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Is CBD Addictive?
CBD is everywhere these days, but knowledge around how it works is limited. The most frequently asked questions that we get are; is CBD addictive? Does it have any serious side effects? And does it actually work?
Let’s break down the key facts about CBD, including its potential benefits, risks, and legal status.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for ‘cannabinoid’ – and it’s a naturally occurring compound that can be extracted from the cannabis plant.1 One of many compounds found in cannabis, CBD differs from the other most prevalent compound, THC, because it’s not intoxicating and users won’t get ‘high’ as a result of taking it.1
Because CBD isn’t intoxicating, it’s legal for sale in the UK.2 There has been growing interest in CBD through early research suggesting that it can be used as a therapeutic for a wide array of conditions. Where THC interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain (which causes the disorientating ‘high’), CBD has a different function to THC and therefore does not cause the ‘high’ and instead works
with the body’s naturally-occurring and complex endocannabinoid system (ECS), helping to regulate a multitude of processes throughout the body.3
What is CBD used for?
Scientists have been studying CBD for its potential use in treating a myriad of ailments. Its anti-inflammatory properties mean it can be helpful for conditions including chronic pain,4 respiratory issues,5 muscle soreness,6 migraines7 and heart health.8 It also appears
to have an impact on neurological processes, and seems to have a positive effect on conditions like depression,9 anxiety10 – and even Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.11 Additionally, many people are using CBD to treat skin conditions like psoriasis
and acne12. CBD at high strengths has been approved by various medicines agencies as a treatment for epilepsy,13 and it’s likely there are more conditions it may be used as a treatment for which is under clinical evaluation.
Can you get addicted to CBD?
So – is CBD oil addictive? No! Unlike THC, CBD is not addictive. In fact, some studies suggest it might help people overcome addictions.15
Is there a danger of overdosing on CBD?
Given that CBD has a very low degree of toxicity, it’s highly unlikely that you could overdose after taking it. In fact, the World Health Organization found that CBD has an excellent safety profile and is well tolerated in the vast majority of people.16 While a lethal overdose of CBD is extremely unlikely to happen, it is possible to take too much of it and experience adverse effects, including tiredness, light headedness or nausea17 – but this is at extremely high doses.
Is CBD regulated?
In the UK, CBD is regulated. The Psychoactive Substances Act, which was implemented by the UK government in 2016, created a framework for the control of psychoactive substances, including cannabis-related products.2 Because of this, cannabis-based medicines and therapeutics are prohibited substances in the UK and can only be sold to those with a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider.
However, as of 2018, CBD products aren’t subject to the same regulations because of the lack of THC. CBD products need to meet certain criteria, including having less than 0.2% THC and correct labelling,18 and since 2019, any edible CBD products (food supplements) have to meet the Novel Foods requirements.19
How does CBD work?
Our ECS (Endocannabinoid system) ensures our body maintains a healthy state by supporting wider systems like the immune system, cardiovascular system, and our central nervous system. Our ECS consists of many receptors however notably CB1 and CB2 receptors to which CBD can regulate and interact. Our ECS plays a crucial role in: regulating our mood, memory, energy levels, bone density, sleep and much more. CBD works within the ECS to help maintain and balance these levels, returning our bodies back to their natural state.
Pureis is a food supplement, not intended to treat or prevent any physiological or psychological disease.
- Your Guide to CBD – healthline.com
- Drug licensing factsheet: cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids- GOV.UK
- The Endocannabinoid System and its Modulation by Cannabidiol (CBD) – EBSCOhost
- The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Chronic Pain Management – SpringerLink
- CBD and Asthma: Does It Work? What the Research Shows – healthline.com
- Should Athletes Take CBD? Benefits, Research & Side Effects –healthline.com
- CBD Oil for Migraines: Latest Research, Risks, Legality & More – healthline.com
- A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers- PMC
- Effects of cannabidiol in males and females in two different rat models of depression – ScienceDirect
- CBD Oil for Anxiety: Research, Dosage, Side Effects & More – healthline.com
- Current Aspects of the Endocannabinoid System and Targeted THC and CBD
Phytocannabinoids as Potential Therapeutics for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases – SpringerLink - Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders – PMC
- FDA Approves First Drug Comprised of an Active Ingredient Derived from Marijuana to Treat
Rare, Severe Forms of Epilepsy – FDA - Is CBD Addictive? Can You Get Addicted to Hemp Oil? – cfah.org
- CBD for Alcohol Use Disorder: Research and Side Effects in 2022 – healthline.com
- CANNABIDIOL (CBD – who.int
- CBD Overdose: How Much Is Too Much? When to Worry – healthline.com
- Cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids: drug licensing factsheet – GOV.UK
- CBD products linked to novel food applications – Food Standards Agency
- Cannabidiol Inhibits Cue-Induced Heroin Seeking – Journal of Neuroscience
- Cannabidiol as a treatment for craving and relapse in individuals with cocaine use disorder – Wiley Online Library
- Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers – ScienceDirect
