Quitting nicotine is the New Year's goal for young people: CBD emerges as an ally against severe dependence

Recent data released by the Truth Initiative 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 motivator for this decision.

However, the current landscape poses increasing obstacles for those who decide to break the addiction. The high potency of new nicotine delivery devices, such as e-cigarettes (vapes), makes cessation through traditional methods more difficult.

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

Severe dependence complicates 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 has quintupled. Simultaneously, the price has dropped by about 70%, facilitating access and worsening dependence.

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

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

Impact on mental health and anxiety

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

The CEO and president of the Truth Initiative, Kathy Crosby, commented in an official statement about the current scenario. According to her, young people face a market designed to exacerbate 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 regaining control."

The situation in Brazil and the search to quit smoking through the SUS

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

The prevalence of smoking rose to 13.8% among men and 9.8% among women. At the same time, the search for medical help to quit smoking grew significantly.

In 2023, more than 420,000 people turned to the Unified Health System (SUS) to treat smoking addiction. However, relapses are still frequent, opening the door for the investigation of new therapeutic approaches.

The role of Cannabidiol (CBD) for those who want to quit smoking

Given 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 areas of action for the cannabinoid to assist those who wish to quit smoking:

Reduction of anxiety and cravings: A clinical trial with 56 smokers demonstrated that the use of oral CBD (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 liver enzymes CYP2A6 and CYP2B6, responsible for metabolizing nicotine. This may prolong the presence of nicotine in the body, reducing the physical urgency for replacement.

Reward regulation: CBD acts as a partial agonist of dopamine receptors. It helps rebalance the brain's reward system without causing euphoria, decreasing the risk of relapses 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 specialists as a form of transition, preserving the motor habit while treating chemical dependence.