It is well established that CBD is not an addictive substance – but it doesn’t stop a little niggle of worry from developing.
CBD is derived from the cannabis family of plants – one known for their psychoactive properties, and potential for dependency.
There is some information crossover from the psychoactive cannabinoid, THC, which may put new users on edge. While CBD & THC are both cannabinoids, and they come from the same plant, they have very different effects on our body. THC is – without a doubt – an addictive substance [source] that can cause a number of rather unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Like many other substances, withdrawals can cause irritability, anger, depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, craving, and decreased appetite [source]. The classic (often referenced in Pop culture) withdrawal from THC is wild, vivid and colourful dreams.
It is completely understandable if you find yourself asking: “Is CBD is addictive too?” and “Will I get withdrawals if I stop taking CBD?”.
To put this to rest, we have looked at a number of studies, and anecdotal evidence from many of our customers over the years, to help answer this question in full.
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Is it possible to get withdrawals from CBD? Or is it a myth?
Let’s start with the short answer:
There is currently no substantial proof that CBD can cause withdrawal syndrome if you stop taking it suddenly, but that does not mean that some side effects are not possible. There is minimal data and very few studies looking at CBD withdrawals.
The most prominent study took 30 participants – each were given a course of 750mgs of a cannabinoid medicine which contains THC, a course of 750mg of CBD and then a placebo. The course was abruptly stopped, and the participants were studied and surveyed about the effects on how they felt [source]. While the study concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that CBD caused withdrawals, it did report that a number of the participants did experience some side effects of stopping abruptly.
There are a number of things to consider with this study: Firstly, the participants were given an extremely high dose of 750mgs of CBD. To put this into perspective, most consumers in the UK do not exceed 70mgs per day. Secondly, there is a huge variety of CBD products on the UK market – some contain more THC than others, and there are other bioactive at play (such as terpenes). Finally, we’re all different, so many of us experience different things. We need more evidence to make sure that these findings are conclusive.
While there is no evidence of CBD withdrawal in the data, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that can be drawn upon; whether that is from users talking about CBD withdrawal online, or from our own customers. It’s not uncommon to feel “bleh” if you stop taking CBD abruptly.
What could cause CBD withdrawals?
Even if the data does not prove that CBD can cause withdrawal syndrome, how can we explain the anecdotal evidence and experiences of CBD users?
There is two potential explanations:
Unbalancing of the Endocannabinoid System
Our body is a delicate ecosystem, and CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System, a signalling system which ensures balance within our bodies. Cannabinoids attach to receptors and influence the signals being sent around the body. Phytocannabinoids are significantly more potent than Endocannabinoids, as a consequence, our body tends to use the more powerful alternatives where it can. If our body no longer has CBD to use, it will revert to the less potent Endocannabinoids. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that our body may endure a period of adjustment and a temporary unbalancing in the Endocannabinoid System.
Based on customer feedback, this is true for many people who have been long-term users of cannabinoid supplements. Most customers report feeling slightly more tired, brain fog, or ‘not feeling quite right’. The experience is all very nebulous in nature, but it is something that comes up time, and time again. The symptoms do not last for more than a day or so, and there are zero harmful, or long-term, impacts on our body.
Placebo?
The second possible explanation could be that the withdrawals are cased by some kind of Placebo Effect. We have written about the potential for the Placebo Effect & CBD and how it works. Our minds are extremely powerful, and routine is important to our feelings of security and well-being. If we change a habit, could we be feeling uneasy because our routine has changed? Rather than feeling withdrawal symptoms?
We are aware that saying “it’s all in your mind” could come across as wrong, but there is a slight possibility that you know you’re not taking you CBD, and you’re more conscious about how you’re feeling.
Answering the Question Finally.
To bring this post to a conclusion, it would be easy to say – “there is no evidence to suggest that CBD causes withdrawal effects” – because there is evidence that stopping CBD abruptly does have mild side effects for many.
The facts are, that CBD is not addictive and stopping abruptly is not harmful or has no long-term consequences. If you do experience some side effects, they are likely only to last a day or two, and they will be a very mild sense that something is different.
