An estimation of 21-29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse their prescription and more than 130 people in the United States overdose on pain relievers, heroin, and fentanyl every day contributing to the rising opioid epidemic (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019). As the shocking number of opioid dependence and abuse continues to increase, researchers have been desperately searching for safer alternatives of treatment to prevent the continuation of addiction and abuse. Research studies have shown the possibility of CBD contributing to a decrease in opioid addiction and helping with symptoms for those going through the detoxification and withdrawal processes. Detoxifying the body from drug use produces painful symptoms lasting several days. A few of these symptoms can be alleviated by CBD products such as nausea, insomnia, and anxiety.
Opioids are physically and psychologically addictive differing from CBD which has not shown instances of physical dependence. Recent studies on CBD for opioid addiction have shown to be rather promising, even though further research still needs to be conducted for greater clinical evidence. CBD acts as a stimulator “influencing the rewards center so that the opioids and other addictive drugs have little to no physical pleasure on the body (Staff, 2019).”
In an issue of Planta Medica, “mice were administered doses of CBD oil at just 10 mg per kg of body weight. Upon administration, the “opiate reward” mechanism was suddenly blocked, making their physical desire for the drug lessened or non-existent. In other words, the body no longer craved the addictive substance on a physiological level (Staff, 2019).”
In 2015, another study published in Substance Abuse claimed “a limited number of preclinical studies suggests that CBD may have therapeutic properties on opioid, cocaine, and psychostimulant addiction. [Moreover], preliminary data suggests that [CBD] may be beneficial in cannabis and tobacco addiction in humans. Further studies are clearly necessary to fully evaluate the potential of CBD as an intervention for addictive disorders (Prud’homme, Cata, & Jutras-Aswad, 2015).”
Although more research does need to be conducted if “we want to begin using the compound on a nationwide level,” research and evidence have shown the intriguing possibilities of CBD’s all-natural solution to a multitude of disorders and pain relief. The use of CBD’s non addictive and non psychoactive soothing properties may set up an individual on a successful and healthy path to a cleaner life free from drug dependence.
Markos, J. R., Harris, H. M., Gul, W., ElSohly, M. A., & Sufka, K. J. (2018, March). Effects of Cannabidiol on Morphine Conditioned Place Preference in Mice. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28793355
Morgan, C. J., Das, R. K., Joye, A., Curran, H. V., & Kamboj, S. K. (2013, September). Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers: Preliminary findings. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23685330
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, January 22). Opioid Overdose Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis#one
Prud’homme, M., Cata, R., & Jutras-Aswad, D. (2015, May 21). Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444130/
Staff, M. (2019, January 30). CBD for Opioid Addictions [Getting Through It Once and For All]. Retrieved from https://www.marijuanabreak.com/cbd-for-opioid-addictions-getting-through-it-once-and-for-all