Cannabidiol, better known by its acronym CBD, is the primary non-psychoactive compound in cannabis. As more and more research pours in with each passing day, the benefits of this wonder chemical aren’t going to cease amazing us anytime soon, it seems.
A recent study – which also happens to be the first-ever randomized clinical trial of CBD for excessive marijuana use — published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry has deduced that ‘prescribed doses’ of cannabidiol may help people ditch the habit.
For the study, the researchers administered CBD or placebo to 82 volunteers and analyzed the effects of the compound on levels of cannabis use both during a four-week treatment period and up to six months follow-up.
The Trials In the first stage of the trials, 48 volunteers received either a placebo or one of the three doses of 200mg, 400mg or 800mg of CBD. Since the non-psychoactive compound was found to be ineffective at 200mg dose, researchers dropped it completely from the trial.
For the second and final stage of the trial, 34 more volunteers were brought on board to receive either a placebo or one of the two doses of the CBD – 400mg or 800mg. Notably, all the volunteers who took part in the trials were earlier diagnosed with problematic patterns of excessive cannabis use and had previously failed to quit marijuana consumption at least once.
The Results
At the end of the treatment and subsequent follow ups, the researchers found that participants treated with CBD showed lower levels of cannabis in their urine and increased abstinence (in terms of a number of days) as compared to those administered placeboes.
Dr. Tom Freeman, the lead author of the study, explained the result as a “novel therapeutic strategy for managing excessive use of cannabis in clinical settings.” He further added that the results again stood testimony to the fact that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main compound behind the psycho-active nature of cannabis, and CBD have contrasting effects on the human endocannabinoid system.
According to Professor Valerie Curran, Director of the Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit at University College London, UK, the study is a breakthrough in its own right. However, she adds, that oral doses higher than 800mg are unlikely to have any additional benefits.
Points to ponder
Here are a few notes and stats which show why there is a dire need to introduce pharmacotherapies to help people with problematic marijuana use habit:
1. Cannabis is the primary culprit among first-time clients showing up at drug de-addiction centers across Europe.
2. The number of people enrolling to fight marijuana addiction has increased by an enormous 76% in Europe alone, in the past decade.
3. Daily use of marijuana with high THC levels increases the risk of psychosis by 5 times.
Other health benefits of CBD
A growing body of research and anecdotal evidence have confirmed many health benefits of CBD consumption. The non-intoxicating compound is used for the treatment of childhood-onset epilepsy, anxiety, joint pain, acne, cancer-related symptoms and other neurological disorders, though further research and use is needed to determine the long-term safety of the compound.
Common FAQ’s regarding CBD
We spoke to the CEO of CBDPure CBD oil regarding some common questions asked by our users.
Will CBD make me feel “high?”
No. You will not experience a “high” feeling from ingesting CBD oil. The CBD oil is derived from industrial hemp and is non-psychoactive.
Will CBD make me fail a drug test?
CBD is considered to be undetectable in saliva or urine tests.
Are there any negative side effects?
CBD is safe, non-psychotropic and has no known adverse side effects.
