Is CBD oil addictive? This is a question we at Canaroza often get asked by people who are interested in the natural benefits of CBD, but are concerned if it has potential to create addiction.
In short, the answer is no. CBD oil is not addictive. Let us take a look at why:
What causes a substance to be addictive?
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain condition that drives a person to seek a particular substance, whether it has harmful consequences or not. One of the reasons why addiction is called a brain disease is because over time repeatedly taking a particular substance can actually change the brain’s structure and function.
Whether a substance can be addictive depends on whether it interferes with the ways in which neurons in the brain transmit, receive and process information.
Almost all potentially addictive substances are aimed at the dopamine-based reward system in the brain. Dopamine is well known to produce feelings of euphoria and happiness when it is released into the brain.
Substances that overstimulate this rewards system initiate a pattern that causes people to repeat the behaviour.
Over time, the regular use of the substance causes the brain to produce less dopamine. This in turn causes the person to repeat the use of these drugs to experience happiness again. And thereby, an addiction is created.
What is in CBD oil?
Before explaining why CBD oil is not addictive, let us first look at the ingredients of CBD oil.
Extracted from the flowers, stalks and seeds of the cannabis sativa hemp plant, CBD hemp oil is dominated by cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring and non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
Beside that CBD oil also contains other nutritious material such as terpenes, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, chlorophyll, amino acids, and smaller levels of more than 100 different cannabinoids.
Because CBD hemp oil only contains very small amounts of THC, it will not cause people to experience any intoxicating effects.
Does CBD oil contain addictive substances?
In short, CBD oil is not addictive because it contains little or no THC.
It is the psychoactive ingredient THC that causes dependence on some people.
THC binds directly to cannabinoid 1 (CB1) brain receptors. It is this action on CB1 receptors that is responsible for triggering the euphoric effects often associated with cannabis.
CB1 receptors affect the reward system in the brain and the release of dopamine and explain why THC has potential to be addictive.
CBD does not stimulate the dopamine-based reward system in the brain.
A World Health Organisation (WHO) report last year stated that the CBD is non-addictive, and it shows no evidence of abusive or addictive potential for humans and animals and is considered safe for human consumption.
Can you take too much CBD?
CBD is considered safe for humans, even at high levels. Possible side effects with CBD are minimal. Dry mouth, low blood pressure and drowsiness are the most common side effects associated with CBD.
No single case of CBD overdose causing death has been reported. This is because CBD and the other cannabinoids found in hemp do not interact with those receptors in the brain that control breathing and pulse.
Although there are no known serious side effects of taking too much CBD, we always suggest that you initially start with a low strength and gradually increase your intake of CBD.
Premium quality CBD oil by Canaroza is an easy way to get your daily CBD oil dosage and starting to experience the benefits of CBD oil.