Using CBD Products in Recovery
In California, marijuana derived from the Cannabis sativa plant is legal for both medical and recreational use. Another cannabis product, hemp, is widely used to manufacture non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD) products such as capsules, creams, edibles, oils, and tinctures. Generally, they shouldn’t be produced with the same marijuana compound that creates a “high.” However, despite the potential benefits of CBD, there are significant considerations to keep in mind if you’re in recovery, as it might complicate your efforts in ways that aren’t always well understood.
The Legal Complications of CBD Products
In September 2024, the California Department of Public Health issued a release outlining the stipulations of Governor Gavin Newsom’s emergency regulations regarding CBD products. Here are the guidelines, provided verbatim:
“Retailers must cease selling any industrial hemp food, beverage or dietary product intended for human consumption if there is any detectable THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids per serving.”
Previously under California state law, hemp-derived CBD was legal, provided the product contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. This aligned with the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation of hemp and its derivatives, including CBD, on the federal level.
An October 2024 statement from the governor’s office indicates “the new regulations for hemp-derived food, beverage, and dietary products:
- Ban any detectable amount of THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids per serving.
- Ban sales to people under 21.
- Limit servings to five per package.”
Additionally, “The regulations do not ban hemp-derived CBD products with no detectable THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids. The regulations do not impact the sale of any cannabis products. Cannabis products, including products purchased for medical use and products with CBD and THC, will remain for sale at cannabis dispensaries,” according to the governor’s office. Topical CBD products such as lotions or oils are also still available in dispensaries and other retail outlets throughout the state as long as they’re marketed for non-ingestible purposes.
Despite these latest stipulations, the CBD market in California remains largely unregulated when it comes to quality control, leaving people vulnerable to purchasing products with inaccurate labeling or contaminants. Some CBD products may contain more THC than advertised, which can lead to psychoactive effects that interfere with a person’s health and recovery.
How CBD May Negatively Affect Your Recovery
If you’re trying to holistically manage your substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD), the use of CBD products raises several concerns. Harvard Health notes that technically, CBD itself is not known to be addictive. “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…to date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
However, the use of the word “pure” is what leads many people to question the full benefits of these CBD products. As previously mentioned, the CBD market is largely unregulated, which increases the risk of purchasing products that are either mislabeled or contaminated with substances like THC, heavy metals, or pesticides.
Even if a product label states that it contains less than 0.3% THC, there’s still a risk of levels being higher due to poor quality control or mislabeling. According to a news report from Forbes, “nearly 60% of CBD products marketed in the United States don’t match the percentage of CBD advertised on products’ labeling.” The inconsistency in product labeling and purity poses a considerable challenge if you’re trying to avoid any psychoactive substances.
Additionally, some individuals in recovery may find using CBD products inadvertently leads to a normalization of cannabis use. Even though CBD itself doesn’t produce a “high,” the ritual and act of consuming it may increase the likelihood of re-engaging with behaviors linked to active addiction.
Is CBD Helpful in Recovery?
Each individual’s health journey is different, but preliminary research in various areas indicates that some people may benefit from using CBD to help alleviate:
- Addiction symptoms. Harvard Health notes “animal models of addiction suggest it may help lessen cravings for other addictive substances such as alcohol, cannabis, opiates, and stimulants.”
- Anxiety. Most of the studies regarding CBD and anxiety involve animal testing, but the University of Colorado, Boulder states that results from its human study “suggests that CBD products may be able to relieve anxiety in the moment for adults who use them, and possibly longer-term, in a way that is meaningful and doesn’t necessarily produce the same risks or harms of THC or prescription medications. We need more data before we can make conclusive recommendations, but this is promising news.”
- Chronic pain. Many people prefer more holistic solutions for managing chronic pain, and CBD is a popular option. However, reviews of its effectiveness are still mixed. In this article, the American Academy of Family Physicians cites numerous studies that question the impact of CBD on inflammation, while other studies suggest a focused combination of CBD, improved sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle factors might provide relief.
Find More Answers at Fair Oaks
Fair Oaks Recovery Center in Sacramento, California is a licensed Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital, issued by the California Department of Public Health to addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis treatment facilities. Our board-certified professionals work with you to establish a treatment protocol for SUD and AUD that includes numerous options tailored specifically to your needs.
While CBD may offer certain therapeutic benefits, it’s important to recognize that it can still present risks. Trust our healthcare professionals to provide a clear understanding of what treatment options benefit you. Reach out to our admission team to learn more about our philosophy of care.
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