Interaction of CBD with other drugs
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has been steadily gaining popularity as both a medical treatment and a health and wellness ingredient since cannabis legalization last fall. The non-psychoactive cannabinoid has been shown to be beneficial for a variety of conditions, especially anxiety, inflammation and pain management. Due to lack of clinical research, there is a long way to go in understanding the nature of these interactions. That said, there is currently evidence of certain interactions, including the following:
Blood-thinning medications
There is an increased risk of bleeding for people who are taking blood-thinning medications. CBD increases the potency of these medications and prolongs their duration in the body, so should be monitored. Blood thinners should not be combined with CBD without consulting with a healthcare provider.
Sedative medications
CBD does not possess the sedative properties of THC, though a 2006 study showed that it did positively affect the sleep cycle. When CBD is combined with a sedative, or drug with sedating properties, it has additive effect, increasing the potency of the medication. This interaction needs to be considered when determining dosing.
Lowered efficiency in medications
CBD is also known to decrease the effectiveness of certain medications. Pharmaceuticals that are subject to precise dosing requirements are susceptible to disruption from CBD. There is still so much to be learned on how much CBD interacts with other drugs, making it essential to have an open dialogue with your physician. Since CBD can interact with multiple medications in a variety of ways, a family doctor is the best person to discuss potential drug interactions.
Source: Journal of Cannabinoid Medicine
