CBD Withdrawal: Is It a Real Concern?

Most large retailers carry some kind of CBD product. Sales of CBD were expected to reach $4.17 billion in 2022 and $4.23 billion by 2026. 

But does such quick expansion come with any risks? Is withdrawal from CBD a serious concern? Before beginning to use medical marijuana, we always recommend that you speak with a medical marijuana doctor. They can provide you with advice on how to use the drug safely and determine whether it’s right for you.  

CBD and Its Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body is influenced by the chemical compounds in cannabis when it is consumed, leading to a variety of euphoric and medicinal effects. Endocannabinoids, enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors make up this system, which aids in the regulation of various body processes. Its main purpose is to assist the body in staying balanced.

The two most common types of receptors are CB1 and CB2. One organ that has CB1 receptors is the liver; other organs include the skin and central nervous system. They also deal with psychoactive effects. CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and other neurons, and they are mainly in charge of the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.

Among the hundreds of phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant is CBD, or cannabidiol. The possible anticonvulsant, sedative, antipsychotic, and other effects of CBD have all been investigated. But what may interest customers the most about CBD is its capacity to produce those effects without giving users the euphoric “high.” Like many other over-the-counter medications, CBD products provide therapeutic benefits without making users feel drunk, which has drawn in even the most novice users.

By preventing the breakdown of anandamide, your body’s natural endocannabinoids, CBD indirectly affects the CB2 receptors. Serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors and transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels are two additional receptor systems that CBD mediates the endocannabinoid system through.

CBD vs. THC: How They Affect the Body Differently

Not every plant-derived cannabinoid has the same effect on the ECS receptors. In cannabis strains that do not contain hemp, THC, the most prevalent cannabinoid in the plant, binds to both receptors directly, whereas CBD acts indirectly.

Drinking THC can have a variety of enjoyable side effects, both medically and recreationally, such as relaxation and euphoria. When taken in large quantities, it can also have unpleasant side effects like nausea or anxiety. According to certain research, consuming more THC at a 1:1 ratio to CBD doesn’t increase the negative side effects. More recent research, on the other hand, contradicts these findings and claims that CBD has no effect on how THC acts.

CBD has sedative, antipsychotic, and anticonvulsant properties without having any intoxicating effects on the body. Like THC, it also has little to no effect on cognitive and motor abilities.

Can You Become Addicted to CBD?

Research has shown that CBD can be beneficial for a number of conditions, including addiction, chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Studies on animals have demonstrated that CBD can lessen cravings for stimulants, heroin, high-THC cannabis, nicotine, and other substances.

It makes sense to wonder if CBD itself can lead to addiction given its seemingly endless list of potential therapeutic benefits that are applicable to a wide range of individuals. 

A daily habit and an addiction can be distinguished by a fine line, but dependence typically occurs when the habit begins to trump other goal-directed behaviors. Having said that, no cases of CBD addiction have been reported. Scientists have discovered that the non-euphoric cannabinoid does not show signs of addiction in a person.

It seems from the available research that there is no evidence of a risk of developing a tolerance or addiction to CBD. It might be best to speak with a doctor if you’re interested in beginning a CBD regimen but are hesitant due to worries about addiction. A doctor can assess whether CBD is a suitable course of treatment for you.

Understanding CBD withdrawal symptoms

Studies on the connection between CBD, addiction, and withdrawal are scarce, but one study indicated that long-term CBD users could handle dosages of up to 1,500 mg daily. It is usually advised to start with a dosage of 2.5–5 mg. If a daily dose of 1,500 mg of CBD were to be stopped, it is unknown if there would be any withdrawal symptoms. 

One study looked at participants’ withdrawal symptoms after receiving small doses of CBD. They discovered that following the abrupt cessation of short-term treatment, the cannabis did not cause any withdrawal symptoms.

The current body of research confirms that the likelihood of experiencing any withdrawal symptoms from low-dose CBD treatments is minimal. It might be best to speak with your doctor if you are worried about withdrawal symptoms and ending a CBD regimen. They might be in a better position to advise you on how to reduce your dosage.

How Long Does CBD Withdrawal Last?

Regular users of CBD do not appear to be at risk for dependency or symptoms of withdrawal. The biggest risk might be that after using CBD for a while, the symptoms of the condition might return. This might be particularly true if the cannabis is being used to treat chronic pain or sleep problems. 

It might be best to see a doctor who can suggest a better alternative for your condition if you wish to stop taking CBD and are worried that your illness’ symptoms will return.

Can CBD Help with Withdrawal Symptoms?

CBD has been researched for its potential to help with substance withdrawal, even though it does not appear to cause any addictive behaviors or withdrawal symptoms.

In a mouse-based study, CBD was shown to decrease the desire to use, relapse, and consumption of alcohol, opioids, psychostimulants, and even high-THC cannabis. It also assisted in easing the symptoms of cocaine and morphine withdrawal. Additionally, this study discovered that the outcomes were obtained using a THC-to-CBD ratio as opposed to CBD alone.

Although studies on animals are the only ones being conducted at this time, studies on humans regarding CBD and opioid withdrawal have also begun, though the findings have not yet been released. 

Many other health and lifestyle factors will determine how CBD affects withdrawal symptoms. The scant research on CBD’s addictive properties and withdrawal symptoms is still encouraging. It could be best to speak with your doctor first if you’re interested in using CBD to aid in substance withdrawal. Additionally, the doctor will give you an MMJ card online, which will allow you to legally use marijuana in your state without running afoul of the law. 

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