Many users leave reviews in CBD catalogs that they prefer CBD over other cannabinoids because it is not addictive. Others are not sure if this is true. The fact is that there were never proper answers to questions like whether CBD is addictive or how much CBD is too much.
What exactly causes a substance to be addictive? Is CBD safe because there is no intoxicating effect associated with taking it? Or is there something specific in its chemical composition which makes it less likely to create addiction?
Let’s begin by understanding the mechanisms of addiction.
The Mechanism of Addiction Explained
Can CBD be addictive in some situations? As doctors explain, addiction means:
- Craving for the addictive substance
- Loss of control over the use of this substance
- Continuing to use the substance despite negative consequences.
But how does addiction appear? It’s all in the human brain – more precisely, in the form of the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. When dopamine reaches the part of the brain called nucleus accumbens, we experience the feeling of pleasure – any kind of pleasure.
Drugs act as a shortcut, sending dopamine faster to this so-called pleasure area. In time, the hippocampus part of the brain remembers the connection between taking the drug and the fast dopamine release. Finally, the amygdala part of the brain creates a conditioned response to the stimulus offered by the drug.
Answering whether CBD gummies are addictive is not as simple as we initially believed since the human brain does not have distinct areas for processing different types of pleasures.
How CBD Got the Reputation of Being Psychoactive?
A big part of the debate on CBD and addiction reaches the point when people ask whether CBD is psychoactive. This cannabinoid is said not to affect the brain in the same way as THC, and this is true.
CBD binds more loosely with the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system of our nervous system. This type of binding is associated with creating a sense of relaxation, soothing discomfort, and other benefits.
However, it does not have the mood-altering effects of THC. This is the key element in answering the question of whether CBD has psychoactive effects and leads to addiction.
In fact, given its similar but milder and non-addictive effects, CBD can play a part in breaking the vicious cycle of addiction to various substances.
How CBD Affects the Body?
Since CBD is not psychoactive like THC, is CBD safe for everyone? Again, generalization is not helpful. Let us understand what CBD does to the body. Researchers have had the opportunity to study CBD more closely compared to other cannabis compounds.
As a result, researchers have tentatively formulated a few ideas about the effects of CBD on the human body and its potential benefits. Some of these are:
- CBD may improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety
- CBD may benefit people with neurological conditions
- CBD may help reduce high blood pressure, benefiting the heart and circulatory system
- CBD may help soothe pain and discomfort, especially in the case of chronic and inflammatory pain.
Is CBD Intoxicating?
As explained above, so many people choose CBD products because they enjoy its benefits minus the euphoria associated with THC. Can it be argued that CBD is safe for anyone who wants to experience relaxation without mood-altering?
It all depends – that is the answer. We don’t know how CBD interacts with various foods, other medications you may take, etc. Additionally, combining CBD with alcohol may intensify the effects of alcohol.
However, it is important to clarify that CBD, by itself, does not produce the intoxicating effects associated with Delta 8, Delta 9, and other THC compounds.
CBD Might Help Treat Addiction
As explained above, one of the benefits of CBD that doctors are looking into is the possibility of treating various addictions. CBD is safe for someone addicted to opioids or strong drugs like cocaine. CBD may break the craving-inducing cycle in the brain and offer patients relief from negative symptoms that encourage drug use, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Withdrawal.
However, more research is needed before a definitive answer can be reached. For now, it is good to know that there is a potential cure for addiction using a natural remedy.
Effects of CBD on Mood
If there are still doubts whether CBD can be addictive to the brain and create an addiction cycle, here is another take. CBD works as a mood stabilizer by reducing anxiety and depression.
As explained above, addiction is created by the artificial stimulation of the pleasure center in the brain. This stimulation is associated with a surge in dopamine release, resulting in a significant change in mood. Since CBD does the opposite, it can not become a source of addiction.
Side Effects and Other Concerns
CBD is not free of side effects and various concerns – but this is true even for aspirin. These side effects usually appear when users take a larger dose than usual. Some of the reported symptoms include:
- Dry mouth
- Reduced appetite
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness.
Also, if you are taking any kind of medication, you should discuss it with your doctor before trying CBD, as it interacts with various drugs. In this specific instance, the question of whether CBD is safe needs to be answered by a licensed healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
Can You Overdose on CBD?
As we have already found out, it is not true that CBD is addictive and psychoactive. But can you overdose on it? Yes. Taking more than the recommended dose of any remedy can have unpleasant or dangerous effects.
At The Fight Doctors, we know it because we are not just passionate about natural remedies, but also experienced doctors. We know the benefits of CBD, but we also know that taking too much can cause very unpleasant side effects.
We encourage you to contact our team to learn more about the topic: can CBD be addictive? Once you are satisfied, visit our online store, pick your favorite products, and place your order!
