CBD has been reported to interact with several anticonvulsants, such as diazepam, lamotrigine and phenytoin, as well as sedatives like barbiturates and narcotics like codeine and morphine. Bemben, PharmD, BCPS, a specialist in drug interactions who tries to educate other pharmacists about possible interactions between drugs and CBD, and Rachna Patel, DO, a doctor who consults about medical marijuana and CBD and sells her own line of CBD products, both recommend taking the CBD product to the doctor and pharmacist so they can check the amount of CBD and other ingredients it contains. People with chronic diseases who consume CBD often worry about whether it can interfere with prescription medications taken for arthritis or other conditions. In addition to more traditional ways of consuming cannabis, such as smoking, there is growing interest in CBD oil, which only contains CBD and not the psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The documented effects of CBD on liver function and the enzymes that metabolize several medications are important to consider when deciding whether or not to take CBD with certain medications. A survey conducted by Brightfield Group found that more than half of people who use CBD wanted their doctor to provide them with more information about it. However, 58 percent of people who informed their doctors about their consumption of CBD didn't get the safety, efficacy and dosage information they were looking for. CBD acts on the same metabolites as grapefruit, so many of the prescription drugs that carry warning labels on grapefruit may have similar risks when taken with CBD.
It's important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications or supplements.
