CBD is mildly psychoactive but not in a similar manner as THC. What you need to remember is cannabidiol is not addictive, and it does not create a risk of dependence. Cannabis use disorder is often triggered by the consumption of THC concentrates and highly potent weed. 

Are you addicted to weed? Can CBD help you manage THC addiction? Below is what you need to know.

• CBD counters the effects of THC.
• You may use CBD to treat addiction or prevent drug seeking behavior.
• CBD is non psychoactive (will not cause a high)
• High potency weed increases the risk of addiction or dependence. 
• To date, marijuana is responsible for zero deaths worldwide. 
• About 9% of marijuana users in the US develop dependence. 
• Contact a physician before using CBD to treat addiction or any other ailment.

What are the signs that you are addicted to weed?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 9% of cannabis users develop dependence or addiction. You know you are addicted to weed or other substances if using the drug causes negative side effects, but you cannot stop using. The questions you should ask yourself are?

• Does using weed affect your career, school, or work?
• Is using marijuana making it difficult to maintain relationships?
• Does using weed hurt your finances?

Only you can answer these questions.

What you need to remember is that using marijuana is unlikely to cause death, but it can impact your work and social life in plenty of ways. Signs that you are addicted to weed include:

You experience withdrawal symptoms

If you experience cravings, irritability, mood swings, diminished appetite, depression, cold sweats, insomnia, or stomach problems after ceasing use. It is a sign that you could be addicted. Depending on the level of dependence developed, the symptoms above could be mild or severe. 

It could also be a sign that the product you are consuming is contaminated. Could be intentional or accidental. 

Buying marijuana illicitly or from untrustworthy sources may expose the user to highly addictive or damaging substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, laundry detergent, rat poison, fungus and bacteria, PCP, and so on. 

What causes withdrawal symptoms

Sustained use of marijuana may cause the brain to become dependent on the drug/you develop tolerance. Once you stop consumption, the brain must re-adjust. The re-adjustment causes withdrawal symptoms.  

Spending too much time using marijuana?

If marijuana consumption makes up the bulk of your day, it could mean that you are addicted. Smoking occasionally or daily is not a concern if it does not affect your work, studies, or career. But if you have to make up excuses to avoid work to smoke weed, you may have a problem.

Other signs that you may have a marijuana problem include:

• Craving marijuana.
• Consuming more weed than intended. 
• Needing higher doses of marijuana to experience a high.

Can CBD be used to treat drug addiction?

According to a study published in the National Library of medicine, yes. The study concluded that, quote:

“CBD has several therapeutic properties on its own that could indirectly be useful in the treatment of addiction disorders, such as its protective effect on stress vulnerability and neurotoxicity. Overall, emerging data remain very limited and are far from being conclusive; well-designed, randomized, controlled trials are necessary at this point to determine whether these properties translate into significant improvements on clinical outcomes in human populations.”

How do you prevent or manage marijuana addiction using CBD?

According to research, CBD can counter the side effects of THC. Thus, you may start consuming more CBD while lowering THC intake. If you are a regular smoker, it is advisable not to cease consumption abruptly.  Instead, reduce daily consumption slowly. It may be down to a level you are comfortable with or completely.  

Another option is to seek help from a substance abuse expert or doctor. Some doctors may recommend medicines that cause even more problems, meaning it is safer to use CBD. We recommend researching prescribed medicines before consumption. 

How to survive marijuana withdrawal

Marijuana withdrawal is not as serious as what you may experience if you are addicted to cocaine, heroin, or other drugs. You may manage the symptoms in the following ways.

• Find support. The more time you spend by your self -the higher the possibility of developing cravings or depression. Consequently, you may use interactions with other people to keep your mind off cannabis. 
• Avoid foods that make you feel sluggish or depressed. Sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods, can make you feel sluggish and may increase the risk of developing depression. Because of that, it is advisable to only consume meats, and fresh vegetables during withdrawal
• Drink plenty of water. You want to avoid fizzy drinks, sugary drinks, and caffeinated soda.

Is CBD addictive?

When isolated, CBD will not cause intoxication. What will cause intoxication is THC. 

The side effects of using CBD to treat addiction include dry mouth, diarrhea, and fatigue. Unlike prescribed medicines for addiction that may cause sexual dysfunction and dependence. 

How long does THC stay in your system?

Ongoing legalization has led to the development of highly potent weed. Highly potent weed is problematic in that it increases the risk of addiction and it stays longer in your system. 

What we do know is the factors that determine how long THC remains detectable in your system include frequency of use, quantity, eating habits, metabolism, and body fat percentage.

THC, depending on potency, may remain in the blood for a week or up to a month. CBD wears off within a few days or a week or two. 

Is using marijuana a crime in the US?

It depends on state law, some states have fully legalized weed, meaning you may use it medicinally and recreationally, and some only allow the sale and consumption of CBD. 

We recommend checking local restrictions.

That said. Hemp-derived CBD is legal on the federal level, meaning you may use it anywhere in the country.