Addicted to the top of the grass? Study finds his calmer cousin, CBD, may help ease disorder

However, not everyone is able to use the herb solely for occasional medical or recreational use. Some 22 million people worldwide are so dependent on marijuana that it affects their ability to function in life.

Marijuana use disorder applies to both addicts and dependents, and is characterized by deficiencies in psychological, physical, or social functioning. In the United States, research shows that about 2.5% of adults, or about 6 million people, had had a marijuana use disorder in the past year, while 6.3% had the disorder at some point in time. their lives.

Most people with the condition go untreated, but a new study published Tuesday in the journal Lancet Psychiatry shows that abuse or dependence on the herb may respond to treatment with CBD or cannabidiol.

In the first double-blind, placebo-controlled study (where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the actual treatment or the placebo), Tom Freeman of the University of Bath in the United Kingdom and his colleagues attempted to determine the optimal dose of Prescription grade CBD for cannabis use disorder.

Prescription or medical grade CBD is manufactured at high purity levels and contains no fillers or other toxic ingredients; It can also be much stronger than over-the-counter versions.

The study found that the 200 milligram dose was not effective, however, both 400 mg and 800 mg per day significantly reduced marijuana dependence compared to a placebo.

People in the study consumed cannabis about half a day per week less when they consumed 400 mg of CBD a day, and less than a third of a day a week less after 800 mg of CBD a day.

However, don’t do this at home – the researchers cautioned against self-medication with commercial CBD products, which generally contain approximately 25 mg of CBD.

Freeman and colleagues measured the impact of CBD on cannabis use by measuring THC in urine and the average number of days per week that volunteers could go without using cannabis. The team found that CBD was more effective than placebo treatment on both accounts. Participants also received six counseling sessions focused on helping them quit using cannabis.

Although the month-long study of 82 participants was not designed to determine the duration or effectiveness of CBD treatment, the findings suggest that CBD may help people reduce cannabis use, the researchers said.

There were no serious adverse events during the study, and the researchers say that CBD use is safe. They believe their findings could have implications for the treatment of cannabis use disorder, as the medical and recreational use of cannabis is becoming increasingly legal.

Experts agree that the study results are promising.

“Unfortunately, there is currently virtually no treatment available for people with cannabis use disorder in the UK,” said Robin Murray, a professor of psychiatric research at King’s College London, who was not involved in the study. “This study shows that high doses of CBD can be helpful.”

Freeman and colleagues request additional research to determine the duration and effectiveness of CBD in treating cannabis use disorder. They say further research could also help determine whether CBD directly reduces cannabis use or reduces other mental health problems, which could indirectly affect cannabis use.