In countries with open CBD markets, products have been tested for almost everything: sleep, anxiety, pain, inflammation, skin problems. Results vary. Some studies show an effect, others do not. The picture is unclear and research is ongoing.

One area where several small clinical studies have reported findings pointing in the same direction is addiction and withdrawal. The evidence is still limited, and its quality is rated low to moderate.

Smoking: 40% fewer cigarettes

In a clinical study at University College London, 24 smokers received either a CBD inhaler or placebo for a week. Those given CBD cut their cigarette intake by about 40%. The placebo group showed no change.

Notably, the reduction occurred without lower reported craving, suggesting a different mechanism.

The study was small (24 participants), short (one week) and relied on self-reported consumption, so results should be read with caution until replicated.

Opioid dependence: reduced craving and anxiety

At the Icahn School of Medicine (Mount Sinai, New York), abstinent people with heroin dependence received either CBD or placebo. The CBD group reported significantly lower craving and anxiety, particularly in situations that normally trigger relapse.

The study reported no serious adverse effects. A literature review from the same research group describes CBD as well tolerated in several clinical trials, including when given together with a potent opioid.

Cannabis: reduced use

In a randomised study, cannabis-dependent people received 400 mg CBD, 800 mg CBD or placebo daily. Both CBD groups reduced their cannabis use more than placebo, beyond the effect of a psychological intervention.

Why might CBD affect addiction?

One possible explanation: CBD affects several biological systems, including serotonergic pathways and the endocannabinoid system, though the mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

In addiction and withdrawal these systems are under stress. The hypothesis is that CBD may help reduce the discomfort that drives relapse, not by replacing the substance, but by influencing the underlying biological processes.

Results apply to controlled research settings and cannot be translated directly to commercial products.

What we cannot say

CBD is not a treatment for addiction. No study has shown that CBD alone is enough to overcome dependence, and the NIH HEAL Initiative describes the question as open.

The studies remain relatively small. An umbrella review in Addiction in 2025 went through the systematic reviews in the field and found the evidence base limited and of low to moderate quality. Larger clinical trials are needed, and the mechanisms are not fully understood.

The research is still at an early stage. A few small clinical studies have reported reduced craving and anxiety in controlled settings, but the evidence is rated low to moderate. The studies are often small and short, and the results vary. CBD is not a treatment for addiction, and larger studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

This article references published research for journalistic purposes. It is not medical advice and no health claims about any product follow from it. See Ownership and transparency for Svenskhampa's relationship with Helsama.

Updated 7 October 2026.