Opioid abuse is a serious problem in different parts of the world. It is also a problem in the United Kingdom, where opioids are among the top prescription products consumed by the public. According to a study by The Lancet EClinicalMedicine, the UK had the highest per capita consumption rate of pain management opioids in 2021.
The good news is that opioid addiction may no longer be a severe problem for the United Kingdom and others worldwide. A recent study suggests that opioid misuse may be resolved with the help of cannabidiol or CBD, a chemical compound found in the cannabis or hemp plant.
Curbing opioid addiction with CBD
A comprehensive study by Washington State University and Legacy Research Institute in Portland shows the potential of CBD in reducing opioid dependence. Published in the Volume 5, March issue of the journal Addiction Neuroscience, the study shows that the CBD extract from a whole hemp plant has modest efficacy in diminishing neuropathic pain. This study was still in its initial stages, investigating the effect of CBD on lab rats with spared nerve injury. However, it showed a lot of promise, especially since the substance appeared to have no unwanted side effects.
The study also explored the effect of CBD in the self-administration of fentanyl among rats that were suffering from chronic pain. The researchers found that the rats, which had access to an endless source of fentanyl and morphine, reduced their use of the potent pain relief drugs after they were given cannabidiol.
Sources of CBD
Cannabidiol, as mentioned, is from the cannabis plant. However, not all cannabis contains high amounts of CBD. Usually, it’s the hemp flower or CBD flower and bud products that have more of this substance. This is because these products are derived from hemp specifically propagated to have high CBD content but low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels. Hemp flowers and buds must only contain THC not higher than 0.2% to be legally sold.
CBD flowers are not marketed with this new research finding in mind. They are usually sold because of their potential value in addressing anxiety. They also help in dealing with depression. Those who want to use cannabis for pain relief tend to turn to medical marijuana itself, which means getting a prescription.
Opioid addiction treatment supplement
Researchers from Indiana University Bloomington have also released a report suggesting that CBD can bolster the effects of naloxone. This popular treatment option for opioid addiction works by decreasing fentanyl binding. It appears CBD can significantly improve this binding-reduction mechanism. The researchers also say that CBD synergises with naloxone as it blocks opioid molecules.
No specific drug created with CBD has been developed yet. As such, it is too early to regard CBD as an alternative to naloxone. What CBD achieves, for now, is to support naloxone’s effects. It is certainly the ideal outcome, but it is good enough progress in the ongoing global efforts to finally come up with viable solutions against the opioid addiction pandemonium.
