CBD gummies are not FDA-approved to help quit smoking. Although, some users have found it helpful to take CBD as their quit smoking gummies to help manage withdrawal symptoms like stress and irritability, which can make quitting smoking much more manageable.
Consumers of CBD quit smoking gummies have realized that because CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it regulates their mood, appetite, and stress levels.
In a small study, cigarette smokers were given CBD through an inhaler, while others got a placebo for just a week. They were instructed to use the inhaler anytime a craving struck. The CBD group ended up smoking about 40% less than before [1].
This is a positive change, but it can also be attributed to the act of reaching for an inhaler instead of a cigarette which could have introduced a new routine or distraction that helped to reduce smoking or that the psychological effect of using something perceived as "treatment" motivated participants to cut down on smoking. Whatever the case, we're excited to see more research evaluating the effectiveness of CBD in aiding in smoking cessation.
In another interesting piece of research, smokers who hadn't had a cigarette overnight were given a very potent dose of 800 mg of CBD orally. Compared to the group given a placebo, the CBD-takers found smoking cues — like the sight or smell of a cigarette — less attention-grabbing and less enjoyable [2].
Even though CBD didn't seem to affect their craving for tobacco or feelings of withdrawal and didn't cause any noticeable side effects, reducing the appeal of smoking cues is a big deal. It suggests CBD could help change how smokers perceive cigarettes, making it a helpful companion for those looking to quit. Understanding how long CBD stays in the system could provide insight into its potential effectiveness for managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
While these studies are promising, CBD gummies aren't an FDA-approved shortcut to quitting smoking. But that doesn't mean we should completely ignore the anecdotal accounts of people who have had luck using them.
Resources:
- Morgan, C. J., Das, R. K., Joye, A., Curran, H. V., & Kamboj, S. K. (2013). Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers: preliminary findings. Addictive behaviors, 38(9), 2433-2436.
- Hindocha, C., Freeman, T. P., Grabski, M., Stroud, J. B., Crudgington, H., Davies, A. C., ... & Curran, H. V. (2018). Cannabidiol reverses attentional bias to cigarette cues in a human experimental model of tobacco withdrawal. Addiction, 113(9), 1696-1705.
