CBD Q&A

Can You Get Addicted To CBD?

Can you get addicted to CBD? In this article, we are going to be exploring some of the common myths and misconceptions that continue to plague the CBD industry.

In just the last few years, CBD has ascended to new levels of popularity with a wave of new wellness products entering the market. Through the findings of clinical trials and widespread anecdotal evidence, consumers have become fascinated by the therapeutic potential of this compound – and we believe this is just the tip of the iceberg.

There is a genuine appetite for CBD products. Everyone wants to get their hands on this compound to see what it could do for them. The increasing hype associated with CBD has led several observers to question whether CBD is addictive. Nothing could be further from the truth. You cannot get addicted to CBD. It is that simple.

Embracing CBD and being dependent on CBD are two very different things. There is currently no evidence to suggest CBD has dependency or abuse potential. So, how can a compound found in a plant known for its psychoactive properties not share similar characteristics? We will be answering this question and more in our article.

The following questions will be answered in this article:

  • Can you get addicted to CBD?
  • Is CBD habit-forming?
  • Does CBD have withdrawal symptoms?
  • Is CBD safe to take long term?
  • Does CBD cause memory problems?
  • What drugs should not be taken with CBD?

Can you get addicted to CBD?

CBD is non-intoxicating and cannot get you high. Despite having the same molecular structure as THC, this cannabinoid does not produce the high commonly associated with THC. In 2011, a study found CBD to have a better safety profile than THC. The particular study involved researchers administering participants with 1,500-milligram doses of CBD.

Through intense monitoring, the researchers found that the high doses CBD did not impair psychological or motor functioning and was well-tolerated by the participants. Unlike THC, CBD does not present the potential for dependency or abuse. CBD and THC are two cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

In some cases, CBD products will contain trace amounts of THC. If these products contain less than 0.3% THC, consumers are unlikely to experience any noticeable psychoactive effects. CBD products would need to contain a significant amount of THC to run the risk of impairing psychological or motor functioning through the consumption of high doses.

Rather than being an addictive compound, a recent study found that CBD could help to reduce the cravings of harmful, addictive substances. CBD has shown some potential to reduce the cravings associated with heroin addiction. For the study, researchers recruited 42 participants who had been actively using heroin for more than a decade (on average).

To measure the effectiveness of CBD, the participants were divided into three groups as part of a controlled experiment. The first group was given 800 milligrams of CBD. The second group was given 400 milligrams of CBD. The third group was given a placebo. In comparison with those who received the placebo, the participants who consumed CBD experienced a reduction in the craving and anxiety caused by repeated drug use.

CBD has also shown promise in being able to reduce tobacco cigarette consumption. As you may already know, CBD vape pens are one of the most popular types of products in the CBD market. In a 2013 study, observing the behaviors of 24 tobacco smokers, half the participants were given an inhaler of CBD, the other half received a placebo inhaler. For a full week, they were instructed to use these inhalers when they felt the desire to smoke.

At the end of the week, researchers began to look through the results of the study. It was found that those who inhaled CBD reduced the number of cigarettes they smoked by 40%. In contrast, the participants who inhaled the placebo reported no noticeable difference to the number of cigarettes they smoked over the week.

More research still needs to be done into the potential for CBD to reduce substance cravings. With growing interest in this chemical compound, research into CBD is increasing by the day. Scientists are just as fascinated by the therapeutic potential of CBD as consumers. Further research will help us to better understand the wide-ranging potential of CBD.

Is CBD habit-forming?

The marketing of several CBD products entering the market has been encouraging consumers to try and incorporate this compound into their wellness routine, promoting repeated and consistent use. Naturally, this has made many people wonder whether CBD is a habit-forming substance. If consumers are being prompted to bring this compound into their daily lives, is CBD habit-forming?

Unless the particular CBD products you are taking contain a THC content higher than 0.3%, they are unlikely to be habit-forming. The word habit-forming implies that CBD is addictive and we know this not to be the case. CBD brands are trying to promote the consistent and repeated use of certain products because they are not inherently habit-forming.

If CBD is taken regularly, the compound is going to gradually start to build up in your system. This can help you to unlock a range of therapeutic benefits that would not be accessible through the occasional use of this compound. It can sometimes take several weeks before you experience the full effect of CBD. This is why many CBD brands are encouraging people to bake this compound into their daily routines.

At Spero CBD, we also want to encourage our customers to take our CBD products regularly. It may be a while before you experience the full extent of this compound’s potential benefits. The trick is to build your product of choice into your daily routine, adding a level of consistency that your body will appreciate. It all comes down to building momentum.

Does CBD have withdrawal symptoms?

There is currently no evidence of CBD withdrawal symptoms. If you suddenly stop taking this compound after several weeks of repeated use, you should not be concerned about any negative consequences. However, when you have been taking a food supplement for a considerable amount of time, it is always worth thinking carefully about your withdrawal strategy.

For instance, if you’ve been taking a food supplement for a while and you’re thinking about stopping altogether, you should get in touch with a qualified medical professional who can provide you with advice. For those who want to air on the side of caution, you could withdraw from taking a CBD product by gradually decreasing the dosage over a short timeframe.

Quitting CBD products with high levels of THC may come with some withdrawal symptoms, ranging from irritability to anxiety. These withdrawal symptoms could present themselves if you had been taking CBD products with high levels of THC for a significant period. Despite having the same molecular structure, people are often surprised by the differences between CBD and THC.

If you are looking to stop using CBD products with high levels of THC, you should seek advice from a qualified medical professional while also referring to the dosing guidelines stated on product-specific packaging. If you’re taking CBD products with a THC content of less than 0.3%, you should not be concerned about the potential for withdrawal symptoms.

There has never been a more divisive plant than cannabis. People either love or hate cannabis. Unfortunately, many of the strong feelings people have about the cannabis plant have found their way into the CBD industry. Those who disagree with both the medicinal and recreational use of the cannabis plant have actively tried to spread misinformation about CBD.

Can you get addicted to CBD? Does CBD have withdrawal symptoms? Misinformation spread by those who take issue with the cannabis plant is the reason why we are going to have to answer these questions about CBD long into the future. As consumers become more aware and informed about CBD and cannabis, they will be able to make up their own minds.

Is CBD safe to take long term?

CBD is widely regarded as safe to take for the long term. You should, however, consider whether you can take CBD alongside medication. If you are taking a course of prescribed medication, you should consult with a qualified medical professional to see whether CBD could potentially interfere with the medication.

Despite coming under intense scrutiny by the World Health Organization (WHO), the agency believes CBD has shown promise to treat and address a range of different ailments. The WHO also acknowledges the good safety profile of this compound. They do not feel CBD is at risk of being abused. These are powerful words from the world’s most significant health organization.

If you are taking CBD products with high levels of THC over a long period, you should consider the potential risks associated with this. For CBD products to be sold legally in the US, they must contain less than 0.3% THC. As long as these CBD products only contain trace amounts of this psychoactive compound, it is highly unlikely to do any long term harm.

You should always request to look at the third-party lab testing reports for any CBD product. These reports are designed to give consumers a clear idea of exactly what is included in the products they are taking. This will ensure you do not get any surprises further down the line. CBD brands are legally obliged to provide you with these third-party lab testing reports.

At Spero CBD, we have built a system on our website for potential customers to easily type in their product barcode for a full nutrient profile of exactly what’s inside. This is all part of our commitment to delivering high-quality CBD products for long-term use. We believe that well-informed customers are more likely to make strong buying decisions.

Beyond the full nutrient profiles, if you have any specific questions about any of our products, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. A member of our team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Exceptional CBD brands are built on transparency and we want to go the extra mile to make sure our customers feel confident using our products.

Does CBD cause memory problems?

There is no evidence to suggest CBD causes memory problems. Products with high levels of THC and low levels of CBD can have a big impact on short-term memory. In the short term, after taking a THC-rich product, you may struggle to recall and retain information. These effects are not permanent and will gradually start to disappear after a short while.

As we said earlier, THC is psychoactive and CBD is non-psychoactive. In other words, THC will provide you with mind-altering effects and CBD will not. Instead, CBD focuses on offering a sense of calm and therapeutic relief to boost your overall wellbeing. Short term memory loss will only be an issue if you have taken THC-rich products.

In some cases, CD has been found to potentially boost your ability to recall and recite information in the short term. There is some evidence to suggest CBD can improve memory function by increasing the blood flow in areas of the brain linked to memory. It’s important to note that more evidence is needed to substantiate these claims.

Based on anecdotal evidence, CBD has been found to offer clarity of thought, helping those who suffer from mild brain fog to think clearly. There’s nothing better than having the focus you need to be productive. As a food supplement, CBD can play a rolé in boosting your daily wellbeing and giving you the slow-releasing energy you need to get through the day.

What drugs should not be taken with CBD?

If you are currently taking a course of medication, you should speak with your doctor to see whether you can take food supplements like CBD products alongside this. It’s always best to check these things, rather than guess blindly. You should be able to find some information on CBD product packaging, indicating whether or not you can take the product in conjunction with medication.

Taking too much CBD can result in some mild side effects. These usually include drowsiness and fatigue. When you first start to use CBD products, it’s important to start with a small dosage, before gradually increasing your intake. This will help you to find your maximum tolerated dosage and never experienced these side effects.

The vast majority of people will never experience any side effects after taking CBD. This is a compound that is now being embraced by a wave of new people in wellness communities. You can limit the potential for any side effects to occur by starting with small doses and taking things steady. The best experiences with this compound come over several weeks.

If you are concerned about taking CBD alongside a course of medication, we strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified medical professional. They will be able to provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about taking CBD.

Understanding your maximum tolerated dosage is an important part of the CBD journey. Some people need more CBD than others to experience certain therapeutic effects. It all depends on the strength of your endocannabinoid system. Regular use of CBD will enhance the cannabinoid receptors in your body.

Cannabinoids receptors play a vital role in helping your body to find a sense of inner balance, regulating all of your core functions by triggering cascades of homeostasis. To do this effectively, the receptors need the support of exogenous cannabinoids such as CBD. Exogenous cannabinoids are plant-based compounds.

Can You Get Addicted To CBD? Final Thoughts

We hope this article has helped you to understand more about how CBD interacts with the human body. You cannot get addicted to CBD because this compound is non-psychoactive and will not get you high. As we discussed in this article, it’s important to understand the difference between THC and CBD.

The two cannabis-derived compounds have the same molecular structure but when it comes down to how they affect humans, they couldn’t be more different. Some CBD products may contain THC in trace amounts. Although, this is not enough to produce any noticeable psychoactive effects.

Do you have more questions about CBD? We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about our products and how they can support you on your wellness journey.

Dr. Jordan Talley

Dr. Talley is a Physician Anesthesiologist who completed his medical residency at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Physiology & Biophysics from Georgetown University. He completed his medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM - Bradenton Campus). During his Anesthesiology training at Johns Hopkins he completed rotations in Chronic Pain Management and continues to manage acute and peri-operative pain for his patient as a private practice anesthesiologist in Virginia.