Quitting Nicotine is the Goal for Young People in the New Year: CBD Emerges as an Ally Against Superdependence

Recent data released by the Truth Initiative organization reveals that 67% of young adult nicotine users, aged 18 to 24, have a clear goal: to quit smoking in the New Year. The pursuit of physical and mental health is the main driver behind this decision.

However, the current scenario presents increasing obstacles for those who decide to break the habit. The high potency of new nicotine delivery devices, such as electronic cigarettes (vapes), makes cessation through traditional methods challenging.

In this challenging context, recent scientific research points to a new hope. Cannabidiol (CBD) emerges as a promising therapeutic tool for smoking control and harm reduction.

Superdependence Hinders the Decision to Quit Smoking

Although the intention to quit smoking is high, the nicotine market has undergone drastic changes in the last five years. The Truth Initiative report indicates that between 2017 and 2022, the nicotine concentration in disposable e-cigarettes nearly tripled.

In addition to the increase in substance, the liquid storage capacity in these devices quintupled. Simultaneously, the price dropped by about 70%, making access easier and exacerbating dependence.

In Brazil, the reality reflects this global trend of increased toxicity. A study by the Sanitary Surveillance of São Paulo, in partnership with Incor and USP, analyzed 200 vape users.

The finding was alarming: the nicotine concentration in the bodies of these users can be three to six times higher than that found in conventional smokers. This high potency results in accelerated dependence, making the process of quitting smoking more difficult.

Impact on Mental Health and Anxiety

Data shows that 76% of teenagers who use vapes consume the product within the first 30 minutes of waking up. The impact on mental health is direct, as nicotine dependence can amplify anxiety and depression.

Truth Initiative's CEO and President, Kathy Crosby, commented in a release on the current scenario in an official statement. According to her, young people are facing a market designed to worsen addiction.

"Young people want to quit smoking, but they are trying to break free in a market flooded with larger, cheaper, and more potent products. We know that nicotine dependence can amplify feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, so it is important for young people to understand that quitting smoking does not mean giving up something — it means taking back control."

The Scenario in Brazil and the Pursuit of Smoking Cessation through SUS

Brazil, historically recognized for its anti-smoking policies, observed a trend reversal in 2024. For the first time since 2007, there was an increase in the number of smokers, with a 25% rise.

The prevalence of smoking rose to 13.8% among men and 9.8% among women. Simultaneously, the demand for medical help to quit smoking increased significantly.

In 2023, over 420 thousand people turned to the Unified Health System (SUS) to treat smoking. However, relapses are still common, opening up space for the investigation of new therapeutic approaches.

The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Those Looking to Quit Smoking

Facing the complexity of addiction, which involves chemical and behavioral factors, the therapeutic use of cannabidiol has been studied as a complementary strategy. Unlike treatments that only replace nicotine, CBD acts on the modulation of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

Studies indicate three main fronts of action of the cannabinoid to help those who want to quit smoking:

Anxiety and Craving Reduction: A clinical trial with 56 smokers showed that oral CBD use (400 to 800 mg/day) for three days resulted in a significant reduction in cigarette consumption and withdrawal anxiety.

Metabolic Interference: In vitro research suggests that CBD inhibits the hepatic enzymes CYP2A6 and CYP2B6, responsible for metabolizing nicotine. This may prolong the presence of nicotine in the body, reducing the physical urge for replacement.

Reward Regulation: CBD acts as a partial agonist of dopamine receptors. It helps rebalance the brain's reward system without causing euphoria, reducing the risk of relapse due to emotional triggers.

In addition to the chemical aspect, there is the behavioral factor of the "smoking gesture." The use of vaporizers with full-spectrum cannabis extract (without nicotine) is evaluated by experts as a transitional form, preserving the motor habit while treating chemical dependence.