billion by 2022!

This meteoric rise is the product of multiple scientific studies indicating that CBD can be a promising natural treatment for a laundry list of health issues — from mild acne and social anxiety to chronic pain and even neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.

While CBD’s potential benefits are well documented, some other aspects of this chemical compound remain veiled.

One of the most common questions we get asked at New Age Hemp, particularly from those new to CBD, is, “Can I get addicted to CBD?”

Although research into the long-term effects of cannabidiol use is still in its early phases, the evidence that we have so far indicates that CBD does not appear to have addiction-related effects. That being said, prolonged CBD usage or consuming it in higher [than ideal] doses can elevate the risk of dependence in some people.

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD is one of more than a hundred active compounds known as cannabinoids naturally present in the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. It typically interacts with our body via a physiological mechanism known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS): a complex network of cannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters located in every part of the body. ECS is responsible for guiding many of our bodily processes, including appetite, mood, sleep, pain, and immune response, which is what makes CBD a promising treatment option for multiple physiological issues.

In contrast with its relative, THC (short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce the feeling of “high” that is often associated with marijuana.

Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate cannabidiol, so it is possible to purchase a product containing more than the advertised amounts of THC and get high. Therefore, you must only buy from CBD suppliers that provide complete transparency by performing third-party testing on each of their products.

At New Age Hemp, we get every batch we process tested by an independent third-party lab (currently Steep Hill) to accurately measure total THC per batch and scientifically validate our CBD products’ quality ingredients and contents. You can view all of our lab results on our website.

IS CBD ADDICTIVE?

Because CBD has almost no intoxicating properties found in THC, it does not appear to be habit-forming. Here are some studies that back up that claim:

According to a 2017 report published by the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence at the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential in humans.

Another 2017 report published in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence shows that CBD does not produce any abuse-related subjective effects or physical and psychological signals for abuse liability, such as rapid heart rate and euphoria.

What’s interesting is that CBD usage might even be a promising treatment for substance abuse disorders.

For example, a 2015 review published in the Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment Journal found evidence that CBD may help treat nicotine and cannabis addiction.

Another 2019 report shows that CBD use might even lower the likelihood of developing cocaine and methamphetamine use disorders and may also help prevent relapse after a period of detoxification and sobriety.

IS THERE AN IDEAL CBD DOSAGE?

CBD has no official recommended dosages yet since CBD is not currently FDA-regulated. This can make determining the right dosage a little confusing, especially if you are using CBD for the first time. That said, some variables like the concentration of CBD in each drop, your weight, how you get it into your body, and the nature of the condition you are trying to treat can help you make an educated guess.

The safest method to identify the right dosage for you is to “start low and go slow.”

Start with a very low dose. Observe how your body responds to that amount of CBD, and slowly work your way up while monitoring your body’s responses. Keep doing it until you find the perfect dose that works for you.

If you experience any unpleasant effects (such as dizziness or nausea), return to the previous dose.

CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE USING CBD

Though CBD is not addictive, generally well tolerated, and considered safe to use even in large amounts, it could mess with your body’s ability to metabolize any medications or dietary supplements you are using. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you speak to a trusted medical professional before you start using CBD oil to ensure your safety and avoid potentially harmful interactions.

You may also want to research your state laws regarding the use of cannabis products. While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the sale and use of hemp-derived CBD on a federal level, CBD is still in a gray legal area in the U.S. Read all about CBD laws in every U.S. state in this blog: Is CBD oil legal in all 50 states?

SHOP FOR CBD OIL FROM NEW AGE HEMP

New Age Hemp is Arkansas’s first and most premium hemp processor and wholesale supplier. We offer complete transparency by conducting third-party testing on every single batch we process and making those lab test results available on our website. When you shop with us, you can be sure that what you are getting is high-quality and safe.

If you are interested in giving CBD a shot, check our online selection of CBD oils today. Also, don’t forget to head over to the main page of New Age Hemp’s blog for more insights and news on CBD.