Is cbd addictive
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Is CBD Addictive? A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to CBD and Addiction
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis that has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, including its effects on addiction. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a "high," making it an attractive option for medical use. This article synthesizes current research to address the question: Is CBD addictive?
CBD's Role in Modulating Addictive Behaviors
Preclinical and Clinical Evidence
Research indicates that CBD may have therapeutic properties that can help manage addiction to various substances, including opioids, cocaine, and psychostimulants. Preclinical studies on animals and limited clinical trials on humans suggest that CBD can modulate neuronal circuits involved in addiction, potentially reducing the compulsive desire to use drugs and loss of control over consumption1 2.
Mechanisms of Action
CBD appears to influence several mechanisms that contribute to its potential anti-addictive properties. It has been shown to reverse toxicity and seizures induced by cocaine, reduce behavioral sensitization caused by amphetamines, and decrease the motivation to self-administer cocaine and methamphetamine (METH)2. Additionally, CBD can impair the reconsolidation of drug-related memories and prevent the reinstatement of drug-seeking behaviors triggered by stress or drug-related cues2 5.
Human Studies on CBD and Addiction
Opioid Use Disorder
A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of CBD on individuals with heroin use disorder. The study found that CBD significantly reduced cue-induced craving and anxiety, which are critical features of addiction that often lead to relapse. These effects were observed both acutely and up to seven days after the final CBD administration, suggesting a lasting impact3.
Nicotine Addiction
A pilot study assessed the impact of CBD on cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers. Participants who used a CBD inhaler reduced their cigarette consumption by approximately 40% compared to those who received a placebo. This reduction was maintained to some extent even after the treatment period, indicating the potential of CBD as a treatment for nicotine addiction4.
Potential for Addiction to CBD
Lack of Intoxicating Effects
One of the primary reasons CBD is considered non-addictive is its lack of intoxicating effects. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a euphoric "high," which significantly reduces its potential for abuse and dependence1 2.
Safety and Adverse Effects
Studies have shown that CBD is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile. In the trial involving individuals with heroin use disorder, no significant adverse effects on cognition were observed, and there were no serious adverse events reported3. This further supports the notion that CBD is unlikely to be addictive.
Conclusion
Current research suggests that CBD is not addictive and may even offer therapeutic benefits for managing addiction to various substances. Its ability to modulate neuronal circuits involved in addiction, reduce craving and anxiety, and its favorable safety profile make it a promising candidate for further investigation. However, more extensive clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its potential and mechanisms of action.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
CBD shows potential therapeutic properties in opioid, cocaine, and psychostimulant addiction, with preliminary data suggesting benefits in cannabis and tobacco addiction.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedCannabidiol Treatment Might Promote Resilience to Cocaine and Methamphetamine Use Disorders: A Review of Possible Mechanisms
CBD treatment may promote resilience to cocaine and methamphetamine use disorders by reducing drug-induced neuroadaptations, erasing drug-related memories, and alleviating mental disorders comorbid with psychostimulant abuse.
Literature ReviewCannabidiol for the Reduction of Cue-Induced Craving and Anxiety in Drug-Abstinent Individuals With Heroin Use Disorder: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.
CBD shows potential in reducing cue-induced craving and anxiety in drug-abstinent individuals with heroin use disorder, suggesting it could be a potential treatment option for opioid use disorder.
RCTHighly CitedCannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers: preliminary findings.
Cannabidiol (CBD) inhalation significantly reduced cigarette consumption by 40% in tobacco smokers, suggesting it as a potential treatment for nicotine addiction.
RCTHighly CitedCannabidiol (CBD) reduces cocaine-environment memory in mice
CBD treatment reduces cocaine preference and consolidation in mice, supporting its therapeutic utility for targeting drug-associated memory processes.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyRole of the endocannabinoid system in drug addiction.
Targeting the endocannabinoid system with novel therapeutic approaches may offer a promising treatment for drug addiction.
Highly CitedChanges in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in cannabis over time: systematic review and meta-analysis.
THC concentrations in international cannabis markets increased from 1970 to 2017, while cannabidiol (CBD) remained stable, with greater increases in cannabis resin than herbal cannabis.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCannabidiol attenuates the rewarding effects of cocaine in rats by CB2, 5-HT1A and TRPV1 receptor mechanisms
CBD may have therapeutic utility in treating cocaine addiction by blunting the acute rewarding effects of cocaine in rats through CB2, 5-HT1A, and TRPV1 receptor mechanisms.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedRepeated Cannabidiol treatment reduces cocaine intake and modulates neural proliferation and CB1R expression in the mouse hippocampus
CBD treatment reduces cocaine intake and modulates neural proliferation in the mouse hippocampus, offering potential as a therapeutic tool for drug addiction.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedCannabidiol, a Nonpsychotropic Component of Cannabis, Inhibits Cue-Induced Heroin Seeking and Normalizes Discrete Mesolimbic Neuronal Disturbances
CBD, a nonpsychotropic component of cannabis, can reduce heroin-seeking behavior and normalize neuronal disturbances associated with cue-induced heroin seeking.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly Cited