In 2020, marijuana use disorder impacts over 22 million people worldwide Those who suffer from the disorder find themselves addicted to marijuana with various psychological, social and physical effects between doses.
However, a study in the UK has suggested CBD (the non-psychoactive component of cannabis) could be used as a potential treatment for the disorder – as it could reduce cravings without making the user ‘high’.
The study, which was published in the Journal Lancet Psychiatry was carried out by researchers from the University of Bath. The study involved 82 participants, who whose marijuana consumption habits were monitored while using CBD, and while using a placebo drug – in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Over the span of a month, participants were given CBD doses at 200 milligrams, 400 milligrams and 800 milligrams daily. Researchers measured the levels of THC in participants urine and monitored their marijuana use. While the 200-milligram dose had no effect on participants, participants used significantly less marijuana when taking the two higher doses of CBD oil.Â
This lead researchers to conclude that CBD oil is an effective treatment for cannabis use disorder, as it reduced participants marijuana use significantly more than the placebo drug. Throughout the study, participants side effects were also measured. However, microdoses of CBD oil were found to cause no serious adverse effects. This is consistent with other research into CBD oil.
Speaking to CNN, Robin Murray, a psychiatric research professor from King’s College London spoke positively about the results of the study.
This study shows that high doses of CBD may be helpful. Sadly, there currently is practically no treatment available for people with cannabis use disorder.
While the results of this research are promising, researchers caution against attempting to treat marijuana addiction with CBD oil at home – as over the counter oil contains 25mg of CBD. Until testing is conducted on this dose, no conclusions about its impact can be made.
Researchers hope the results of this study inspire further trials into CBD as a potential marijuana use disorder treatment. To read more about studies into cannabis, click here.