The wonders of CBD continue to show potential to help treat a variety of health conditions, with cigarette smoking potentially being added to the list.
It may sound like an outrageous claim, but a recent study by researchers at the University College of London indicated that CBD acted as a deterrent against smoking.
A 2014 pilot study tested this potential on 24 dependent smokers by dividing them into two groups - 12 provided with a CBD inhaler and 12 provided with a placebo inhaler. The participants were told to use it whenever they had the desire to smoke.
The study took place over the period of a week, and the results showed immense potential: 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.
Although further, larger-scale research needs to be done to fully investigate the benefits CBD can have on nicotine and tobacco addiction, these preliminary findings display strong potential.
Like any other addiction, cigarette dependence is caused by habit and is highly influenced by a number of environmental (external) and internal triggers. The brain creates links to certain actions (like seeing someone smoking or craving a cigarette after your morning coffee) that amplify one’s need to smoke.
Reassuringly, a recent study (conducted specifically on cocaine and morphine addiction) 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.”
Furthermore, it is known that cigarette smokers are often triggered to smoke by stressful, anxiety-provoking situations. CBD oil is helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and is a much more sustainable and healthier option for balancing mood. The long term effects of CBD in comparison to smoking are essentially on opposite ends of the spectrum.
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD also make it incredibly helpful in alleviating headaches and nausea, which are also symptoms associated with the withdrawal from smoking.
Serotonin plays a huge part in cigarette addiction as nicotine triggers the release of this chemical in our brains, and provides smokers with a feeling of calm after they smoke. Serotonin is the chemical in our bodies that is known to act as a mood stabiliser and is responsible for the feeling of happiness and wellbeing.
When quitting smoking, serotonin levels of smokers drop significantly, which is one of the main reasons why it can be so difficult to quit. Luckily, CBD can help with this by activating a receptor named 5-HT1A which can increase serotonin levels in a healthier way.
Finally, CBD can also help in providing a good, restorative sleep which can be helpful in the period that smokers are going through withdrawal. A good rest can do wonders for the body and is essential to your healing and wellbeing.