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.
But there is one area where results have been more consistent: addiction and withdrawal.
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.
Source: Morgan et al. (2013), Addictive Behaviors. PubMed
Opioid dependence: reduced craving and anxiety
At the Icahn School of Medicine (Mount Sinai, New York), abstinent people with opioid dependence received either CBD or placebo. The CBD group reported significantly lower craving and anxiety, particularly in situations that normally trigger relapse. CBD was well tolerated alongside opioid medication, with no serious adverse effects in the studied group under controlled conditions.
Source: Hurd et al. (2019), American Journal of Psychiatry. PMC
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.
Source: Freeman et al. (2020), The Lancet Psychiatry. PMC
Why is the addiction research more consistent?
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. The studies remain relatively small, larger clinical trials are needed, and the mechanisms are not fully understood. The research is still at an early stage, but some controlled clinical studies show promising results, particularly for craving and anxiety.
Sources
- Morgan CJA et al. “Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers.” Addictive Behaviors, 2013. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Hurd YL et al. “Cannabidiol for the reduction of cue-induced craving and anxiety in drug-abstinent individuals with heroin use disorder.” American Journal of Psychiatry, 2019. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Freeman TP et al. “Cannabidiol for the treatment of cannabis use disorder.” The Lancet Psychiatry, 2020. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Redonnet et al. “Efficacy of cannabidiol for the management of substance use disorders: An umbrella review.” Addiction, 2025. onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- NIH HEAL Initiative. “Can CBD Treat Opioid Use Disorder?” heal.nih.gov
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 svenskahampa’s relationship with Helsama.