What are the known drug interactions with CBD? This is a question we are continually asked so Global Botanics have decided to collate this blog to help steer people in the right direction.
Before we look at this in greater detail, we first would like to clarify our stance on CBD.
- We do not make any medicinal claims about CBD
- We advise all customers to always consult your Healthcare Professional if you are currently taking any medication and are considering starting a CBD supplement.
- Food supplements are not intended to treat or cure any diseases or illnesses.
- If you notice any potential side effects, discontinue your CBD supplement and contact your doctor.
For the purposes of this blog, we are focusing on CBD primarily. We also need to distinguish between what is a CBD food supplement, and what is Medicinal Cannabis.
CBD as a food supplement can be purchased by any adult from an online store like Global Botanics CBD, or in your local Health store and selected pharmacies.
Just make sure you are not purchasing a diluted version of CBD. See our recent blog on Dilution
These products contain different concentrations of CBD along with extremely low levels of THC as per the Health regulatory products association of Ireland (HPRA)and the Food safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) guidance.
Medicinal Cannabis on the other hand is entirely different. The Irish Government has a Medicinal Cannabis access programme where Irish Patients with certain medical conditions can access this treatment on prescription from an authorised Medical Consultant.
Your best port of call to learn more about this is the Health Products Regulatory Authority Medical Cannabis Access Programme (hpra.ie).
The HPRA provide the most up to date information on this subject along with the department of Health at Clinical Guidance Medicinal cannabis Ireland.pdf
Now that we know the difference between food supplement CBD and Medicinal cannabis, let’s now focus on CBD and Pharmaceutical drug interactions.
CBD as a cannabinoid itself does not get you high but studies do inform us that it does cross the blood brain barrier.
CBD inhibits the production of Cytochrome p450 enzymes (Liver enzymes) to a certain extent, which can result in an interaction that potentially impairs drug metabolism. These studies are now common knowledge and are readily available on the internet.
A lower concentration of these cytochrome enzymes means that prescription drugs can hit harder and last longer because they are not being broken down as quickly.
So, if you are currently taking Anti-histamines, certain statins, calcium channel blockers, Opioid Pain medications, to name but a few, always contact your Healthcare Professional. CBD does have the potential to potentiate certain medicines.
Don’t assume that your current medication will interact with CBD, you may be pleasantly surprised after you consult with your doctor.
Last but not least, be very wary of diluted forms of CBD oils currently on the market. They may be less expensive, but current studies and reviews such as BBC Two – Trust Me, I’m a Doctor, Series 9, Episode 2 – What’s really in cannabis-based health products? Highlight the need for consumers to be far more vigilant and selective when purchasing a quality CBD.
Do your due diligence on your preferred CBD supplier. Ensure they;
- Carry out third party laboratory testing
- Demonstrate microbial analysis and heavy metal testing
- Examine the list of ingredients
One of the main issues is that many people end up trialling highly diluted versions of CBD Oil which are readily available everywhere and at low cost. Unfortunately, many end up unhappy with their product and with an unsatisfactory experience with CBD.
Check out our CurcuCBD softgels combining high quality CBD and Turmeric.
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