CBD Withdrawal: Symptoms & What to Expect

What Is CBD?

CBD is a compound found in both hemp and non-hemp plants. In its pure form, CBD is not psychoactive, so it does not present a high in the same way cannabis does. Today, manufacturers use CBD in a variety of products, including lotions, capsules, foods, and oils. Each state has varying legislation about the legality of hemp as a controlled substance.²

Research shows that as many as one-third of American adults have used CBD products. In recent years, it’s been marketed to treat several issues, including anxiety, sleep problems, chronic pain, depression, and epilepsy. However, it’s also important to be mindful of the risks, which may include harmful drug interactions, liver toxicity, and reproductive issues for babies in utero.³

Medicinal Benefits of CBD

CBD is used for several purposes. It has promising effects in treating complex childhood epilepsy syndromes, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Research has shown that CBD may decrease seizures or even eliminate them entirely. The FDA approved Epidiolex as the first cannabis-derived medication for treating these specific conditions.⁴

In addition, people may use CBD for various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, insomnia and other sleep issues, and substance use recovery. It is also used as an alternative treatment for managing chronic pain and reducing inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Common conditions people use CBD to treat include:

• Anxiety:  Some people have found that using CBD oil helps anxiety symptoms. Research shows that people with anxiety disorders may have a reduction in symptoms when using CBD treatment.⁵
• Insomnia: Although research is mixed, some people find that using CBD can help them fall asleep and stay asleep more effectively. This may be a beneficial alternative to using other sleep aids, such as benzodiazepines or sedatives.
• Chronic pain: Some research shows that CBD can improve pain symptoms for individuals experiencing chronic pain compared to placebo.⁶ CBD may be a suitable alternative for people who do not want to take opioid medication.
• Depression: Many people use CBD to manage depression symptoms. It may help reduce the symptoms of irritability, sadness, and apathy that often coincide with mood disorders.
• Addiction: Researchers have been examining the role of CBD as an intervention for treating addiction. There are some preliminary studies demonstrating that CBD can mitigate the risk of relapse of opioids by reducing drug-seeking behaviors.⁷
• PTSD: One study found that CBD in conjunction with psychiatric treatment helped reduce the intensity of PTSD symptoms.⁸ This likely has to do with the effect CBD can have on anxiety.
• Diabetes management: Although it may be a gray area for diabetes management, scientists are continuing to examine how CBD may impact this condition.

Is CBD Addictive?

CBD is not considered to be habit-forming or addictive. There’s no evidence showing that people will develop an addiction or dependency when using CBD on its own. As mentioned, pure CBD does not contain any psychoactive properties, so it does not make a user experience a high sensation when using it.

That said, it’s important to note that the FDA does not currently regulate or require quality control of CBD products. It is possible to purchase items marketed with CBD without fully knowing what else is in them. Some CBD products contain other unknown elements, and the concentration of CBD may be less or more than advertised.

What Is CBD Withdrawal?

There is limited research about CBD withdrawal and its effects. One small study measured 30 volunteers receiving 750mg of highly purified oral CBD twice daily for 4 weeks. The data found no proof of withdrawal syndrome associated with abrupt cessation of short-term CBD treatment. However, some people reported mild side effects of diarrhea and headaches.¹

CBD withdrawal symptoms will be most amplified if someone is using CBD that contains THC. THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis, and it’s what is responsible for making people feel high. If someone is using medical marijuana containing both CBD and THC, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like sleep problems, nausea, and headaches.

Can You Quit CBD?

Quitting CBD is typically considered safe. However, it’s important to note that research on CBD is fairly limited and all recent. We still don’t know the long-term effects of using this drug, and that applies to the benefits and risks of quitting CBD. That said, if you want to quit, there don’t appear to be significant risks.

The most challenging part of quitting CBD may be the mental consequences. People generally use CBD to treat a specific health issue, such as anxiety or insomnia. If you stop taking CBD, you may notice that symptoms of that original health condition return quickly. Therefore, it may be important to consider alternative medical or holistic treatments before quitting.

Can CBD Be Quit Abruptly?

It is typically considered safe to quit CBD abruptly. It’s common for people to use CBD on and off at different points in their lives, and there isn’t any research indicating that this type of use poses significant health concerns. Some people simply stop using CBD when the symptoms they take CBD for reduce in intensity.

But like any drug, your body may take some time to adjust to the absence of the drug. If you were taking CBD in high concentrations and for a prolonged period, this adjustment period may be more complex. If you do have concerns about your health, speak to your primary care physician.

Can You Quit CBD Cold Turkey?

Cold turkey refers to the abrupt and complete discontinuation of a substance. In some cases, it can be dangerous to implement this method, particularly if the body is dependent on a medication. Doing so may trigger intense withdrawal symptoms. For some drugs, this process can be highly dangerous and even life-threatening. However, it is generally safe to quit CBD cold turkey.

Can CBD Help Withdrawal Symptoms From Other Substances?

Animal studies have shown that rats addicted to heroin were less likely to seek heroin when using CBD. This may speak to the phenomenon of CBD helping reduce cravings, which is one of the main culprits driving drug addiction. There have also been some small human studies showing similar results for people experiencing opioid withdrawal.⁹

Another study has also shown that medical cannabis (which is not inherently the same as CBD because it contains THC) can reduce benzodiazepine use.¹⁰ Some people have found that CBD eases the physical and emotional discomfort of both benzodiazepine withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. CBD will likely continue to be examined for its potential role in addiction management.

How Long Does CBD Withdrawal Last?

As mentioned, CBD is typically considered safe to use. That said, since mainstream use is fairly new, the potential long-term effects of withdrawal is unknown. As of now, there is no data indicating that people experience significant CBD withdrawal symptoms after ceasing use. THC withdrawal, on the other hand, can last several days or weeks depending on the frequency and intensity of use.

When to Seek Professional Help for Substance Use

Although CBD itself is not considered an addictive substance, it is possible to develop a cannabis addiction. Substance use disorders are complex, and if you find that you’re using a drug too frequently or in ways that affect your functioning, it may be time to seek professional support. A therapist can help you understand your triggers and support your recovery. It’s important to look for a provider who specializes in substance abuse- many therapists provide both in-person and online options. You can get started using an online therapist directory or online therapy platform. If you are interested in learning more about psychiatric medication, consider consulting with an in-person or virtual psychiatrist to discuss potential treatments.