Cannabis 101 // April 16, 2021 // adminseth

Does Cannabis Help With Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

Does Cannabis Help With Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?
Many people suffer from withdrawal from benzodiazepines, and may not even recognize the nasty symptoms associated with it. Let's explore what cannabis can do to help, and pinpoint what some of the main symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal are.

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are medications that help calm or sedate. They can be addictive. Benzodiazepines slow down the body’s functions, and are commonly used for a wide variety of anxiety and sleep disorders. They can also be a treatment for alcohol withdrawal. The most common examples of benzodiazepines are diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and clonazepam (Klonopin).

What Are Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepine use are:
  • Irritability
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle aches
Hallucinations and symptomatic headaches are also associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal. Most types of drug withdrawal are hard on the body, and can be downright nasty.

Can CBD Help With Withdrawal Symptoms?

Many people find relief in using CBD to help with benzodiazepine and alcohol withdrawals. Mixing powerful substances can be dangerous. Many use cannabis to relieve withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other addictive substances. Depression and anxiety associated with coming off benzodiazepine use for PTSD, insomnia, chemotherapy, alcoholism, and more can be alleviated by CBD, which can function as an anti-anxiety and sleep aid.

How Can CBD Help Someone Wean Off Benzodiazepines?

CBD can help you wean off benzodiazepines by helping relieve the side effects of coming off the medications. CBD can calm the stress, pain, nausea, and vomiting that can result from the process of stopping the use of a powerful pharmaceutical. The trick is to do it slowly. Researchers and some medical professionals say it cannabis can be used to gradually to come off of benzodiazepines. If you want to stop using benzodiazepines and try cannabis instead, talk to your doctor to see what types and dosages are suitable for you.

What Weed Strains Help With Benzodiazepine Withdrawals?

High CBD strains are best. The number one strain listed on some medical sites is Ringo’s Gift, a sativa-dominant hybrid with ~1% THC and up to 24% CBD. It is thought to help with benzodiazepine withdrawals, alcoholism, and more. Other strains that have been found to help are Super Sour Diesel, Pennywise, Green Kush, and ACDC.