Can CBD Help You Quit Smoking?

We know that the government's ban on tobacco sales has proved very difficult for dependent smokers during lockdown.

So if you're looking for a solution for curbing those cravings, or even quitting altogether - CBD can help.

It may sound like an outrageous claim, but a study by researchers at the University College of London indicated that CBD could act as a deterrent against smoking.

A 2013 pilot study that took place over the course of a week tested this potential 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.

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.

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 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.

Reassuringly, a 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.” 

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 helping a person relax, considering the non-existent long term effects of CBD in comparison to 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.

The anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties of CBD also make it incredibly helpful in alleviating headaches and nausea, which are commonly reported withdrawal symptoms from those trying to quit smoking.

Finally, CBD can also help with providing a good, restorative sleep - something that would be essential in the period in which smokers are going through withdrawal. A good rest should never be underestimated for its vital importance to healing and overall wellbeing.