Health Knowledge

CBD and Addiction, the Oxymoron

Some supplements or substances may result in a disorder called drug addiction. It leads to the relapse effects such as stress, nervousness, and anxiety. In the United States, more people are falling into drug addiction. They must undergo treatments to recover from these symptoms. Addiction may result in three phases called intoxication, dependence, and relapse.

Addiction to alcohol or opioid is a relapsing disorder, and they will lose control due to alterations in their brain structure. CBD plays a crucial role in overcoming all these three phases which you can access on Lazarus Naturals. The therapeutic properties of CBD help to repair damaged brain cells.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol or CBD is an active constituent present in cannabis plants. It is present in the pure form, free from psychoactive components and non-addictive, and gained popularity among cannabis users as a therapeutic drug. Many research studies have been made on its effect on anxiety, stress, epilepsy, seizures, inflammation, pain, etc.

Recently scientists are focusing their attention on the properties of cannabidiol to regulate the cravings for drugs.

Is cannabidiol addictive?

Addiction to the drug shows that it needs a compulsive use of a substance, and they cannot stop taking it even after getting some serious health effects. When a person becomes dependent, addiction influences the pleasure centers present in the brain. To withdraw from the addiction, the person has to take any substance.

THC present in cannabis causes high due to its psychoactive effects. When you take THC it reaches the brain through blood circulation and binds to the endocannabinoid receptors present in the brain, which are responsible for the cause of pleasure, memory, movement, and thinking. People don’t like to withdraw from the addiction as they experience euphoric effects.

Current research on cannabis says that marijuana is psychoactive and leads to dependence, whereas CBD is non-addictive. Cannabidiol binds to the ECS, and it does not have the intoxicating properties as that of THC. Research suggests that it is safe to use about 600 mg to 1500 mg of this substance that can be tolerated by a person.

The report of the World Health Organisation says that cannabidiol does not show any effects of abuse or dependency. Ensure the product is free from contamination and found to be in pure form. Some products may be mixed with THC. The Federal law says that cannabidiol should be extracted from hemp with less than 0.3% THC.

Mechanism of CBD

Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors present in the brain and inhibits the endocannabinoid system (ECS) seen in all parts of the body. ECS performs different functions such as controlling mood, inhibiting cravings, increasing memory, and giving relief from pain.

Cannabidiol reacts with the serotonin and adenosine receptors to treat inflammation and pain. It acts similar to a drug but is not associated with making high as other drugs.

Cannabidiol in addiction treatment.

Cannabidiol is popular now due to its potential role in the intervention of drug abuse and addictive behaviors. It reduces anxiety and depression, which are targeted by drug use. It acts on the brain receptor and inhibits the craving center caused by drug addiction. It exhibits neuropharmacological effects in controlling drug addiction.

It helps to treat cocaine, psychostimulant addiction, and opioid addiction. It gives benefits in the treatment of tobacco and cannabinoid addiction. It reduces drug cravings and excess impulsivity caused by drugs. Research fellows interested in this effect started investigating its role in drug withdrawal.

What are the effects of cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol treats mental health issues, anxiety, and depression. Most people are affected by these symptoms. The potential benefits are as follows:

1. Epilepsy

A drug named epidiolex was first approved by the FDA. It has a positive impact on children who are fighting against seizures. And it consists of cannabidiol, used to treat epilepsy in children.

2. Anxiety

Several research studies suggest that cannabidiol can be used to treat the symptoms associated with anxiety. It helps alleviate the symptoms caused by panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic disorder.

3. Depression

Cannabidiol can treat depression by activating the brain to serotonin. It exhibits anti-depressant effects.

4. Chronic pain and inflammation

Cannabidiol is effective in inflammation and pain. Full-spectrum cannabidiol helps to reduce neuropathic pain. The quality of life is improved by reducing pain and inflammation. Cannabis acts as an alternative to eth opioid-related pain medication.

5. Skin conditions

It has anti-inflammatory effects and treats skin problems such as eczema, wounds, discomfort, and itching.

6. Improves sleep

Cannabidiol helps to improve the quality of sleep. Inadequate sleep may lead to stress, mental health problems, and more.

The other effects are regulating the immune system, inhibiting cancer formation, and suppressing nausea.

Tips for selecting a quality CBD product

For beginners, it may be tough to choose the right quality product from the market. The following g tips will help them to pick up the best one.

1. Types of CBD

  1. Full-spectrum forms produce the entourage effect, and it is due to the working of THC and CBD together.
  2. Isolate forms are free from THC, and it will be a choice for people who avoid psychoactive effects.
  3. Broad-spectrum types

It does not contain THC but has terpenes and other cannabinoids. They provide the entourage effects.

2. Third-party testing

Like prescription drugs, cannabidiol is not under regulation. Hence it becomes necessary to buy products from the companies that have tested their products in an independent third-party lab. Each product should be tested and have a certificate of analysis (COA).

Is CBD legal?

The legality of cannabis is not the same in all states. Marijuana is not legal in most states. Cannabidiol is legal in most places of the United States except a few.

Side effects of cannabidiol

Irritability, fatigue, vomiting sensation, and diarrhea are mild effects of CBD. If the product is high quality, it will not cause any adverse effects, and the mislabelling or addition of any contaminants shows some side effects.

Conclusion

Cannabidiol use does not lead to addiction, and it provides some health benefits but also helps the person recover from the cravings of substance or addiction. If you like to try it, discuss it with your healthcare professional. Avoid cannabidiol interaction with other medications and stick to the recommended dosage by your doctor.

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