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Marijuana Component Helps Reduce Cigarette Smoking

The endocannabinoid system has moderating functions on many other systems and processes in the human body. It is now being acknowledged that it plays a role in nicotine addiction.

This double blind placebo controlled study evaluated the use of cannabidiol (CBD, a marijuana component) on smokers who wished to cease smoking. Twenty-four participants were divided into 2 groups. One group received an inhaler of CBD, the other an inhaler of placebo. They were instructed to use the inhaler whenever they had an urge to smoke a cigarette.

During the 1 week treatment period the placebo group showed no difference in the number of cigarettes smoked. However, the CBD users had significant results, smoking 40% less during the treatment week.