CBD and addictive behaviour: what does research say?

Stopping an addiction is a complex process that in most cases calls for professional support. Articles regularly appear online suggesting that CBD would help with this. In this article, an honest and careful overview of what research says so far about CBD and the endocannabinoid system in relation to addictive behaviour, and why CBD is not a replacement for addiction care.

Important first. Are you working on stopping an addiction? It is wise to discuss this with a GP and, if needed, to link it to professional addiction care. Stopping some substances safely (such as alcohol or benzodiazepines) requires medical supervision, because withdrawal can be dangerous. Below you will find an overview of where you can turn.

Where you can turn

Your GP: first point of contact, can refer you
Stichting Korrelatie: anonymous online and telephone conversations
Brijder, Jellinek, Tactus, Vincent van Gogh: professional addiction care, usually reimbursed through health insurance
Anonymous self-help groups: e.g. AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), NicAnon
Stop smoking coaching: reimbursed by Dutch basic health insurance, no excess

The endocannabinoid system in brief

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a system of the body’s own that was discovered in 1992. It consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2) spread throughout the body, and of signalling compounds the body makes itself. The system plays a role in processes such as immune regulation, the experience of pain, sleep, appetite and mood. CB1 receptors are common in the brain regions involved in reward and motivation, which is one of the reasons researchers look at the relationship with addictive behaviour.

Cannabinoids from the hemp plant, including CBD, can act on this system. Exactly how and with what effect is the subject of active research. Much of that is still at an early stage.

What does research say about CBD and addictive behaviour?

Research exists into the possible role of CBD in various forms of addictive behaviour. The state of play per area:

Cannabis use. A number of small clinical studies looked at CBD in people who want to reduce their cannabis use. Results are cautiously positive on a few endpoints, but the studies are small and the doses varied a great deal (from hundreds to sometimes a thousand mg a day, far above what is found in food supplements).
Alcohol. Pre-clinical studies (in animals) point to effects on the reward system. Human studies are scarce and not unambiguous. CBD is not a recognised treatment here.
Nicotine. An early study suggested CBD could reduce the number of cigarettes, but replication is limited. Stop smoking coaching and nicotine replacement remain the scientifically supported route.
Cocaine and stimulants. A recent clinical study found no significant effect of CBD on cocaine use in people with a cocaine addiction. Pre-clinical research is ongoing.
Opiates and heroin. A small study from 2019 among people who had stopped using heroin reported reduced self-reported cravings after CBD administration. An individual study is not a clinical recommendation.

Important: in virtually all these studies, doses were used that are far above what is found in over-the-counter food supplements. The results cannot be translated one-to-one to daily use of a few drops of CBD oil. On top of that the studies are small, often without placebo control, and with widely varying outcomes.

The conclusion from science so far

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have not approved CBD as a treatment for any form of addiction. In the Netherlands there is no professional addiction care institution that uses CBD as a standard part of treatment. Research is ongoing, but at this point it is far too early to recommend CBD for addictive behaviour.

Frequently asked questions

What does research say about CBD and stopping smoking?

Research is still too limited to say anything about that. For stopping smoking there are proven routes: your GP, stop smoking coaching (reimbursed by Dutch basic insurance, no excess) and nicotine replacement. Start there.

Is CBD a treatment for alcohol addiction?

No, not as a treatment. Stopping alcohol safely with a dependence requires medical supervision because withdrawal can be dangerous. Go to your GP or an addiction care institution such as Jellinek or Brijder.

May I combine CBD with medication during a detox programme?

Always discuss that with your treating doctor first. CBD can influence how certain medicines work.

Is CBD itself addictive?

In 2018 the World Health Organization concluded that CBD has no potential for dependence and does not lead to abuse. That is something other than saying it helps with addictions: the latter has not been proven.

Where can I turn for addiction care in the Netherlands?

The first step is always your GP. Besides that: Jellinek, Brijder, Tactus, Vincent van Gogh or Stichting Korrelatie. For stopping smoking you can go through your GP to a reimbursed stop smoking coach.

Sources and further reading

Stichting Korrelatie: korrelatie.nl
Jellinek (information and help): jellinek.nl
Brijder addiction care: brijder.nl
Stopping smoking (Trimbos): ikstopnu.nl
WHO report on CBD (2018): who.int

This article is informative and not medical advice. For questions about addiction or withdrawal, a GP or professional addiction care is the right route. CBD is a food supplement and not a treatment for addiction.

CBD, the endocannabinoid system and addictive behaviour: what research says so far