As with its psychoactive counterpart, the question of addictive properties is omnipresent as CBD and other cannabinoids grow in the public’s awareness. So what is the reality?
The CDC cites one study that estimates 3 out of 10 users will develop marijuana use disorder, which is defined as the use and preoccupation with marijuana to the detriment of other areas of an individual’s life.
Another study states that marijuana users have a 10% chance of becoming addicted. However, it’s also important to keep in mind how addiction is defined here. Modern THC concentrations in dispensary plant products can be very high, with delta-9 (the main form of psychoactive cannabinoid present in commercial products) concentrations on average over 10% higher than they were a decade ago.
How Does THC Affect Us?
While not chemically addictive in the manner of opioids, the psychoactive properties of THC are what put people at risk for developing habits and use problems. Since CBD is non-psychoactive it’s quite likely that it is much less likely to encourage such behavior.
Other variants, such as delta-8, are far less psychoactive when compared to delta-9, but pose a risk of contamination. Since delta-8 occurs in low quantities naturally, much of the commercially available delta-8 is manufactured through chemical processes. As with all supplements not regulated by the FDA, quality and contaminants are not infrequently found in many products of suspect provenance. Any delta-8 products you use should be verified by third-party testing.
As with delta-9, the risk of addiction for delta-8 can be assumed to be tied to its psychoactive properties. With these properties being an order of magnitude below delta-9 it can be inferred that the risk is proportionately less. However, as with all cannabinoid research, this field and its body of data is growing and still to be fully understood. While some research goes back decades, recent developments in concentration and different strains have opened new doors for analysis.
So, What About CBD?
Back to CBD itself, the World Health Organization published a summary of research stating that CBD shows little to no signs associated with abuse potential. This makes sense with what we’ve seen about abuse and dependency risk with strains of THC, and the lack of psychoactive effects corresponds to a lack of abuse potential. However, before starting any new supplement or product you should consult with your physician
to make sure it is right or safe for you. While the preliminary data looks safe, there is still a lot we don’t know about the long term effects of CBD or THC use and a little caution can go a long way.
Find Your High Quality CBD With Real Tested CBD!
Third party testing is also recommended for CBD products, as mentioned with delta-8, there is a risk of low quality products being contaminated through sloppy manufacturing or dishonest packaging. Real Tested CBD specializes in unbiased laboratory testing of various oils, tinctures, and other products. You can see our up to date list of tested CBD oils with their certificates of analysis (COA) verifying that they contain the quality and product on the label.
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