UNDATED, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that the chemical CBD may be effective in treating opioid addiction.
Dr. Michael Lewis, founder of Brain Health Education and Research Institute, explains that CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical derived from Hemp.
“We’re talking about the cannabis plant that doesn’t have more than just a trace amount of THC, if any at all,” Dr. Lewis said. “CBD is basically the medicinal part of the cannabis plant that doesn’t have the psychoactive effects like THC.”
In the study, one half of the 42 patients with heroin addictions were given CBD supplements measured at 400mg or 800mg, while the other half were given placebos.
Those who were given CBD reported reduced drug cravings and anxiety. Dr. Lewis explains that CBD interacts with opioid receptors in the human body.
“When we can interact with something that is safe and effective and doesn’t have the addictive properties like heroin or opioids, we occupy those receptors, we satisfy those cravings,” Dr. Lewis said.
Dr. Lewis believes that heroin use is the result of sociopolitical factors.
“Whether you’re talking about unemployment, stress, anxiety…there’s lots of reasons sociologically why we have a stress. Heroin and other such ‘escape’ drugs are giving us a little mental vacation from the realities of day-to-day.”
The study also found that cravings were reduced for days after dosing with CBD, long after the drug was supposed to stay in the subjects system.
In his own practice, Dr. Lewis administers CBD to patients that have symptoms stemming from head trauma.
“One of those symptoms in almost 100% of my patients is anxiety,” Dr. Lewis said. “It’s a well-known side effect of head injuries. I’m finding CBD is incredible, probably there’s nothing else that is even close to being as good for anxiety as CBD.”
Dr. Lewis also notes that in addition to possible craving reduction, CBD can also be used for headaches and anti-inflammatory problems, among others.
