Key Insights
Ginkgo biloba is a widely-used herbal supplement derived from the leaves of the maidenhair tree. While it carries certain risks and has limited proven benefits, there is no credible evidence that it produces dependence—defined as addiction with tolerance, withdrawal and compulsive use.
Conversely, when the word “pollen” is used to mean plain botanical pollen (plant reproductive particles) it does not act as a drug or cause dependence. But if “pollen” refers to a cannabis concentrate (often called kief), then yes—it is a psychoactive substance, qualifies as a drug in many jurisdictions, and may lead to dependence.
In short: the effect depends entirely on what “pollen” actually refers to.
Finally: even non-addictive supplements like ginkgo should be used with care—especially if you are on other medications or have medical conditions.
Ginkgo biloba – what it is and how it behaves
The plant and the supplement
Ginkgo biloba is the last surviving species of its genus, native to East Asia and often cultivated worldwide.
In extract form (commonly standardized leaf extract such as EGb 761) it is marketed for memory, circulation and cognitive support. (See Wolfram “Ginkgo biloba” entry)
Dependence or not
There is no scientific evidence that ginkgo extract leads to addiction-type dependence in healthy adults.
Research reviews and authoritative sources state that while ginkgo is “generally considered safe for short-term use”, it does not reliably prevent dementia, nor does it show robust benefit in cognitive decline.
Safety and interactions
Ginkgo can increase bleeding risk (especially if you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs). It may also cause dizziness, headaches, palpitations, upset stomach, or interfere with medications (for diabetes, seizures, etc.).
Thus, even though dependence is not a concern, safety remains important.
“Pollen” – two very different realities
Botanical pollen
In its plain meaning, pollen refers to the fine grains produced by plants for reproduction. Non-psychoactive, non-addictive.
Cannabis concentrate / kief (sometimes called “pollen”)
In cannabis-culture contexts the term “pollen” or “kief” (from Arabic kīf, “joy, pleasure”) refers to concentrated resinous trichomes of the cannabis plant, rich in THC. This substance is a psychoactive drug.
Because of its high potency and frequent use, it can lead to what is clinically called cannabis-use disorder: patterns of repeated use despite harm, craving, tolerance and withdrawal.
Public health sources emphasise: cannabis may lead to dependence, especially when high-potency forms are used or use is frequent.
How to interpret and act
If you are taking a supplement labelled “ginkgo biloba”, you can reasonably assume that dependence is not a concern. But you still need to monitor for bleeding risk, medication interactions, and evaluate realistic expectations of benefit.
If someone refers to “pollen” in a herbal-nutrition context, they usually mean natural plant pollen—not a drug. But if “pollen” is used in a recreational-drug context (e.g., cannabis concentrate), then yes: treat it as a psychoactive substance with real dependence potential.
When in doubt: clarify what “pollen” means. Supplements are not necessarily benign; drugs and high-potency cannabis forms carry real health implications.
Final Thoughts
Dependence is not simply “wanting to take something”. It is a clinical pattern involving tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control and continuing consumption despite harm. The herbal extract ginkgo does not meet those criteria; cannabis concentrates often do.
Thus the key message: context matters. Two words — “ginkgo” and “pollen” — can lead to very different conclusions depending on their meaning. Make informed decisions, speak with your healthcare provider, and treat each product on its own terms.
Sources
- Ginkgo biloba – NCBI Bookshelf article “Ginkgo biloba”
- Mayo Clinic: “Ginkgo (supplement)” (what research says, safety)
- Poison.org article: “Ginkgo biloba: Risks and Benefits”
- Region of Waterloo Health: “Cannabis and Health Effects” (dependence risk)
- ARCannabisClinic blog: “What is kief… how to use it?”
- Sandstone Care blog: “Hashish: Kief, Hash Oil, & How to Keep Yourself Safe”
- Wikipedia entry “Kief”
- YouTube video: “The Cannabis Trap: Why Youths Are Falling For It | Addicted …” [YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPlAGRCOMks ]
Appendix – Terms defined
Dependence (substance-use): A state in which a person relies on a substance to function or feel normal, typically with signs such as tolerance (needing more), withdrawal when stopping, and continuing despite harm.
Kief: Fine powder of resinous trichomes from the cannabis plant, high in THC and other cannabinoids, used as a cannabis concentrate. Borrowed from Arabic kīf meaning “joy, pleasure”.
Botanical pollen: Fine particles released by plants (male-flowering part) to fertilise other plants; in its natural sense, non-psychoactive and non-addictive.
Botanical supplement: A product derived from plant materials, taken for health-oriented purposes (not approved drugs), less tightly regulated and with variable evidence of benefit or safety.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 