CBD for Quitting Smoking
Tobacco addiction is a very complicated habit to kick. Unfortunately pharmacological solutions such as nicotine gum or patches result in an extremely low tobacco cessation success rate. In order to understand the addiction we must understand both the habitual nature of tobacco use as well as the actual addiction. Some smokers have, on average, smoked 20-40 cigarettes per day for 20-40 years. This leads to a very difficult habit to break. Luckily, CBD has some very promising research to help wean smokers off of cigarettes.
One study was focused on smokers who genuinely wanted to quit. They were given a cartridge with either CBD or a placebo. Over the span of a week each time they felt inclined to smoke they would use the inhaler. The CBD group reduced the amount of cigarettes smoked by about 40%, whereas in the placebo group no reduction was noted. The researchers theory as to why the CBD treatment was so effective has to do with CB1 receptors in the brain causing a reduction in the boosting properties of nicotine. These receptors are primarily found on nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. This is why cannabinoids are able to aid in dealing with pain and memory. It is also believed that they affect both appetite and sleep patterns. Furthermore, CBD is a potent inhibitor of FAAH, an enzyme that breaks down the anandamide “Bliss'' molecule.
Another study conducted in May 2018 examined a variety of positive effects of CBD in relation to smoking behaviour. It was a double-blind, randomized study that consisted of 30 dependent smokers. Each of which were given 800mg of CBD orally or the placebo. They were shown pictorial tobacco cues such as parties, drinking, other people smoking and so on. They were examined for withdrawal, cravings, blood pressure and heart rate. The findings showed that the single dose of CBD helped reduce the “pleasantness” of the tobacco cues, in comparison to the placebo group. This was especially heightened when participants abstained from smoking overnight for the study. Dr. Amir concluded that CBD may indeed interfere with the underlying mechanisms behind tobacco addiction and would be a possible solution for those wanting to quit.
Other ways CBD can aid in nicotine withdrawal:
#1. Aids in symptoms related to withdrawal
We all know nicotine is one of the hardest addictions to overcome. Withdrawal symptoms include headaches, irritability, anxiety, insomnia and depression. This can last for weeks making it seem like an impossible task. So how can CBD help? It regulates the sleep/wake cycle, pain, and mood. It also helps combat headaches and regulates blood pressure. It has been known to help relieve the physical symptoms of the withdrawal period, making this transition easier for those wanting to quit.
#2. It eases tobacco cravings
Most cigarette users have relied on their daily routine. It has become a habitual part of their lifestyle to incorporate cigarettes throughout their day. By replacing this with a CBD product they still get their routine, but without the nicotine hit. You can replace your cigarette for a much healthier option, making the transition not so intense and overwhelming.
#3. It helps you relax
It has been shown with both humans and animals that CBD reduces anxiety equal to that of diazepam. It acts as a powerful stress-relieving supplement that helps one cope with depression and panic attacks resulting from nicotine withdrawal.
Quitting cigarettes can be one of the hardest addictions to break. Instead of going cold turkey, CBD can help alleviate symptoms as well as emulate the lifestyle that goes in hand with smoking.