CBD for Quitting Cannabis
Among the many CBD offerings, some players stand out. Whether by the quality of their product, their services, their commitments, or the variety of products.
Cannabis is classified as a narcotic. This drug can, in the long term, cause damage to the body and mind.
You certainly know that cannabidiol comes from cannabis... But how can this substance help with cannabis withdrawal?
Why is cannabis a drug and cannabidiol not?
By what magic can CBD help stop cannabis without creating a new addiction?
After explaining which molecule of the hemp plant causes addiction and what it provokes, we will see what advantages make CBD a promising solution and how to use it to stop cannabis.
Cannabis: effects and addiction
CBD vs Cannabis?
When we talk about cannabis in terms of narcotics, we refer to the resin (hash) or the flowers of the hemp plant, which, most of the time mixed with tobacco, are smoked. The famous joint! In this joint, there is also cannabidiol, as it is also produced by the hemp plant. Except that in this "illegal" product context, there is much more THC than CBD!
Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC or Δ9-THC), like cannabidiol (CBD), is a natural substance derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant.
In the legal context, producers cultivate specific hemp seeds, listed in the European catalog of agricultural varieties and species or in the official catalog of cultivated plant species and varieties in France. These seeds produce plants that naturally have a THC level below 0.3%. All products authorized for sale are made from these plants.
Regarding illegal cannabis consumption, it can lead to physical and psychological dependence. This addiction can occur at any age! However, according to a study published on the National Library of Medicine website, cannabis dependence is greater when consumption started in adolescence.
Of course, not everyone is susceptible to becoming addicted to cannabis. However, daily (or almost daily) consumption irrevocably leads to addiction. A bad habit that it is better to stop...
Effects and Withdrawal
When talking about cannabis withdrawal, it is important to understand the effects of THC on the body. THC is a psychoactive component of cannabis that creates a "high" sensation by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This disrupts communication between neurons and causes feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception.
We often talk about recreational cannabis; it's true that said like that, it seems rather harmless. Not so much!
This connection between neurons can also disrupt the natural production of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating mood, appetite, and pain. A rather counterproductive habit in the short or long term...
Smoking cannabis creates dependencies and rather severe physical and psychological damage.
The harmful effects of cannabis on health are numerous. Beyond the effects on the lungs (because in most cases, cannabis is smoked, you smoke a joint), cannabis can create memory and concentration problems, mood disorders, a decrease in motivation, and even impaired brain development in adolescents. Suddenly, it's much less "recreational" and fun, isn't it?
It is also important to note that cannabis can affect the professional, social, and family life of regular users. Smoking becomes their favorite activity, and they cannot stop.
These behaviors should raise a red flag:
- A very limited social life (professional or friendly) due to this consumption,
- Important tasks, whether at home, school, or work, are not performed,
- Lack of enthusiasm and motivation,
- A need to consume more and more to achieve the same effects…
- An inability to stop or even limit consumption for several months.
These behaviors are a sign that something is getting out of hand, and it may be time to reduce or even stop.
When you stop cannabis, since it is a drug, we talk about cannabis withdrawal, a difficult time to manage. Fortunately, there are natural solutions to support you during this withdrawal period...
The benefits of CBD for reducing cannabis dependence
CBD's action on cannabis withdrawal symptoms
CBD is a prime candidate to accompany the withdrawal period. First and foremost, CBD does not cause any dependence. CBD and THC indeed come from the same plant, but the active principles are not the same, nor are the effects.
Let's take the example of anandamide. THC and CBD will not have the same actions on this molecule. THC disrupts its production while CBD helps regulate it by inhibiting its absorption in the body. Thanks to CBD, anandamide stays in the system longer. Results: reduction of anxiety, depression, and pain, common symptoms of cannabis withdrawal.
Other effects of CBD can very strongly help reduce symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, as well as headaches associated with withdrawal.
The impact of CBD intake on reducing cannabis consumption has also been studied. A few rare studies have shown that CBD can help reduce cannabis consumption in regular users.
One of them, published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, shows that cannabis users who used CBD reported a significant reduction in their cannabis consumption, as well as a decrease in withdrawal symptoms.
Impact of CBD intake on reducing cannabis consumption
CBD / THC same fight? Not at all, and CBD could even be very useful for quitting joints!
Another study, French this time, observed the effects of a CBD e-liquid to stop cannabis. Among 20 participants, almost ⅓ reduced their cannabis consumption by 50%. These are encouraging results, even if there are too few studies on the subject.
CBD could therefore help people who genuinely want to stop cannabis to initially decrease their consumption, and eventually, stop it completely.
A small downside: the impact of tobacco addiction in the case of cannabis should not be neglected. Quitting smoking completely (cannabis and tobacco) is a double challenge! You have to take it step by step. How to proceed?
How to use CBD in a withdrawal program
Cannabis withdrawal can be complicated to manage. The good sides:
- The duration is generally rather short (just a few weeks, depending on the individual)
- CBD is invaluable in helping you through this period!
You can use CBD in a program over several days.
How does cannabidiol support you? It's simple, its biggest assets: its anti-stress and anxiolytic effects. These benefits work on both body and mind. Muscles relax and the mind unwinds!
Depending on your previous consumption, you can use different CBD products.
Using CBD infusions to relieve withdrawal symptoms
We start with CBD infusions. First, choose one or more flavors that suit you (red berries, exotic, lemon...). Infusions are simple to prepare and, most importantly, they can be drunk in any season, hot or iced, and at any time of day. Infusions relieve symptoms such as anxiety and nausea.
The important thing is to fight bad reflexes and adopt good habits. Craving a smoke: prepare yourself an herbal tea!
Incorporating CBD oil into cannabis withdrawal treatment
In addition to infused drinks, you can certainly consume other CBD products. The absorption of CBD with infusions (the time it takes for the body to assimilate CBD) is rather slow, so there is no risk of overdose if you use another product.
CBD oil is a very effective complementary aid! The absorption time is fast. You need to monitor the quantity to retain all the benefits (too much or too little and the effects are nullified!).
In this context, take CBD oil sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and drinks (yogurt, tea/infusions, salad dressing...).
CBD oil has several advantages.
- It is a great help for relaxation and a powerful companion to combat sleep disorders. To be preferred in the evening to gently drift off to sleep.
- It is also widely used to relieve chronic pain. In this case, opt for a dosage morning/noon and evening to benefit from the effects throughout the day.
For dosage, start with 4 to 6 drops (preferably in the evening, to observe the effects) then gradually increase the dose.
NB: oils are available in different concentrations: 5, 10, 15, or 20%. The higher the percentage, the fewer drops you need to take. To start calmly, opt for 5 or 10% and adjust over time.
CBD Flowers
CBD flowers are the form that can be most similar to cannabis, both in terms of taste and use. Here, the choice of flower will be very personal. It will depend on your tastes because for connoisseurs, there are different varieties with distinct flavors (fruity, earthy, floral...).
CBD flowers are similar to cannabis flowers, but they do not contain as much THC (<0.3%). By inhaling the vapors of CBD flowers, you can benefit from the therapeutic effects of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC.
For greater effectiveness in cannabis withdrawal, we advise you to use a vaporizer. No tobacco, an authentic taste, and fast effects!
Moreover, it is very possible that you will be surprised by the flavors! Those of CBD (organic) flowers will certainly be more pronounced than those of illegal cannabis (about which you know nothing, neither about its cultivation nor about potential additives...).
The only point you should keep in mind to guide your choice of flowers: ORGANIC! It goes directly into your blood, so why not avoid pesticides and other chemicals?
Example of a typical day:
- Morning: CBD infusion
- Noon: Iced infusion before or after the meal
- End of day: buds in a vaporizer for relaxation!
- Evening: infusion before bed + 6 drops of CBD oil in the infusion (if you're afraid of getting up 5 times in the night to go to the bathroom, skip the evening infusion and just take the oil sublingually!)
Change your habits little by little.
You've decided to quit cannabis, to keep your goal in mind, put all the chances on your side! A relaxation program over several days with CBD can relieve you during the cannabis withdrawal period (and even after).
We have talked about infusions, oils, and flowers, but know that CBD distillate is also a very popular option. CBD distillate is consumed by vaping; you keep the "smoking" gesture without combustion or tobacco. You benefit very quickly and effectively from the effects of CBD, and you can also vary the flavors! A very interesting form of CBD.
Whatever the case, opt for simple forms of use that align with your lifestyle choices.
We are here to help you regain control of your well-being. If you need personalized advice on the most appropriate forms of CBD or dosage, contact us!
