Smoking cigarettes can prove to be an extremely addictive habit. Furthermore, it can be highly damaging to our health. Many people who get addicted to smoking cigarettes eventually try to find ways to wean themselves off of smoking, usually because of health risks. Different methods are recommended to people to try and stop smoking, such as nicotine gum or patches. But, with the CBD industry booming, questions are starting to be asked about whether CBD may be an effective way to stop those nicotine cravings and get people off cigarettes. Especially because CBD does not contain nicotine and would be a natural remedy. This article will look into whether CBD may be a viable alternative solution to cigarette addiction.
SMOKING
Tobacco was first introduced to England back in 1586. Cigarettes have therefore been around for hundreds of years. Until relatively recently, the full dangers of cigarettes were unknown. Consequently, many people smoked cigarettes because they were unaware of just how deadly they could be. Now that we know that smoking is extremely damaging to our health (causing a wide range of health problems, including cancers, infertility and causing harm to almost every organ in the body), the amount of people who choose to smoke has decreased over the years. However, a significant proportion of the population still does decide to light up. In 2019, a survey in the UK showed that 14.1% of people over 18 smoked cigarettes, which is about 6.9 million of us. Interestingly though, over half of the people who currently smoked – 52.7% – said they wanted to quit.
With the introduction of vaping over recent years, more help has been available to try and help people stop smoking. Add this to the existing aids of patches, gum, lozenges, sprays, inhalers, and it is clear that there are many options out there. However, CBD is popping up as a new and potentially effective alternative. Plus, it doesn’t contain any nicotine, unlike some other treatments. But first things first, what is CBD?
CBD
CBD (or cannabidiol) is a prominent natural supplement and one of over a hundred components (cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant. It is anecdotally known for its range of potential health and wellbeing benefits. CBD is not to be confused with THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. CBD, however, is not psychotropic in any way. This is why it is often seen as an excellent option for people looking for a natural and safe supplement.
Because of its promising potential, it has gained massive momentum in the wellness sphere over recent years. It is argued that CBD could relieve a wide range of maladies, including pain and anxiety. Research is still ongoing, but the evidence is starting to be compiled indicating that CBD could also be an effective solution in quitting smoking. According to findings, CBD may help smokers to quit by interacting with our endocannabinoid systems. Let’s have a closer look at what research has been conducted so far.
SMOKING AND CBD: WHAT WE KNOW
CBD is currently heavily researched and investigated as its potential benefits are starting to come to light. There have already been studies into CBD and epilepsy, dementia, joint pain and anxiety with promising results. It is beginning to emerge that CBD may also be an effective treatment in quitting smoking as well. Unlike some of the ‘stop smoking’ products on the market, CBD is entirely natural and does not contain nicotine or any harmful substances. It is an organic way to tackle smoking. Let’s have a look at some other potential benefits of using CBD concerning smoking:
- CBD may neutralise smoking cues: According to a 2018 study, CBD can decrease the frequency at which you feel triggered to smoke. The creators of this study argue that CBD may exert anti‐addictive effects by normalising the salience of drug cues.
- CBD may stop nicotine cravings: In another study, participants were given a CBD inhaler and told to smoke it whenever they felt cravings for nicotine. Over the course of a week, they smoked 40% fewer cigarettes, whilst a second placebo group experienced no change at all in how much they smoked.
- CBD may have an impact on addiction: Several studies have indicated that CBD may treat addiction because it may reduce anxiety, stress, inflammation and impulsive behaviour.
WHICH FORM OF CBD IS BEST TO USE?
Today, CBD comes in a variety of different forms. You can take CBD capsules, consume CBD oil, inhale CBD vape oil or chew Naturecan’s CBD gummies. The form of CBD that you choose to use doesn’t matter too much. What is more important is the dosage that you give yourself. Generally, 20mg three times a day is a good amount to try and tackle smoking addiction.
Whilst the form is not overly significant, many smokers who want to quit prefer vaping CBD as it is most similar to smoking cigarettes and simulates the actions of smoking. At the end of the day, however, it is down to you.
The Vape Pod Starter Kit is a great way to get started with vaping. You can choose from one of the many flavors and experience it all at your own pace!
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is true that nowadays, there is no shortage of techniques available to try and stop smoking. Whether it’s a nicotine patch or meditation, different people find different ways effective. CBD is currently emerging as an extremely valuable natural compound that could also help kick the cravings and ultimately aid in your quit of the bad habit. Research is still ongoing, and more data will emerge in the months and years to come. Nevertheless, what we do know is that CBD does not contain nicotine or addictive substances. It is a promising compound that may prove to be the future in treating many illnesses and vices, including cigarette addiction.
