At the heart of smoking addiction (or rather nicotine addiction) are the receptors in the brain that are addicted to nicotine. And this is not all that surprising, as nicotine is among the top 3 (source: Jellinek) most addictive substances. The fact is that nicotine is more addictive than alcohol, XTC, GHB, LSD or cocaine, among others.
How does it work?
The number of receptors in the brain varies from person to person, therefore the degree of addiction also varies. People with a lot of receptors have more trouble quitting than when a person has fewer receptors. The longer a person smokes, the more receptors become active. When you stop smoking, these receptors continue to ask for nicotine. If you have quit long enough, the receptors stop doing so and you are rid of the addiction!
The shifted addiction
When you stop smoking using a nicotine-based device (e.g., nicotine patches, gum, spray, etc.), you actually remain addicted to nicotine. Even an e-cigarette is then not a real alternative. This is because you continue to feed your receptors with nicotine. You have now effectively shifted the addiction to another product.
Research studies
In several scientific studies, CBD (short for cannabidiol) has been shown to be effective in withdrawal from nicotine, as well as other addictions such as alcohol, for example. Summary: This is because nicotine and CBD act on the same receptors. Nicotine activates these receptors, while CBD actually blocks these receptors. Blocking the receptors immediately reduces the desire for smoking (nicotine).
What is CBD?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a natural product and are extracted from specially grown fiber hemp plants. These plants have a very high CBD content. CBD is 100% legal and natural and you absolutely cannot get stoned or high from CBD! Moreover, it has no side effects and you cannot become addicted to it either.
Endocannabinoid system: biological system in humans and animals
Scientists discovered (not so long ago) that the human body has an extensive endocannabinoid system and that it affects many bodily functions. The system consists of several receptors in the body and brain. Each person also produces small amounts of cannabinoids themselves. CBD nourishes this biological system.
CBD patches - Discover the differences
CBD is used in numerous products, as it has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in addition to anti-addictive effects. You can classify different CBD products by bioavailability. CBD patches are 15 times more effective (and thus cheaper!) than oral CBD products!
