CBD and drug interactions

Let's not forget that cannabinoid research is still relatively fresh and many things are yet to be discovered. This does not change the fact that the CBD has so far clearly proved to be harmless and very safe. Our body tolerates it well, even in really abundant daily doses of around 160 mg. Research sees even 1,500 mg as safe. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, CBD should not have any unwanted side effects, and if a user feels any, it is likely to be an interaction between cannabinoids and drugs.

CBD itself is safe. But because it affects a large number of biological processes, its interaction with other substances that are designed to modify something inside our body may not be the most appropriate three times. Simply put, while CBD does not cause side effects, its co-presence with other drugs will allow them in some cases. There are three situations that can occur:

1. Metabolic competition

For cannabinoids and drugs, once they pass through the digestive tract, they continue to the liver, where they are further processed and further broken down into smaller parts called metabolites using special enzymes. The metabolites then enter the whole body through the circulatory system.

If we take CBD and a drug at the same time, it happens that the liver starts to focus on the breakdown of CBD and forgets a bit about others. This leads to an increased concentration of substances from drugs in our body, which can cause possible side effects.

2. Agonist interaction

If drugs and CBD have the same effects, they can be mutually reinforcing. This "double" action can then be too much for someone and it is therefore not appropriate for them to combine both. An example is a blood pressure lowering drug. If we also use CBD, which, among other things, can effectively reduce the pressure in the arteries, we may begin to suffer from dizziness, fainting and other symptoms of too low a pressure.

While CBD alone does not overdose you, in combination with prescription pills, it can lead to an effect that is too strong.

3. Antagonistic interaction

An antagonistic interaction is the exact opposite of an agonistic interaction. It is that while the CBD strengthens something, the drug weakens it. Or vice versa. In short, they are contradictory and disruptive to each other.

In this case, there is usually no direct side effect, but simply a situation where no effect occurs at all. The cannabinoid and the drug are neutralized. A classic example in this case is the combination of soothing CBD and stimulants.

Research into the interaction of drugs and cannabinoids is in full swing, and we already know, for example, that any drug that our body metabolizes with the enzyme P450 can affect CBD use. These include:

• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Benzodiazepines
• Anesthetics
• Steroids
• Corticosteroids
• Prokinetics
• Antipsychotics
• And more

However, just because an interaction can happen doesn't mean it has to happen. If you would like to try CBD, but take other medications regularly, it is always best to consult your doctor first about your specific situation. Because although CBD does no harm, we now know that it can be counterproductive with drugs.