How CBD Can Help You Overcome Nicotine Addiction
Anyone who has ever tried to quit smoking remembers the discomfort that comes with nicotine withdrawal. It turns out that CBD may help you break this harmful habit with less stress and anxiety.
Quitting cigarettes is difficult because nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world. Studies show that solo attempts to quit smoking succeed in only about 3% of cases. However, up to 70% of smokers eventually quit at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, most do so too late, often after developing serious health problems and irreversible damage. Doctors say that smoking shortens life expectancy by 11 years and healthy life expectancy by 15–17 years. According to the World Health Organization, more than 8 million people die from smoking each year, including 1.2 million non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms include intense cravings, irritability, increased stress, headaches, sleep disturbances, sweating, chills, fatigue, anxiety, and mood swings. These symptoms are usually strongest during the first week after quitting, and as with any withdrawal process, the risk of relapse is highest at this stage.
While there are dozens of nicotine-based products, including e-cigarettes, that help reduce tobacco cravings, recent research has shown that CBD is also a powerful and helpful tool for many people trying to quit smoking. So, what should you know about using CBD to make quitting tobacco easier?
What the Research Says
In recent years, two interesting studies on the effectiveness of CBD for quitting smoking were published by University College London.
The first study, conducted in 2013, involved two groups of 12 people each who were trying to quit smoking. Both groups used special inhalers whenever they felt the urge to smoke. One group received CBD inhalers, while the other received placebo inhalers. Researchers found that those who used the CBD inhaler reduced their cigarette consumption by 40%, while the placebo group saw no significant change. The researchers suggested that medications affecting the endocannabinoid system could be effective in treating nicotine addiction, but noted that more research is needed.
The second study was published in May 2018. This was a double-blind, randomized study in which 30 smokers were given either 800 mg of oral CBD or a matching placebo. They were then shown “graphic tobacco cues” and researchers measured their urge to smoke, heart rate, and blood pressure changes. In real life, “tobacco cues” are situations where the risk of relapse is highest, such as parties, drinking, or being around friends who smoke. The study found that participants who received CBD found these cues less appealing than those who received the placebo, especially when they had abstained from cigarettes overnight.
How CBD Helps You Quit Smoking
CBD does much more than simply offer a healthier alternative to cigarettes. First, CBD can activate some of the same cellular receptors as antidepressants, which are often used to treat nicotine addiction. This releases feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, which help reduce cigarette cravings.
Most smokers have their own triggers. It could be pairing a cigarette with a morning cup of coffee or stepping outside for a smoke break when feeling anxious at work. Over time, certain images, feelings, or habits become associated with tobacco use.
Unfortunately, the more often someone reaches for a cigarette in these situations, the stronger the association becomes in the brain. Soon, just seeing a cup of coffee or feeling the first signs of anxiety can trigger a craving. The more this behavior is rewarded with tobacco, the more it becomes ingrained. In this sense, tobacco addiction is a vicious cycle of learned memories and reinforced behaviors.
How to Use CBD to Quit Smoking
People have long used cannabis to help quit cigarettes, but using high-THC strains several times a day isn’t realistic or acceptable for many. While using CBD to quit smoking doesn’t alter your mind, it can help reduce stress and curb nicotine cravings.
The editors at Herb highlight some CBD products for those looking to break free from nicotine addiction. Important: These tips are for U.S. residents, where CBD products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC are legal in all 50 states. In Russia, CBD is not legal.
- LYTE CBD-Lavender Cigarettes
These cigarettes are considered the best alternative to regular tobacco cigarettes. They are made from a blend of organic hemp and organic French lavender, providing a calming and relaxing effect—no tobacco, no nicotine, and no high. - RYTE CBD Tincture
CBD oils and tinctures are also excellent products for quitting tobacco. RYTE CBD tincture is made from organic hemp and is tested by independent labs for potency, as well as for the absence of pesticides and heavy metals. - Moksha CBD Candies
Probably the tastiest and most convenient way to quit tobacco. These candies are easy to carry and eat whenever you feel the urge to smoke.