Addiction

There are no two ways about it. Addiction is both diabolical and devastating. By definition, “addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences.” https://www.asam.org/quality-care/definition-of-addiction

Addiction comes with so many different moving parts that one should make no mistake, cannabis IS a drug. It comes with side effects (both good and bad), drug interactions and legality issues. Over-education and open dialog with your doctors about your interest in cannabis is crucial. As some of the following research will tell you, cannabis can cause more harm in some and it can do wonders for others. As always, please consult your doctors prior to starting up a cannabis regimen, as it can interfere with some standard medications.

Marijuana and cannabinoid regulation of brain reward circuits

Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Emerging Evidence for Cannabis’ Role in Opioid Use Disorder

Endocannabinoid Signaling in Motivation, Reward, and Addiction: Influences on Mesocorticolimbic Dopamine Function

Medical Cannabis Use Is Associated With Decreased Opiate Medication Use in a Retrospective Cross-Sectional Survey of Patients With Chronic Pain

Effects of Legal Access to Cannabis on Scheduled II-V Drug Prescriptions

Intermittent marijuana use is associated with improved retention in naltrexone treatment for opiate-dependence

Cannabidiol for the Reduction of Cue-Induced Craving and Anxiety in Drug-Abstinent Individuals With Heroin Use Disorder: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers: preliminary findings

Oral cannabidiol does not produce a signal for abuse liability in frequent marijuana smokers

Concurrent cannabis use during treatment for comorbid ADHD and cocaine dependence: effects on outcome

Role of Cannabidiol in the Therapeutic Intervention for Substance Use Disorders

β-caryophyllene, an FDA-Approved Food Additive, Inhibits Methamphetamine-Taking and Methamphetamine-Seeking Behaviors Possibly viaCB2 and Non-CB2 Receptor Mechanisms