Is CBD Addictive? Can you get addicted to CBD?

CBD is not thought to be addictive perhaps because it does not produce intoxicating effects. This means that it can be taken to reap all of the benefits, but without the issue of potentially experiencing paranoia or any other THC response.

THC is a cannabinoid type found in the cannabis plant. It activates the CB1 receptor (part of the Endocannabinoid System) and impacts the prefrontal cortex by increasing the blood flow. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making and motor skills among others. Ultimately, when you think of a psychoactive/intoxicating high you are probably thinking about THC, not CBD. 

CBD has been widely researched and even debated over the years. We’ve compiled a few top CBD benefits to consider.

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CBD has been shown as a potential treatment for anxiety-related disorders thanks to a 2015 research study. Pre-clinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and others.

A more recent 2020 study evaluated CBD’s effects on adults in New Zealand. Researchers found that participants that received CBD treatment for anxiety or depression reported improvements in their ability to perform daily functions and a reduction in pain and anxiety/depression symptoms.

In 2020 researchers created a review of CBD uses and the benefits associated with its use. They found that CBD is generally well-tolerated, effective for intractable pain, non-psychoactive, and improved sleep.

One study found that CBD may even relieve pain through receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This 2018 study found that at the end of 2 weeks of CBD treatment, patients reported a 30% reduction in pain intensity (on a scale of 0-10), which is considered to be clinically important.

According to a study conducted in 2020, researchers found that CBD could be used to relax artery walls, which may help to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. This may build on a 2013 study which suggested that CBD reduces inflammation in arteries and blood vessels, which could prove to potentially prevent heart failure in the future.

As with any product taken, there are pros and cons to consider. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, CBD is found to be generally well-tolerated despite having some side effects including: fatigue, drowsiness, and diarrhea. 

Your physician will be able to better explain how CBD may work given your medical history. 

CBD comes in a variety of formulations from tinctures and oils to gummies and topicals. How you take CBD depends on your preference. We’ve broken down a few ways to take CBD to help decide what works best for you.  

It’s important to always check the label and recommended dose before starting any new CBD product. We also recommend following the Minimum Effective Dose (MED), which tells users to take the smallest amount of a substance to achieve the desired outcome. You can better understand how your body tolerates CBD oil this way and you can avoid the worry of any potential interactions.

Think of it in simple terms, if you're trying a new food you would most likely take a small bite first to see if you like it. This is the same principle - start small and then decide what works best based on tolerance.

Yes. CBD is generally well tolerated for daily use. You can always start with a smaller dose (half a gummy or half the dropper amount for a tincture) and then work up to a higher one.

No. CBD alone will not get you high. While CBD does interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) it does not activate the CB1 receptor, which is responsible for regulating the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. For example, our BATCH CBD products have trace concentrations of THC, less than 0.3% by weight to be exact.

THC is the cannabinoid that binds to CB1 receptors and then triggers those euphoric feelings that are then released.

And as Weedmaps so cleverly explains, taking a bunch of CBD with the hope it’ll unleash the euphoric feelings associated with THC is like expecting to start your car with your house key. 

So, you can’t expect CBD to behave in the same way that THC does - mainly because they interact with the body in different ways.

Yes. The 2018 Farm Bill redefined the use of hemp to allow for legal use. Any hemp-derived product under 0.3% THC is legal to possess, sell, and consume.

However, any product over 0.3% THC is still considered to be marijuana and is federally illegal. It’s important to check your state guidelines to better understand how your state classifies CBD products in relation to the legal percentage of products containing THC.

No. You should never be worried about taking a new product - only informed. That’s why education is such a powerful tool for the entire cannabis industry. As we all learn better formulations and clearer communication tactics we can then better discuss CBD offerings.

To start, you can always discuss potential CBD use with your physician based on your personal medical history. In the meantime spend some time looking through our CBD 101 Guide and our BATCH Blog for even more information on CBD products built for your life.