Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a complex illness marked by an incapacity to regulate alcohol consumption. In Canada, nearly 18% of individuals aged 15 years or older have met clinical criteria for AUD at some point in their lives.
AUD treatment involves various approaches, but it can also be costly, whether through rehabilitation programs or oral medications. There are options available that can help reduce expenses. One such option gaining attention from researchers is the use of CBD strains Canada.
Table of Contents
- What is CBD?
- How CBD and Alcohol Affect Your Endocannabinoid System
- Can CBD Reduce Alcohol Intake?
- Incorporate CBD into Treatment Plans
- Choosing High CBD Strains or Products for AUD Treatment
- CBD Product Selection
- How to Choose a Quality CBD Product
- Explore BC Cannabis Stores for Quality Strains
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, usually abbreviated as CBD, stands out as the most prevalent cannabinoid among 100 natural chemical compounds found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t induce intoxication, but it can still impact both the mind and body when ingested.
CBD flower strains are cannabis varieties known for their high cannabidiol levels and lower levels of THC. While only a few low-THC strains are available on the market, they tend to be more expensive than regular high-THC strains.
Characteristics of a High CBD Strain:
- High CBD content
- Low THC content
- CBD-dominant terpenes
- Clear-headed effects
In addition to many high CBD strains, CBD is available in various forms, such as extracts and infused products, which you can consume through smoking, vaping, or oral ingestion.
- Extracts: CBD oil is a natural pain relief and relaxation remedy without inducing mind-altering effects.
- Infused Products: CBD edibles are food products infused with the compound. They include gummies, chocolates, mints, beverages, capsules, and cake pops.
How CBD and Alcohol Affect Your Endocannabinoid System
Experts theorize that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions to maintain bodily equilibrium. The ECS comprises endocannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids, which occur naturally in the body, can generate effects such as pain relief when they bind to receptors. Once these endocannabinoids finish their function, enzymes break them down.
CBD interacts with the ECS by modulating its receptors and promoting balance and homeostasis. Alcohol can indirectly influence the ECS by altering neurotransmitter levels. While CBD may have therapeutic effects, excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt ECS function and overall health.
Can CBD Reduce Alcohol Intake?
A group of scholars investigated cannabis use to replace alcohol consumption among Canadian medical cannabis patients.
Methodology
Researchers examined 973 out of 2102 individuals enrolled in the Canadian medical cannabis program. These individuals reported consuming alcohol at least ten times in the year before starting medical cannabis. The study analyzed their past alcohol consumption patterns and characteristics to identify factors linked to reducing or stopping alcohol use following the initiation of medical cannabis.
Results
- Out of the participants, 419 (44%) drank alcohol less in the past 30 days.
- 323 (34%) had fewer drinks per week.
- 76 (8%) didn’t drink alcohol the month before the survey.
They found out that patients under 55 years old who drink more alcohol before using medical cannabis have greater chances of cutting down on alcohol use. Those who use medical cannabis to reduce their alcohol consumption are more likely to quit drinking alcohol altogether.
Additional Study
A 2021 study, which involved 120 people using both cannabis and alcohol, discovered that those who used CBD for five days had fewer drinking days and consumed less alcohol when they did drink. This suggests that CBD use might help reduce alcohol consumption.
Incorporate CBD into Treatment Plans
- Adjunct Therapy: CBD can complement traditional treatments to manage symptoms better and improve overall well-being.
- Personalized Dosage: Determine the CBD dose based on individual needs by considering factors like symptom severity, tolerance, and body weight.
- Monitoring and Adjustments: Regularly monitor CBD’s effects and adjust the CBD’s dose or type of CBD used to achieve the best results.
- Access to CBD Products: In Canada, consumers have access to various CBD strains and cannabis products through online platforms. BC cannabis stores online offer a range of CBD-rich strains, extracts, and infused products to meet different needs.
Choosing High CBD Strains or Products for AUD Treatment
- CBD to THC Ratio: Select CBD products with low THC rather than those with high THC to lessen psychoactive effects and increase therapeutic benefits.
- Potency: Select strains with strong CBD potency to manage better symptoms linked to AUD.
- Dominant Terpenes: Seek strains rich in terpenes like Myrcene, Pinene, and Limonene, known for their anti-anxiety and pain-relieving properties.
CBD Product Selection
| Product | OneStop Gummies | Cannamo Chocolate Bar | CBD Tears |
| Flavours | Acai Berry | Toasted Coconut | None |
| THC | N/A | N/A | 0.3% |
| CBD | 500mg | 450mg | 1 mL |
| Description | It contains ten pieces of 50mg CBD gummies. | Made of Belgian chocolates and CBD Full Isolate extract. | Phoenix Tears are simple to use and have a similar consumption method to tincture. |
How to Choose a Quality CBD Product
CBD Type
Based on the presence or absence of additional compounds, CBD is divided into three categories: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
- Full-spectrum CBD products contain CBD and other compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant. These additional compounds may offer supplementary beneficial effects on the body.
- Broad-spectrum CBD products contain CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids but undergo an additional extraction process to remove THC. Trace amounts of THC may still be present in some products.
- CBD Isolate products consist solely of pure CBD. Extraction processes remove all THC, terpenes, cannabinoids, and essential oils and leave behind only CBD.
Third-party Testing
Look for products with a qualified certificate of analysis (COA). Ensure that the potency on the COA matches the product label, check for contaminant testing results (such as mould and pesticides), and verify the COA’s date—it should be recent.
Explore BC Cannabis Stores for Quality Strains
For top-quality CBD strains and a variety of cannabis products, turn to GrassLife. Our extensive selection ensures you’ll find high-quality options, which makes us a trusted source for exploring the potential benefits of cannabis. You can seek the relaxing effects of THC or the therapeutic benefits of CBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of CBD-dominant cannabis products?
CBD-dominant cannabis products offer chronic pain relief, inflammation reduction, nausea suppression, relief of muscle spasms, and mood stabilization without inducing intoxication. These products provide a natural alternative for patients seeking symptom relief without the psychoactive effects of THC.
What is the recommended dosage when using CBD?
The starting CBD dose ranges from 20 to 50 milligrams (mg) per day, though individual needs vary based on several factors.
Two primary considerations:
- The specific condition or situation for which you’re using CBD.
- Your body weight influences the optimal CBD dosage for you.
Less quantifiable factors to consider:
- Severity of symptoms: Depending on symptom severity, you may require a higher or lower CBD dosage, even with a standard strength.
- Body chemistry and tolerance: CBD affects individuals differently due to variations in metabolic processes and tolerance levels. Some may need more to feel the effects, while others may find smaller doses effective.
What method provides the quickest onset of CBD’s effects?
Inhalation is the most bioavailable method of administering CBD. It acts swiftly, within 5 minutes, which provides the most immediate and potent effects. These effects diminish relatively quickly compared to other administration methods.
General timeline for inhaled CBD:
- Onset time: As fast as 5 minutes
- Peak effects: Around 20 minutes
- Total duration: 2 to 3 hours
How does CBD aid in treating alcoholism?
CBD can decrease alcohol consumption in individuals by reducing ethanol intake, motivation for drinking, relapse rates, anxiety, and impulsivity. CBD helps alleviate alcohol-induced liver damage by reducing fat accumulation, boosting autophagy, controlling inflammation, lowering oxidative stress, and causing apoptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells.
Main Reference:
Reductions in alcohol use following medical cannabis initiation: results from a large cross-sectional survey of medical cannabis patients in Canada
Author Information
Philippe Lucas, Susan Boyd, M-J Milloy, & Zach Walsh
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