CBD for cigarette cravings: can CBD help reduce nicotine cravings?
Research says yes.
A federally funded study, published in 2023 in the journal “Chemical Research in Toxicology”, found that even low doses of CBD inhibit an enzyme that’s associated with processing nicotine in the body. By interfering with this enzyme, CBD can effectively reduce nicotine cravings and help people quit using tobacco products.
What is CBD?
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating component of cannabis widely known for its ability to help improve the body’s functioning. It does this by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a signaling and receptor system that exists in all invertebrates. Cannabinoids like CBD are recognized by the endocannabinoid system and used the same way as the body’s naturally-occurring cannabinoids.
Yes—your body produces cannabinoids of its own!
In today’s world, however, many people’s endocannabinoid systems are severely depleted. This is why CBD helps so many people; CBD provides cannabinoids for your body to use in the absence of your body creating enough of its own.
Learn more about the endocannabinoid system by clicking here.
2023 Research on CBD and Cigarette Cravings
In the aforementioned study, Washington State University performed an experiment to test how CBD affects human liver and cell samples. They focused on CBD’s effect on various enzymes related to nicotine metabolism and found that even low doses of CBD inhibited the primary nicotine metabolism enzyme, called CYP2A6, by 50%. In their own article about the research they write, ““In other words, it appears that you don’t need much CBD to see the effect.”
Harm Reduction
Cigarette smoking is a major health concern. It kills millions of people each year by encouraging cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in both smokers and nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke. Despite the severe health risks, users often find it incredibly difficult to quit. According to the CDC, every year about 55% of smokers try to quit and only 3-5% actually succeed. Nicotine cravings are difficult to overcome, so this research about CBD is incredibly promising.
By reducing nicotine cravings, CBD can help lessen the harm caused by smoking. Fewer cravings means fewer cigarettes smoked, and by increasing the time between smokes, the body is afforded a longer respite from the toxins ingested through cigarette smoke.
CBD also helps improve your body’s immune response, fight disease, and manage itself better overall by virtue of the endocannabinoid system. So even for smokers who have no plans to quit, taking a CBD supplement can be superbly beneficial.
Early Research on CBD and Cigarette Cravings
More research is needed in this area, but so far the results are promising. Early research done in 2013, published in the journal “Addict Behaviors”, conducted a study in which 24 smokers were randomly selected to receive either a CBD inhaler or a placebo. They were instructed to use the inhaler every time they had the urge to smoke over the course of a week. In the placebo group, there was no difference in the number of cigarettes smoked, but in the CBD group the change was significant: a 40% reduction.
Conclusion
Cannabis is an incredible medicinal plant that seems perfectly designed to work in harmony with our bodies. From soothing arthritis to reducing nicotine cravings, its potential uses are vast. Toxins are so prevalent in the modern world that our bodies need all the help they can get. With only a few minor side-effects, such as drowsiness and appetite changes, CBD is a safe, natural option afforded to us by Nature herself.
Give yourself the gift of health today by trying FlowerChild’s premium CBD and CBG oils.
