Can CBD Help You Quit Smoking?

The end of May is marked by World No Tobacco Day.  This global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) raises awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Around eight million people die every year due to tobacco use, and World No Tobacco Day was created to spread the word about the associated health risks while discouraging the use of tobacco in any form.

After you’ve observed World No Tobacco Day, the next step is to quit smoking altogether. Fortunately, emerging evidence suggests that CBD (cannabidiol) may help people stop smoking. Preliminary research indicates that CBD has the potential to reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine cessation, making you less likely to pick up another cigarette to curb those same feelings.

Here’s the science behind quitting smoking with the help of CBD.

Can CBD Help Me Quit Smoking Tobacco?

A study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors found that cannabidiol (CBD) significantly reduced the number of cigarettes smoked by individuals trying to quit. Smokers were given either a CBD inhaler or a placebo inhaler in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After one week, those using the CBD inhaler reduced their cigarette consumption by about 40% while those in the placebo group saw no significant change. The results suggest that CBD could be a promising treatment for nicotine addiction.​

So, what’s behind this phenomenon?

A key benefit of CBD – both for individuals trying to quit smoking and the average CBD user – is its ability to reduce anxiety. Anxiety and stress are common triggers that can lead to smoking relapse and common effects felt by people feeling cravings and withdrawals. Many smokers turn to cigarettes to eliminate cravings and cope with anxiety, making it challenging to quit.

CBD has anxiolytic properties that can help manage anxiety and stress, potentially making it easier for smokers to stay away from cigarettes. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, particularly the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain that play a role in regulating mood, anxiety, and stress responses. Researchers posit that CBD may help smokers quit using tobacco by reducing the stress responses that trigger tobacco cravings.

A systematic review published by the National Institutes of Health examined existing preclinical and clinical evidence to research CBD’s effects on addiction. The review found that CBD shows potential in reducing a variety of addictive behaviors, including the cravings and anxiety associated with withdrawal. CBD may help modulate brain circuits involved in addiction, thereby reducing the reinforcing effects of addiction.

Why Use CBD Over Alternative Products?

Of course, there have been many pharmaceutical products created to help reduce nicotine cravings, but many of them can be addictive or come with the risk of side effects. By contrast, CBD is non-habit forming and non-psychoactive. It is a safe alternative for anyone looking to manage their nicotine cravings or withdrawal symptoms without having to rely on nicotine or pharmaceuticals to treat addiction.

Learn more about pharmaceutical smoking cessation options, and the benefits CBD can offer to best them.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

NRT products deliver small, controlled amounts of nicotine to the body to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with quitting smoking. NRT products come in various forms, including patches, gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers. Although NRT products can be an effective tool for treating addiction, they still rely on nicotine for treating nicotine addiction.

Varenicline (Chantix)

Varenicline is a prescription medication that works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain. It reduces the pleasurable effects of nicotine and easing withdrawal symptoms. Varenicline can significantly improve tobacco quitting rates compared to placebo and other smoking cessation aids. Unfortunately, some people may experience mood changes or behavioral effects while taking Varenicline.

Bupropion (Zyban)

Originally an antidepressant, bupropion has been found to be effective in helping people quit smoking. It works by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, bupropion can lead to adverse effects, including dependence and an increased risk of seizures.

Clonidine

Although not specifically designed for smoking cessation, clonidine is sometimes used off-label to help people quit smoking. It works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain. There are significant risks to Clonidine, especially when abruptly stopping use of the product. This can result in withdrawal symptoms l increased blood pressure, anxiety, agitation, and tremors.

Benefits of Quitting Smoking Tobacco

One of the goals of World No Tobacco Day is to raise awareness of the benefits of quitting smoking. Quitting smoking can significantly enhance your physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. If you are looking for a safe and non-addictive product that can help you quit smoking, consider the benefits of using CBD.

Physical Health Improvements

The physical benefits of quitting smoking begin quickly after the smoke clears and heart rate and blood pressure resume normal levels. Over time, carbon monoxide levels in the blood normalize, improving oxygen transportation. The risk of heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, and lung cancer decreases substantially. Quitting smoking can help you improve blood circulation and lung function, which can lead to increased stamina and energy.

Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk that you will develop various cancers. Tobacco use is tied to 20% of all cancer cases in this country. This not only includes lung cancer but also cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, and kidneys.

Better Respiratory Function

Smoking cessation leads to significant improvements in respiratory health. You can reduce coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath by quitting smoking. Those with asthma or chronic bronchitis can particularly benefit as lung function begins to improve and respiratory symptoms decrease.

Mental Health Benefits

Quitting smoking alleviates the cycle of stress and anxiety associated with nicotine addiction. Many people turn to smoking to cope with stress instead of addressing the underlying causes of stress. Former smokers often experience improved mood, reduced anxiety and depression, and enhanced self-esteem as they gain a sense of control over their health.

Economic Benefits

The average smoker spends upward of $4,000 a year on cigarettes. Financially, quitting smoking saves money previously spent on cigarettes and can result in lower insurance premiums. Socially, it enhances relationships and participation in activities without the need for smoking breaks or dealing with the stigma of smoking.

From better physical and mental health to financial savings, quitting smoking tobacco is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your long-term well-being.

What Are My CBD Options?

CBD products come in a variety of forms, including topicals, tinctures, edibles, vapes, and capsules. No matter what type of CBD product you are looking for, a member of the Dank Budz team can help you find the right CBD product to relieve your cravings for tobacco. Here are the most common types:

Each CBD option offers unique benefits, but all contain the CBD necessary to curb cravings and reduce stress. Ask your favorite budtender to help you find the right product for you.

CBD for Quitting Smoking Tobacco FAQs

If you have questions about the health benefits of CBD, you have come to the right place. The team at Dank Budz has done extensive research to keep up-to-date on the evolving world of cannabis. Here are some of the more common questions we field.

Learn More About the Health Benefits of CBD

Numerous studies have found a connection between CBD use and a higher success rate of quitting drugs like tobacco. Stopping smoking can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious and potentially deadly health problems. Why not see if CBD can help you finally cut the tobacco cravings for good?

If you are looking for a safe and natural product that can help you cut nicotine cravings, there are many CBD products that can be eaten, smoked, or taken in liquid form. What enhances the cannabis experience even further is the vibrant community of enthusiasts eager to explore its unique cultural ties, outstanding benefits, and constant influx of new products.

Still have questions? The team at Dank Budz has conducted extensive research on cannabis and CBD and we take pride in displaying the latest info about cannabis. We developed our line of premium CBD products such as: gummies, oils, capsules and topicals to help individuals with a number of ailments and health goals. Shop now to see how CBD products can help you cut the cravings as you work to quit smoking tobacco.

Sources:

1. 1. World Health Organization. (n.d.). World No Tobacco Day. Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day
   2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2018). Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29714034/
   3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Tobacco. Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco#:~:text=The%20tobacco%20epidemic%20is%20one,%2Dhand%20smoke%20(4).
   4. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2019). Emerging Role of Cannabidiol in Psychiatric Disorders. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6390812/#:~:text=CBD%20is%20found%20to%20inhibit,)%20(106%2C%20107).
   5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease. Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/smoking-and-cardiovascular-disease#:~:text=Cigarette%20smokers%20are%202%20to,get%20heart%20disease%20than%20nonsmokers.
   6. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Health Risks of Smoking Tobacco. Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/health-risks-of-tobacco/health-risks-of-smoking-tobacco.html#:~:text=Smoking%20causes%20about%2020%25%20of,people%20in%20the%20United%20States.
   7. Moultrie County Health Department. (n.d.). What is the Real Cost of Smoking Cigarettes? Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://www.moultriehealth.org/health-services/adult/what-is-the-real-cost-of-smoking-cigarettes/#:~:text=This%20means%20a%20pack%2Da,with%20a%20%2438%2C690%20price%20tag.