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Can CBD help me Quit Smoking?

Nicotine addiction is a challenge many people struggle with today.  The Center for Disease Control estimates that 14% of Americans over the age of 18 smoke cigarettes.  That’s over 34 million people! 

And another 8 million use smokeless tobacco.  Tobacco is one of the most addictive drugs and one of the most difficult addictions to quit, not far behind opioids.  It is one of the leading causes of disease and death in the United States which can be prevented.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-psychoactive compound found in both the cannabis plant and hemp plants, and, when properly extracted and processed, contains 0.3% or less THC so you don’t get “high”. 

It can be found in many forms and products today available to consumers.  There are some scientific studies regarding the potential health benefits that CBD may have but there are many more to come. 

At High Falls Hemp NY, the use of CBD as a natural alternative to over the counter and prescription medication is something near and dear to us, as it helps with our own wellness issues. 

It may not be right for all and it is important to consult with your health care practitioner before considering the use of CBD as an alternative.  It’s also important to note that CBD cannot treat or cure disease and illness. 

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence and some studies have focused on how CBD may help alleviate stress, improve sleep patterns, and provide relief for discomfort. Additional scientific studies will continue to provide confirmation of the anecdotes with credible research.

Big Pharma cashes in on Nicotine Addiction

The big pharmaceutical companies have responded to the nicotine addiction issue with a host of products on the market today; nicotine gum, nicotine patches, prescription medications, and other devices available to quit smoking.

Some of these may be helpful but there is one issue that remains – each of these still leaves a person with an addiction to nicotine since it’s in each of these “solutions”. 

Nicotine may be a naturally occurring element like CBD, but its impact on our body is the complete opposite of CBD.  Nicotine is highly addictive and quitting it can result in serious withdrawal symptoms.  Smoking tobacco with nicotine can lead to serious, and deadly health issues; heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer to name a few.  Everyone knows it’s dangerous – it’s clearly outlined on the label.

Side effects may include:

  • Unexpected cravings or urges for cigarettes.
  • Anxiety, irritability, restlessness, mood changes, nervousness.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Increased appetite and weight gain.
  • Headaches, muscular pain, constipation, fatigue.

Quitting is Hard

What’s frustrating is that it’s all something that can be prevented.  What’s equally frustrating is how hard it is to quit.

The withdrawal symptoms can be brutal inclusive of; headache, anxiety, oral fixation, food cravings, sore throat, coughing, constipation, insomnia, mood swings, nausea, abdominal pain, depression, and more.

Management of these symptoms is crucial to a successful outcome.

Could CBD be used to Quit Smoking?

Knowing the facts about how tobacco addiction happens and how withdrawal affects a person is important to understand and identify how CBD may be something to consider trying as a natural alternative.

Smoking is a habit and habits become a part of our life and hard to break.  The more we do it, the longer we do it, the harder it is to stop.

CBD might help with smoking cessation, but it may not work for you and it’s not a cure.  It’s important that you consult with your health care practitioner if you wish to try CBD as an alternative.

CBD and Smoking Cessation

There have been some studies on the use of CBD with people that smoked cigarettes and wanted to quit.

In one study, twenty-four people that smoke were given an inhaler that they were instructed to use whenever they felt the urge to smoke.  Randomly, some were provided with a placebo inhaler while others had a CBD inhaler. 

The study took place over one week and over the course of the study, the CBD group reduced the number of cigarettes they consumed by nearly 40% while the placebo group showed no decrease whatsoever in their consumption. 

Additionally, in the conclusion analysis from the study, the scientists outlined a possible hypothesis on why CBD may have helped reduce the number of cigarettes used by the CBD inhaler group. 

The theory the scientists offered is that the CBD may have had a positive impact on the CB1 receptors in the brain and potentially acted as inhibitors which may have caused a reduction in the boosting properties of the nicotine in the body. 

Additionally, there was some speculation that some of the withdrawal symptoms may have been reduced making it easier.

These CB1 receptors are found predominantly on nerve cells in the central nervous system specifically in the spinal cord and the brain.  These receptors are responsible for how we process pain and memory. 

If the cannabinoids in the CBD were able to modify or inhibit the addiction, then perhaps they have properties that can naturally help in smoking cessation.  CB1 receptors are also found in other vital organs throughout the body and in our blood cells and other organ systems in the body.  They play a key role in appetite and our sleep patterns.

CBD and Quitting Smoking

There have been a few other studies done over the past 5 years that have also analyzed the potential positive effects CBD may have on smoking cessation, all with positive results and outcomes.

There are more studies on how CBD may aid in curbing smoking and easing the effects of nicotine addiction withdrawal that are needed, but the current studies that have been done provide a lot of information and direction which we can be cautiously optimistic about, on this journey to end a preventable addiction.

Whatever method of quitting works best for you is great. Taking the first step to recognize that you need to quit, is the hardest. We applaud you for taking that step.

Now that you’ve made a commitment and you are on your way; the second step is to identify the best method and product for you and your lifestyle.

High Falls Hemp NY is here to help

If you choose to explore CBD as a possible alternative to over the counter and prescription medications to aid in stopping your nicotine addiction then, we at High Falls Hemp NY would be happy to take that journey with you. 

Our products are high potency and premium quality affording you the very best to help you through this challenge.  All of our products are proudly grown in the USA, on our farm in High Falls, NY.  We own the entire process from the seeds in the ground to the product we deliver to your door…“seed to soul.”  Each product is triple lab tested for consistency and quality and we offer a 30-day risk-free trial to back it up

There are no “silver bullets” in what will help you quit smoking cigarettes but it’s worth exploring and considering everything.