Can You Get Addicted to CBD?

Can You Get Addicted to CBD?

• Mandy Sandhu
• 8 Aug 2024

Since cannabis (CBD) was legalized in Canada in 2018, there has been increased interest in its variants, CBD and THC, for their perceived calming or soothing effect. However, it comes with potential side effects and risks users must know to make sound decisions. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss the risks of CBD, how it relates to addiction, and how to treat a marijuana addiction. Keep reading to learn more about CBD.

What is CBD? 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is found in the cannabis plant. In the cannabis plant, there are hundreds of chemical substances that can be used, called cannabinoids. CBD is one of those cannabinoids. It’s often taken as CBD oil tinctures dropped under the tongue or in drinks.

CBD can be found in cannabis sativa or Indian hemp plants. These are herbaceous plants native to central and western Asia. The plant can be cultivated for medicinal properties, as well as natural texture fibres. It’s commonly used in oils and gummies for calming properties. It’s also used as a medication to treat epileptic seizures and soothe soreness, stress, and chronic pain. 

The cannabis sativa plant has over 400 chemical compounds. Of those, 80 are biologically active, and 60 are cannabinoids. One of those compounds is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive known as marijuana.

Related: Dangers Of Smoking Marijuana At Young Age

Is CBD Addictive? 

According to the World Health Organization, pure CBD taken on its own is not addictive. It doesn’t cause intoxication and therefore has a low risk of being abused. However, CBD can be paired with THC for a combined effect, resulting in a longer high that could lead to substance abuse or CBD addiction. This can cause fatigue, appetite changes, and sluggishness.

While cannabis addiction isn’t possible, taking CBD with other drugs can cause dangerous reactions and psychoactive effects in your system. It has side effects, risks, and long-term considerations, as it affects the brain.

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What are the Side Effects of CBD Drug Addiction? 

CBD side effects vary per person, depending on underlying medical conditions, mental health disorders, age, sex, demographics, and more. Side effects can occur with small doses and large doses of CBD. CBD can affect the body in the following ways:

• Confusion
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Lower or higher appetite
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Drowsiness and excess sleeping
• Low energy
• Driving capability
• Liver function abnormalities
• Reaction with prescription drugs

There’s no telling when CBD will have adverse effects, especially when taken with alcohol, other drugs, or prescription drugs. There’s also not enough research on the topic to determine how CBD affects the mind and body.

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The Risks of Using CBD 

Some risks of using CBD are known (see the side effects list), and some are unknown because research on the subject continues. 

Lack of Research Causing Misdiagnosis 

CBD has become a therapeutic tool for some, despite lack of research and education on the compound. Many Canadians use CBD for therapeutic purposes, without fully understanding how it can affect them. This lack of information leads to health risks and possible drug and alcohol dependence. 

CBD also poses a risk if it’s accessible to children. There is far less research on how CBD consumption will affect children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and other understudied populations. These groups are often more sensitive to risks, yet CBD is widely available.

There’s also the risk of misdiagnosed health concerns. A person might resort to using CBD to treat a problem they’re having, instead of seeing a medical professional. They risk missing a proper diagnosis that could be more serious and even life-threatening.

Liver Damage 

CBD can lead to dose-dependent liver damage. Paired with other medications, such as leflunomide, lomitapide, mipomersen, pexidartinib, teriflunomide, and valproate, it can cause liver damage. 

People with poor liver health are especially at a higher risk of damage. Liver damage from CBD use usually occurs when the compound is taken daily, with an oral dose of 300 milligrams or more. People who experience this health risk should discontinue use.

Substance Use Problems 

People with a history of substance abuse might develop a CBD addiction, although the compound itself isn’t addictive. Substance abusers usually try to reach a certain sensation, from euphoria to numbness, and CBD might create the sensation they’re looking for when paired with other drugs or alcohol. 

It can be hard to differentiate between the feelings that various drugs provide when they’re taken together, so users could end up ingesting more CBD along with other drugs, which can cause future health problems.

Related: How to Quit Smoking Weed: Tips & Guide

Suicidal Ideations 

If a person has a history of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or other negative mental health ideas, CBD can exacerbate those feelings. CBD is correlated with increased suicidal thoughts and behaviours, so it’s by no means a safe compound.

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Next Steps for Dealing with Addiction 

If you or someone you know is displaying signs of addiction, get immediate help at Freedom From Addiction. There’s no waitlist like government-funded addiction services, so you can start the recovery process immediately.

We’ll begin with a medical detox of whatever substances are being used. You’ll stay in a safe, encouraging environment where we take advantage of trauma-informed care for the best results. Talk to your family about your options if you need help, and we can direct you to the right addiction treatment program.

Get help now.