CBD has slowly been working its way into the spotlight as an alternative to common prescription medications. CBD has been utilized to help with numerous conditions, with some of the most common being nausea, inflammation, anxiety, and acne.
But is it possible to experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using CBD products?
The short answer is no.
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike the chemical compound THC, CBD will not give you the “high” effect. Because of this, it is highly unlikely that you will become addicted to CBD products.
Addiction is often a result of wanting to feel better through the use of some activity and/or substance. This has several different levels of impact on the brain, including the loss of control over impulses and cravings. Because CBD does not give you the “high” effect, your brain will typically not correlate it with a craving that provides instant gratification.
THC Is a Different Story
THC use, generally referred to as marijuana use, has the potential to present withdrawal symptoms for people who use it frequently. Ever since its legalization became more popular in allowing states, more and more people have turned to using it. While this is not inherently a bad thing, there is some misconceptions about whether or not marijuana can be addictive.
Marijuana typically possesses a high concentration level of THC, giving the user a “high” effect that can become addictive. As is the case with any other medication you are using, it is important to know what is or is not a safe amount to consume. Along with that, it is important to know the proper way to ease yourself off of it when the time comes. Otherwise, frequent marijuana users could experience several of the following withdrawal symptoms upon quitting:
- Headaches
- Loss of Focus
- Insomnia
- Cold Sweats
- Mood Changes
Again, this is not to say that marijuana use is bad. In fact, there are several great benefits that cannabis and THC can have for patients with both mild and severe conditions that can affect their everyday life. This list of withdrawal symptoms is simply a reminder to use marijuana responsibly and to consult your doctor before making changes to your medications.
Potential Risks to Using CBD
Without the ability to overdose or experience withdrawal symptoms from using CBD, most people think it is safe to switch to as their primary medication. This is not the case however, as abruptly quitting your prescribed medication can result in many severe withdrawal symptoms.
Depending on the medication, these withdrawal symptoms can range from something as simple as headaches, nausea, and irritability, to something much more serious such as seizures, depression, and even hallucinations. Always consult with your doctor before deciding to switch medications or before adding CBD products to your regimen.
So, Is It Safe to Exclusively Use CBD for Symptom Relief?
Yes, it is safe to use CBD products by themselves to help relieve your symptoms. As I mentioned before, it is not possible to overdose or experience withdrawal symptoms when you are only using CBD.
However, this does not mean that it is impossible to experience side effects from CBD. Some possible side effects that have been reported by people using CBD include:
- Change in Appetite
- Change in Weight
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
Don’t let this short list scare you, as side effects are a very normal part of medication. The human body is incredibly complex, and a proper chemical balance is required in order to function well. Even over the counter medications such as cold remedies and sinus decongestants come with their own side effects. Luckily, the side effects associated with CBD are mild and are generally described as “irritating” rather than severe.
Everything we know regarding the safety of CBD products is based on the review of over 132 studies that observed the effects that CBD had on heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. The studies found that none of these were negatively impacted.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, you won’t experience any withdrawal symptoms from CBD unless you also stop taking your prescription medication. While CBD is a safe product for consumption, it should always be used responsibly and should only be used in conjunction with other medications under the approval of a doctor.
As long as you are using CBD the proper way, its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks. With a ton of research constantly being conducted on CBD, it is not something that should be feared. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out more of our CBD blog for great content. If you have any questions or recommended topics you would like us to discuss, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.
