Can CBD be addictive?

CBD has become a hot topic in the news, especially since it was legalized.

CBD oils, infusions, or even flowers…
There are many ways to consume CBD, and the same goes for dosing. Whether it’s to relieve stress, ease a migraine, or simply for enjoyment, the amount of CBD consumed varies from person to person depending on their individual needs and limits.

However, one question naturally arises: Can CBD be addictive? We provide you with all the information you need to help you understand this topic.

Addiction is a phenomenon that can involve substances we consume, such as sugar or alcohol, but it can also involve gambling, cigarettes, or even another person—in which case it is referred to as emotional dependence.

The definition of addiction is fairly simple: it is a dependence on a certain habit—in our case, on a substance. When we are addicted, we feel a constant psychological need to maintain that habit; otherwise, we experience withdrawal symptoms.

Dependence and addiction are two terms with subtle differences.

When we talk about tolerance, we are referring to the body’s adaptation to a given substance. Tolerance and dependence are therefore not synonymous, and do not necessarily go hand in hand. It is possible to have tolerance without dependence.

Some people also refer to habituation as a form of “tolerance.” In this sense, a distinction is made between positive habituation and negative habituation:

• "Positive habituation" refers to an improvement in the ability to tolerate certain effects,
• whereas “negative tolerance” refers to the body’s inability to adapt to the doses consumed.

The main difference between dependence and addiction lies in the pathological aspect.

When addiction is present, we enter the realm of pathology—that is, our brain is unable to function properly until it receives another dose of the substance in question.

When discussing addiction, it’s important to distinguish between CBD and cannabis. They are not the same substances, do not contain the same active ingredients, and therefore do not have the same effects on users.

Cannabis addiction, a major social issue, actually refers to THC addiction. This cannabinoid is quite different from CBD.

THC is most often prized for its psychotropic effects. It acts on certain parts of the brain by triggering a surge of dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of pleasure and euphoria—sensations sought after by users that can quickly lead to addiction. It has been proven that THC has an addictive potential of approximately 9%.

Of course, the extent of THC’s impact on our bodies depends on the amount of cannabis consumed. The more cannabis you consume, the stronger the effects you’ll feel. And the more cannabis you consume—whether in terms of quantity or frequency—the more likely you are to become dependent on it.
In France, for example, smoking is the most common method of cannabis use, often combined with tobacco use. Tobacco is already a highly addictive substance in and of itself, so it’s no surprise that cannabis users are likely to quickly develop a form of dual dependence.

It all starts with tolerance—in other words, the more cannabis you use, the more you’ll need to increase the dose to continue feeling the same effects.

From that point on, without a certain degree of vigilance and awareness, habitual use can quickly turn into a full-blown addiction.

Unlike THC, CBD is not addictive. Far from it.

The first reason is that CBD has no effect on dopamine levels. CBD has no psychoactive properties and therefore poses no risk of addiction.

Conversely, CBD is increasingly being used to treat addiction. It thus stands as a sort of antithesis to THC, with both being substances derived from cannabis but radically different.

CBD, or cannabidiol, has various benefits, including the ability to directly alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
When a person is addicted to a substance and is experiencing withdrawal, various symptoms may appear: nausea, hallucinations, hyperthermia, tremors, or hypersensitivity to light or noise.

A 2019 study highlighted this among consumers addicted to opioids, and the results were conclusive. CBD use led to a rapid and significant reduction in cravings for the problematic substance, as well as in withdrawal-related anxiety. Overall, CBD is considered a particularly effective active ingredient for reducing the risk of relapse, with no reported side effects. For those who wish to incorporate hemp into their daily lives long-term and with complete peace of mind, ourCBD small budsoffer an ideal, affordable alternative, allowing you to enjoy high-quality flowers without breaking the bank.

Can using CBD be addictive? The answer is no.
CBD should not be confused with THC, which is indeed addictive. On the contrary, CBD is considered a great aid in the direct treatment of addictions. This is important information worth knowing and sharing without hesitation.