Cannabidiol (CBD) is becoming an increasingly popular remedy for a wide range of conditions, from countering acne to remediating the effects of chemotherapy. One of the reasons it has found so much favor is that it has a high safety profile and relatively low risk of adverse effects. This is an-oft cited fact among retailers and CBD review sites.
With so many positive aspects continually being reported, any negatives of the compound are easily overlooked. Something so good for you couldn’t possibly be harmful, right?
While there is no disputing that Cannabidiol is incredibly safe (especially when compared with many of the pharmaceuticals it often replaces), there are still some cautionary guidelines to be aware of if you are considering using it as part of your daily health regimen.
Pregnant And Nursing Women
There is not a lot of information about how CBD interacts in the body of pregnant and breastfeeding women, nor is there any data on how it affects the unborn child. Before taking CBD, consult with your obstetrician.
Children
The epilepsy drug Epidiolex has been approved for some forms of intractable seizures in children. This drug is cannabidiol-based. However, there is not much information on CBD use for children. Consult your pediatrician before administering cannabidiol to a child.
Medications That May Interact With CBD
CBD inhibits an enzyme called cytochrome P450, a compound which can increase or decrease the effectiveness of certain medicines. Grapefruit belongs to this same enzyme group, which is why doctors sometimes advise against eating grapefruit while taking certain medications. If you already take a drug that carries a grapefruit warning, you are encouraged to consult with your physician before taking cannabidiol.
Some of the medications that may interact with cytochrome P450 include:
Antidepressants
Blood Thinners
Anti-psychotics
Antiepileptics
HIV Antiretrovirals
Antihistamines
Benzodiazepines
Beta Blockers
Certain Pain Medications
Medications For Narcolepsy
When In Doubt, Consult Your Doctor
While not every medication on this list is going to have a negative interaction when combined with CBD, it is best to have a conversation with your doctor before making CBD a regular part of your health routine.
If you have been advised against eating grapefruit and you are unable to discuss CBD with your doctor, it is best to wait until he or she is available for a consult before you start taking it.
In many cases, CBD has helped people to discontinue certain medications, and it is possible that with the assistance of the right health care professional, you will be able to do so as well.
A Word About Allergies
Even the safest and most benign of foods and chemical compounds can cause an allergic reaction ranging from minor skin irritation to full-blown anaphylactic reactions. While it is extremely rare, allergic reactions to cannabidiol have occurred. If you are using CBD for the first time, be sure to start slowly and make a note of any changes you experience.
Sources:
https://www.marijuanabreak.com/how-does-cbd-interact-with-other-medications
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1439.html
https://www.projectcbd.org/does-cbd-interact-other-medications
https://www.projectcbd.org/science/cannabis-pharmacology/cbd-drug-interactions-role-cytochrome-p450
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
