Weaning yourself off THC with CBD

THC is the compound that makes cannabis addictive. When you are a regular user, it can be very difficult to stop. Fortunately, as recent studies have shown, CBD can help you.

THC and CBD, two cannabis compounds 

Possession of hemp may or may not be authorised... It all depends on the concentration of THC, the psychotropic compound in cannabis. Therefore, the plant is classified as a drug if it is above of 0.2%. It is in fact Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which, by altering the state of consciousness, makes you "high". But this highly addictive substance can also cause bad trips or paranoia.

The effects of CBD, the other well-known compound in hemp, are quite different. CBD is not psychoactive and, therefore, is not classified as a drug and is not addictive. It has a calming and relaxing effect which is enjoyed by those who like to use recreational cannabis, but also by patients with debilitating conditions. There are currently many ongoing studies on the medical use of cannabinoids. Some research has also shown that CBD contributes to regulating the effects of THC on the body. A 2012 study suggests that CBD may reduce THC-induced paranoia and memory impairment.

What evidence is there to prove that CBD combats THC addiction?

Some researchers wonder whether CBD could be effective in treating THC addiction. According to a study published in The Lancet, it seems that it is! Researchers looked to determine how much CBD should be taken in order to reduce cannabis consumption. 48 people regularly consumed CBD in doses of 200 mg, 400 mg or 800 mg, or a placebo, between 2014 and 2015. The researchers then measured the duration of abstinence following cannabinoid ingestion.

The results of the experiment, confirmed by a subsequent study in 2016, showed that at doses of 400 and 800 mg, CBD was effective in reducing cannabis consumption without causing harmful side effects. This very promising study therefore reaffirms the benefit of the numerous ongoing studies on the use of CBD to treat addictions of all kinds (alcoholism, drug addiction, etc.).

Using CBD to wean yourself off THC

Weaning yourself off THC is a process that may involve symptoms that are difficult to cope with, especially if you are a frequent cannabis user. Psychologically, the decision to quit smoking weed may lead to increased levels of anxiety, irritability and even anger, which can be expressed in the form of aggression. Sleep may also be disrupted. Physically, THC withdrawal can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, stomach aches, etc.

Therefore, consuming CBD for its relaxing effects can help you to combat the stress and discomfort caused by stopping THC use. It would seem that vaping CBD e-liquids, similar to smoking a joint, is the most appropriate solution for those who wish to stop smoking cannabis. However, you must bear in mind that learning to live without THC is the key to leading a healthy lifestyle. You should particularly focus on sports or other activities that keep people busy. It is when you are bored that there is a high risk of relapse!

Finally, using CBD to wean yourself off THC is a tricky process. Therefore, it is important to be supported by a competent person, such as your doctor.