Cannabis withdrawal: stop cannabis with CBD

What is an addiction ?

From a medical point of view, an addiction is a brain pathology defined by a dependence on a substance or activity, with consequences on behavior and quality of life. The most common addictions involve tobacco, specifically nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, opiates, cocaine and amphetamines. Activity addictions typically involve gambling.

Whatever the addiction, there is always some form of compulsive use despite knowledge of the risks and adverse health consequences. The diagnosis of addiction is made by a physician based on specific criteria, established by international mental health authorities. Among the main criteria of an addiction are:

• the loss of self-confidence;
• impact on school or work activities;
• significant use despite knowledge of the risks;
• the sensation of withdrawal in the case of abstinence or inaccessibility to the substance.

What is the problem with cannabis addiction ?

First of all, a distinction must be made between hard and soft drugs. Cannabis is considered a soft drug that leads to low addiction with zero risk of overdose. The majority of drugs can be classified into 3 categories according to their dangerousness and level of addiction:

• heroin, cocaine and alcohol: the most dangerous substances.
• psychostimulants, hallucinogens, benzodiazepines, tobacco: the intermediate substances.
• cannabis: drug considered mild and not very dangerous.

Although cannabis addiction is less dangerous and less visible than others, it is no less real. For some people, it is very difficult to get off. Today, approaches that view cannabis as a mild, low-risk drug are increasingly being criticized and questioned.

Scientists are becoming more interested in cannabis use. Is it recreational use or is it truly addictive? The term recreational suggests that it is simply a means of relaxation and entertainment, but is this really the case?

Cannabis users are more likely to use cannabis for recreational purposes than for recreational purposes.

Cannabis users become addicted to THC. This addiction is caused by the addiction that causes, in the long run, an overconsumption of THC in order to obtain the expected effects. A cannabis smoker will therefore smoke more and more joints and become locked into a negative spiral.

Regular use of this soft drug should not be taken lightly because it can cause mental health problems, including rapid degeneration of brain cells. The greater the use, the more rapid the cognitive decline. This is especially true for younger users, and especially for teenagers who start smoking cannabis when their brains have not even matured.

For all these reasons, THC is illegal in France. Its sale and consumption are punishable by a fine and a prison sentence. In accordance with European standards, all CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC. Note that CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects or any form of addiction.

What are the consequences of cannabis addiction ?

The term cannabis addiction is used when certain criteria are met:

• inability to stop voluntarily and sustainably;
• inability to stop despite knowledge of the physical and mental consequences;
• compulsive urge to use cannabis;
• significant inability to cope with psychoactive effects;
• increased quantity and overdose;
• withdrawal effect after a period of cessation;
• social life punctuated by cannabis use;

Stopping cannabis helps avoid long-term physical and mental consequences. Indeed, many regular THC users suffer from the following disorders:

• lowered concentration and motivation;
• stress, anxiety and nervousness;
• excessive behaviors;
• depressive symptoms;
• hallucinations;
• paranoia;
• memory loss;
• expressive disorder;
• general confusion;
• dizziness and lightheadedness;

What are the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal ?

Stopping THC use for good is not an easy task because cannabinoid withdrawal comes with its own set of unwanted symptoms. These temporary discomforts can manifest as:

• sleep disturbances;
• stress and anxiety;
• nervousness and irritability;
• Anger and impatience;
• de the sadness or even depression;
• digestive disorders;
• a decrease in appetite;
• headaches;
• shaking;
• hypersudation;

These symptoms can vary from individual to individual, whether in quantity, intensity, or duration. However, they usually appear during the first few days of withdrawal and gradually diminish. The first 24 hours are the most difficult, as the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal dissipate within 2 to 5 days of stopping. It is estimated that it takes 10 to 15 days of total cessation for the symptoms to disappear permanently.

In other words, it takes patience and courage to successfully go through cannabis withdrawal. Making the decision to quit is already a big step, but you have to have the willpower to make the effort happen. The symptoms are certainly unpleasant, but they always fade eventually. Even if you relapse, it is possible to preserve and free yourself from this sweet drug.

Can CBD help you quit cannabis ?

Like THC, CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from hemp plants. However, CBD does not cause a euphoric or addictive effect. The WHO (World Health Organization) has confirmed the absence of toxicity and addiction associated with CBD and has even highlighted its therapeutic potential. This is the reason why CBD is 100% legal in France and in most European countries. The only condition for CBD products to comply with French laws is that they contain less than 0.3% THC. This restriction ensures that there are no harmful effects for consumers.

From a scientific point of view, CBD is a great ally to stop using THC. Thanks to its multiple benefits, CBD naturally reduces the symptoms of cannabinoid withdrawal that are sometimes difficult to overcome. Thanks to its regulatory action on the human endocannabinoid system, CBD helps the body to function properly. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for balancing essential functions such as mood, appetite, sleep and pain perception. Thus, it helps balance the central nervous system, protect brain activity, and slow cognitive decline.

In the context of addictions, the CBD molecule is used for its anti-stress action and natural antidepressant effect. When used appropriately, CBD promotes physical and mental well-being, which helps reduce the side effects of withdrawal. It can be used for cannabic withdrawal, but also for alcohol withdrawal.

In the end, consuming CBD in cannabic withdrawal helps:

• return to quality sleep;
• reduce stress and anxiety;
• foster a good mood;
• increase self-confidence;
• restore appetite;
• reduce pain such as migraines;
• improve memory and concentration;
• enhance motivation and vitality;

What are the benefits of CBD on the body ?

After you stop using THC altogether, you can continue to use CBD to enjoy its therapeutic benefits on a daily basis. Depending on your preferences and needs, you can consume it in the form of flowers, resins, oils, herbal teas, crystals, food products or even cosmetics. Regardless of the form, these products all have benefits in common.

Wellness and relaxation

CBD can be used to reduce stress, anxiety, and any negative emotions that affect your mental health. Thanks to its relaxing properties, it promotes well-being, happiness and good mood. For people suffering from anxiety disorders and panic attacks, CBD consumption can be life-saving.

Pain reduction

Reputed for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, CBD relieves most everyday aches and pains. Thus, you can consume it to soothe chronic or occasional pain, joint, muscle or bone pain. You can choose the mode of administration that suits you best depending on your pain.

Improving sleep quality

Many people use CBD to combat sleep disorders such as insomnia, hypersomnia, sleep apnea or even nighttime awakenings. The advantage of CBD is that it will not put you to sleep like a simple sleeping pill. It will regulate your circadian rhythm in a sustainable way to offer you a deep and restful sleep. It is a gentle and natural solution to spend serene and peaceful nights.

What are other solutions to quit cannabis ?

Motivation

Despite your best efforts, you can't seem to stop using cannabis. You feel like you can't do it. You certainly lack the motivation. Think about the benefits to your health and finances. Ask yourself why you really want to quit. Focus on these reasons and don't give up.

The people around you

Your surroundings and the social setting in which you live also have an impact on your cannabis withdrawal. Stay away from smokers and people who might make you want to smoke. Recognize that your cannabis use is linked to certain habits or friendships that you can break. This is the time to sort out your surroundings and recognize the friends who support and encourage you in this decision.

Sports

There's nothing like regular physical activity to combat an addiction. Move your body to release endorphins and improve your health. You can choose an individual or group sport, or simply walk. Meditation and yoga also bring a lot of well-being and serenity on a physical and mental level.

Food

Speaking of lifestyle, don't forget to eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet in order to succeed in your cannabis withdrawal. It is by giving your body the energy it needs that it will succeed in detaching itself from what is bad for it.