How Can CBD Help You Quit Smoking?
Without a doubt, smoking is an extremely detrimental habit and one of the most challenging dependencies to break. It harms the smoker and those around them, both financially and socially, as it is becoming increasingly less acceptable. In fact, it may even be a fatal addiction.
A study published in 2021 found that 86.69% of deaths related to smoking were among active smokers, while the figure decreased to 6.18% for those who had not smoked for 15 years, even though this group made up 19.6% of the total population of smokers¹. This demonstrates that quitting smoking can have a major positive impact on one’s health.
Quitting smoking is a difficult task, and withdrawal symptoms can be hard to cope with. Fortunately, there is a potential new solution on the horizon: CBD. Despite being one of the most toxic organic compounds in existence, nicotine is also one of the most addictive substances. CBD may be able to provide an alternative for those who wish to quit smoking.
Exploring the Benefits of CBD for Breaking Tobacco Addiction
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical derived from the cannabis plant, which differs from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in that it does not produce any kind of psychotropic or addictive effects. Research into CBD has revealed it to have many potential benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety². These are issues that often arise in those who are trying to quit smoking, and CBD could be a useful tool in helping them in their journey.
In addition, since CBD can be inhaled through vaping devices and e-liquids, it may not only aid in cessation, but also assist in breaking the psychological habit of smoking. Although nicotine withdrawal only lasts up to two days³, it can be difficult to overcome the psychological attachment to smoking. Thus, using CBD as an alternative could be beneficial in addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of quitting.
Does Science Back the Use of CBD to Aid in Smoking Cessation?
In 2013, University College London conducted a study to assess the efficacy of vaping CBD compared to a placebo in reducing withdrawal-induced anxiety. 12 participants who smoked regularly were given either CBD-containing vape devices or placebo vape devices, and the contents of the devices were not revealed until after one week.
The results showed that the group who had been vaping CBD experienced a reduction in tobacco consumption of approximately 40%, compared to their usual consumption. These findings suggest that CBD could be a viable option for both quitting smoking and reducing consumption. Further research, however, is necessary before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
