Is CBD Oil Addictive?

As CBD oil becomes more and more popular worldwide, increasing numbers of people are turning to the food supplement for better wellbeing and with hope of harnessing its potential benefits for a wide range of ailments and conditions.

But despite the growing popularity of CBD, there is still some stigma attached to it, due to its derivation from the cannabis plant. Commonly, this brings with it questions over whether CBD can make you high or have the power to cause addiction. 

Scientific research into the plant extract is still limited and, therefore, confusion and misunderstanding over CBD continues to be rife. But, reassuringly, there are some sureties. 

So what do we know? Is CBD oil addictive?

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil (or cannabidiol) is one of the many compounds derived from the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive extract, which means it doesn’t give you a “high” feeling, unlike its intoxicating counterpart THC. 

Following a surge in widespread use over the past few years, CBD is now available in many different forms. It is most often taken as an oil drop in tincture form but is also available as creams, edibles, powder, water-soluble doses and slow release patches.

Researchers have found that CBD oil appears to support the endocannabinoid system in the human body, which works to keep everything finely balanced - regulating hormones, appetite, sleep and mood.

Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout your body and CBD binds together with them to change the way the body reacts.

Is CBD Oil Addictive?

Taken by itself, CBD oil is not addictive. Scientists believe that CBD has no ability for substance abuse because it doesn’t cause any intoxicating effects that the body can then crave.

It doesn’t contain any of the psychoactive elements that THC has and so cannot give that “high” that many people then want to recreate.

Actually, CBD could be used to help fight addiction, supporting addicts with any withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headaches and gastric upset that can be difficult to manage or, at their worst, impossible to bear. CBD may also help reduce cravings,

It is vital that when you buy your CBD products you choose a trusted source and check that the THC level is less than 0.3% so that you can be sure that it is safe to use.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

CBD supplements are completely legal in the UK if they are made from certain approved strains, because they don’t cause intoxication.

However, your products must contain less than 0.2% of THC, which is deemed to be a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

We recommend that you buy from a trusted provider so that you can be sure of what is in the product.

Does CBD Oil Bring Side Effects?

CBD oil is deemed to be extremely safe to use and any side effects are exceedingly rare. If side effects do occur they are very mild. 

The World Health Organisation says it is “generally well tolerated” by the majority of users and many of those report impressive benefits, hence why it has become such a key player in the alternative remedies market. 

Those who have experienced mild side effects from using CBD oil have reported feeling some tiredness or having occasional loose bowels but any problems have been minimal and are easily fixed by taking less CBD while the body adjusts to the supplement, or by stopping taking CBD completely.

It can then be reintroduced in a lesser quantity to avoid any side effects.

The Bottom Line

While it is wise to be wary of anything that you are putting inside of your body, CBD oil is very safe to use, as long as you follow specific dosing instructions and ensure that you buy from a reputable source. 

CBD Oil is not addictive. It has no psychoactive properties or ability for substance abuse, however it may offer you a lifeline to better wellbeing from just a minor lifestyle change.

We would always recommend doing your own research before you buy - which you are likely to be doing if you are reading this! - and encourage healthy living for all our clients.