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Can CBD help you quit smoking? More importantly, how does it help you quit?
Although your pack a day habit may not seem that bad in the greater scheme of things. Smoking may be as socially normalised as alcohol – it is still one of the most addictive substances out there, however.
Like any other addiction, cigarette dependence is caused by habit and is highly influenced by several environmental (external) and internal triggers. The brain creates links to certain visuals or behaviours (like seeing someone smoking in a movie, or associating a cigarette with having your morning coffee) that amplify one’s desire to smoke.
Because smoking is legal, and cigarettes are widely available at every single store in the country, it is even harder to stop smoking.
Simply stopping is half the battle. Once you decide to make the decision, you will need to get through withdrawal. This can be a challenge for many soon-to-be-former-smokers. Mentally and emotionally, it is also hard to adjust after breaking a habit.
The good news is that it gets easier the longer you go without smoking. And the even better news is that CBD can help you quit smoking.
Using CBD to quit smoking
If you are thinking about using CBD to quit smoking, there are numerous benefits that it can offer as you go through the process of quitting. Studies show that CBD helps with cravings as well as withdrawal symptoms that make it so easy to slip back into the habit.
Just like quitting any other addictive substance, quitting smoking is a process. It is a mental, emotional and physical challenge.
Getting through the process with the help of CBD and other strategies can make it far easier to not only stop the habit but also avoid relapsing later down the line.
Before we share some studies and show you how CBD drops and vapes can help you quit, let's take a look at why it is so important to ditch those cigarettes.
How does CBD powder work?
As we mentioned above, CBD is not soluble by nature. Cannabinoids are hydrophobic, which means that they do not bond to water.
To make it able to dissolve in liquid, CBD has to be isolated into tiny molecules that can dissolve more easily. When it is broken down into small particles, it becomes water-compatible and able to blend with water molecules.
The process of emulsion enables the tiny oily cannabinoid nanoparticles to dissolve in liquid without beading. It also helps to fast-track absorption in the body, as the CBD is broken down enough to pass through the bloodstream and into the cells.
This means that dissolving CBD sachets can have a faster effect than other types of edibles. Let's have a look at the science behind faster absorption.
Health benefits of quitting smoking
Health benefits of quitting smoking include the following:
Reduced cancer risks.
Cancer is one of the biggest risks for all smokers. Although the risk won't happen for a few years, eventually you will lessen your risk of lung, oesophagal, kidney, pancreatic, and bladder cancer. The longer you continue to avoid nicotine, the lower the risk of cancer gets
Improved blood circulation.
Heart issues are a major risk with smoking. Blood circulation starts to improve from as early as two weeks after you quit. Your risk of heart attacks is reduced and it will be easier to be active. You'll have more energy, too, thanks to the increased oxygen levels in your body.
Better taste and smell.
Food, beverages and everything else will taste and smell better, too. As smoking causes damage to the sensitive nerve endings in the nasal cavity and mouth, these senses are dulled. They can regrow within a few days after quitting.
Stronger immune system.
As smoking affects your immune system, it is easier to catch colds and every other virus doing the rounds. When you stop, your circulation is improved, inflammation is reduced and oxygen levels are increased.
Does CBD really help with nicotine addiction?
Research is still fairly limited. But, from studies that have been done, CBD really can help with nicotine addiction.
A study by researchers at the University College of London indicated that CBD could act as a deterrent against smoking. This 2013 pilot study took place over a week. It tested the potential effect of CBD on 24 dependent smokers by dividing them into two groups. 12 were provided with a CBD inhaler and 12 were provided with a placebo inhaler, and the participants were told to use the inhalers whenever they had the desire to smoke.
The results were very encouraging: participants that made use of the CBD inhalers smoked 40% fewer cigarettes than they usually did per week - a drastic contrast to those who made use of the placebo inhalers.
Another recent study (conducted specifically on cocaine and morphine addiction) also displays “therapeutic potential” for CBD breaking the cycle of other kinds of addictive behaviour.
"These results provide evidence for the disruptive effect of CBD on reconsolidation of contextual drug-related memories, and highlight its therapeutic potential to attenuate contextual memories associated with drugs of abuse and consequently to reduce the risk of relapse.”
Although further, larger-scale research needs to be done to fully investigate the benefits CBD can have on tobacco addiction, these preliminary findings display immense potential for vapes in particular as an effective way to curb those nicotine cravings.
How CBD eases smoking withdrawal symptoms
Smoking withdrawal symptoms typically start within a few days of your last cigarette and last for a few weeks. They include physical, mental and emotional symptoms.
Common symptoms include headaches, anxiety, sleep issues, mood issues, irritability, increased appetite or food cravings, and high blood pressure.
The problem with withdrawal symptoms is that they make it easy to go back to smoking, to avoid the discomfort they cause. Easing the withdrawal process is therefore essential.
This is where the benefits of CBD start to come into effect when dealing with tobacco withdrawal.
It reduces anxiety.
It is widely known that cigarette smokers are often triggered to smoke by stressful, anxiety-provoking situations. CBD oil helps reduce stress and anxiety and is a much more sustainable and healthier option for helping a person relax, considering the non-existent long term effects of CBD in comparison to smoking.
It eases physical discomfort.
The anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties of CBD make it incredibly helpful in alleviating headaches and nausea, which are commonly reported withdrawal symptoms from those trying to quit smoking.
It promotes better sleep.
CBD can also help with providing a good, restorative sleep - something that is during withdrawal. A good rest should never be underestimated for its vital importance to healing and overall well-being.
It reduces cravings.
Fidget spinners, elastic wrist snappers, stress balls, and various other distracting tools are all used by smokers trying to quit. Part of the craving process is simply having something to do with your hands during times that you would have lit up.
CBD vapes can help ease the cravings by giving you the equivalent of a cigarette to smoke. Instead of smoking harmful nicotine, you are inhaling all the goodness of CBD, however.
That brings us to our next point... which is best - CBD vape pens or CBD oil drops?
CBD vape pens vs drops
Whether you choose CBD vape pens or drops, both will offer plenty of benefits as you go through the process of quitting. Here are a few advantages that each offers.
CBD oil
CBD oil benefits range from pain relief to anxiety relief, better sleep and many others. Drops are taken orally, under the tongue. The goodleaf CBD drop collection includes the 600mg CBD Oil Drops as well as the 600mg CBD Oil Drops Isolate.
CBD oil benefits include their convenience – they can be taken quickly and easily and can be added to food. They also allow for fast absorption into the bloodstream.
CBD vapes
CBD vapes are compact, discrete pens that can be easily kept in a pocket or purse. The pens contain pure CBD isolate and coconut-derived MCT oil. They are concentrated and also absorb quickly into the bloodstream.
The goodleaf CBD vape pen collection includes the Calm Vape Pen infused with soothing cinnamon and the Awaken Vape Pen infused with refreshing green apple.
Other CBD products to try
Along with our selection of premium CBD oil drops and CBD vape pens, we also offer several other CBD products that can help ease your withdrawal symptoms.
Our CBD beverage range includes a variety of naturally flavoured sparkling CBD water as well as water soluble CBD powder that can be added to tea, coffee, smoothies, and other beverages.
Our CBD topicals range includes the Natural CBD Sleep Cream by Dr Kerklaan, which contains full-spectrum hemp oil and melatonin along with citrus and lavender essences. This cream helps to ease anxiety and give you a better night's rest.
CBD to stop smoking
As you can see, there is great evidence showing that CBD benefits can help with nicotine addiction. If you're looking for natural ways to stop smoking, CBD and overall lifestyle changes can make a big difference. You will find a wide range of CBD products in the goodleaf store to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Shop online now and see how you can use CBD to stop smoking, and improve your well-being.
Hi Sharon.
We only sell our disposable single-use vapes at present. These cost R295 each or R500 for two.
These will last roughly the same amount of time as the others though. If you are looking for a longer term solution, we would recommend our 1000mg or 1500mg CBD drops.
Take care.
Good morning. I would like to find out if you guyz have reusable vapes and vape oils. Also what is your price for these products. I did purchase 2 of your vapes. They helped both myself and hubby with pain,relaxation and sleep but got finished quick. So we looking for something that will last awhile longer.
Hi Thando. Thank you for getting in touch! No, our CBD contains pure CBD diluted only with pure MCT oil. Take care – The Herbalist.
Hi there, just would like to know I’d your oils are pure CBD oil or if it mixed with anything like glycerine.
Thank you.