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With the increasing popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) for its potential therapeutic benefits, many people are asking: Can CBD oil help with quitting cannabis? While it may seem counterintuitive to use one component of cannabis to stop using another, emerging research suggests that CBD oil could play a role in reducing cannabis dependence. In this post, we’ll explore the latest findings on CBD oil’s effectiveness in helping people quit cannabis.
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a condition where individuals struggle to control their cannabis consumption despite negative consequences. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 30% of cannabis users may develop some degree of CUD. With increasing cannabis legalisation worldwide, CUD has become more widely recognised, leading researchers to explore treatment options beyond traditional therapy and rehabilitation programs.
While many believe that cannabis is non-addictive, research indicates that heavy and long-term use can lead to dependency, particularly in individuals who start using at a young age. Quitting cannabis can be difficult due to the withdrawal symptoms, which often include:
These withdrawal symptoms can make quitting particularly challenging, driving individuals to seek alternative solutions such as CBD oil.
Several studies suggest that CBD oil may help people reduce or quit cannabis use. Here are some of the most compelling findings:
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry examined 82 participants diagnosed with CUD. They were given daily doses of either a placebo, 200mg, 400mg, or 800mg of CBD oil. The results showed that the 400mg and 800mg doses significantly reduced cannabis use, as measured by fewer positive urine tests and more abstinent days. The 200mg dose, however, was ineffective. Importantly, CBD oil was well-tolerated, with minimal side effects reported.
(The Lancet Psychiatry, 2019) [https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(19)30256-0/fulltext]
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms—such as irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and cravings—can make quitting difficult. A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry reported that CBD oil helped alleviate these symptoms in two case studies. Participants taking oral doses of 400–600mg of CBD oil per day experienced reduced withdrawal symptoms, leading to a successful cessation of cannabis use.
(Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2022) [https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.899221/full]
Another case study examined a 27-year-old male with a history of bipolar disorder and heavy cannabis use. After introducing CBD oil (starting at 24mg and tapering to 18mg), the patient reported reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and a complete cessation of cannabis use. No other changes were made to his treatment plan, suggesting that CBD oil played a key role in helping him quit.
(Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2016) [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4718203/]
Research has shown that CBD oil may influence the endocannabinoid system and dopamine pathways, which play key roles in addiction and cravings. A study from Neurotherapeutics found that CBD oil interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, which are associated with addiction behaviours. By modulating these pathways, CBD oil could help reduce the psychological dependence on cannabis.
(Neurotherapeutics, 2015) [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604178/]
Researchers believe that CBD oil may help with cannabis dependence in several ways:
If you are considering using CBD oil to help quit cannabis, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Since research suggests that lower doses (e.g., 200mg) may not be effective, many experts recommend starting with a moderate dose (e.g., 400mg) and adjusting as needed. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for personalized dosing recommendations.
CBD oil is not a magic cure, and it works best when combined with other quitting strategies, such as:
While early research is promising, it’s important to note that more large-scale studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects of using CBD oil to quit cannabis. If you’re considering CBD oil as part of your plan to reduce or quit cannabis, consulting a healthcare professional is highly recommended.
CBD oil may offer a promising tool for individuals looking to quit cannabis, thanks to its potential to reduce cravings, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms. However, since research is still in its early stages, anyone considering CBD oil for this purpose should approach it with caution and seek professional guidance.