Is CBD Addictive?

Still, CBD comes with a lot of questions; one of the most frequently asked being: “Is it possible to develop a CBD addiction?”

Of course, addiction can occur with a number of substances, so it may seem reasonable to assume that CBD could be addictive--but the answer to this question may surprise you. 

Ahead, all you need to know about CBD and addiction:

• Why does the association between CBD and addiction exist?
• Is CBD dependence a real threat?

and

• Why is it important to take CBD mindfully?

Are CBD Addictions a Real Threat?

Short answer: no--as long as the CBD you’re taking does not contain exceptionally high concentrations of THC, which is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. 

Rising THC concentration in marijuana over the last several years is thought to be the primary contributor to dependency. Due to federal regulation, CBD products must be hemp-derived and, therefore, contain <0.3% THC in order to be sold nationwide.

The keyword there is nationwide. States are still at liberty to decide what is and is not permissible with regard to THC. Washington State, for example, can freely produce and sell CBD oil derived from marijuana (not hemp), which means THC could be higher than 0.3%. 

To avoid any possibility of addiction, inspect product labels to be sure THC concentration is beneath the federally legal limit (<0.3%). There is no evidence to support claims that dependency occurs in people who use CBD products containing such a negligible amount of THC.

In fact, the World Health Organization released a report that found no correlation between the potential for abuse and CBD in well-controlled human experimental research studies.

The main reason CBD alone has not been found to be addictive is the absence of euphoric or intoxicating effects. Thanks to the lack of THC, CBD does not create any of the experiences that encourage dependency.

Of course, as with any substance, there is still the slim risk of developing a compulsive habit. After all, there are people addicted to sugar, shopping, fake tans, and tattoos! 

Bottom line: it’s important to use CBD in a safe and mindful manner to achieve positive results, but addiction is highly unlikely if not completely impossible.

Why Do People Think CBD is Addictive?

Pretty simple: there’s still stigma surrounding cannabis and cannabis-related products. Herbal medicine as a whole has overcome a lot of the stereotypes that previously dragged it down, thanks to widespread education on its effectiveness and minimal adverse side effects. Unfortunately, negative associations with cannabis still exist. 

It is also important to recognize that CBD as we know it today (read: regulated CBD) has not been around very long. Plenty of studies show that CBD is safe, non-intoxicating, and offers a variety of positive effects on mental and physical health. Still, more research over time will help us truly understand this magical little compound and how it affects our bodies. 

The Importance of Taking CBD Mindfully 

As with any supplement or medication, it’s important to use CBD, hemp, and cannabis mindfully. While CBD side effects are rare and limited, some people can experience them. Mindfulness is particularly essential if you are taking other medications, such as blood thinners, as CBD can interact with some prescription drugs.

Here are a couple of ways to practice responsible CBD consumption:

Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Especially if you are new to CBD, take time to understand the way that your body interacts with CBD products. Always start with the smallest dose recommended by the manufacturer and work your way up, following the prescribed dosage and frequency.

Choose Products Carefully

Considering the Wild Wild West-esque nature of the CBD market, be very careful when selecting which products you purchase and from whom. There is some weird (and negligibly effective) stuff out there claiming to offer all the benefits of CBD, with little to no evidence to back up those claims.

Always purchase from a reputable supplier who submits its products to testing by an independent lab--and is completely transparent with the results. Third-party testing ensures that you’re getting a product with accurately reported quality and potency, and one that is free of heavy metals, molds, and other harmful substances.

There have been no studies that associate addiction with CBD. While it is still a developing field of research, it does not appear that introducing CBD into your daily routine will put you at risk for forming a dependency. 

We are, however, seeing mounting evidence that CBD can be wonderfully effective at supporting your body’s ability to mitigate anxiety, soothe pain, and even treat chronic conditions such as seizures. 

That said, it’s essential to reiterate that using CBD (and any other supplement or medication) mindfully is important. Make sure to do your research and only purchase CBD products from verified, experienced retailers. Always consult a professional if you experience any issues with a product, or if you’re concerned about it interfering with existing medication or conditions.

Want to know more? We love CBD and write about it all the time!

If you’re ready to start incorporating CBD into your life, we have a number of full-spectrum and isolate products to choose from! Check out our shop here.