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The cannabis plant is complex. It contains over 100 cannabinoids which are active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are just two of these compounds. THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD is non-intoxicating. And whilst there’s evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
If you’re considering CBD, it’s helpful to know that while it’s widely used and well-tolerated, it is still an active ingredient that interacts with your body, and can therefore potentially affect how your body absorbs and processes other medicines.
Because of this, it’s always best to have a quick chat with your clinician or a specialist before consuming any CBD. They can help you find the right balance, and consider your current medication, to ensure CBD and your regular prescriptions work together safely and effectively.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf. You can find out if you’re eligible for a medical cannabis prescription by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
Please note: Cannabis-based medicines are prescription-only medicines. They may not be suitable for everyone, and eligibility is determined by independent clinical assessment. Treatment is not first-line and outcomes vary; benefits are not guaranteed, and side effects and risks exist.
Below we’ll be exploring CBD and medication interactions, how it works in the body and why communication with your clinician is key.
Why CBD Drug Interactions Matter
As the number of medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK continues to grow, more people are now using CBD alongside their existing treatments. And understanding how CBD interacts with other medications is really important to make sure your treatment is safe and effective.
When used together, CBD can potentially affect other medications, which could lead to unexpected side effects or mean your regular medicine doesn't work as well as it should. For example CBD could potentially slow down the effects of other medications, meaning they might stay in your system a little longer than expected.
By being aware of these interactions, you can understand why it’s important to communicate with your clinician. They can then advise you on the best way to make your wellness journey both safe and effective, giving you the best possible results from your treatment plan.
How CBD Interacts With Your Body
To understand how CBD works, it helps to look at how your liver processes it. When you consume CBD, your body breaks it down using the CYP450 enzyme system. This system in the liver manages many of the substances you consume.
This is the same system responsible for processing over 60% of common medications. As a result, when CBD is consumed, your liver might be slower at breaking down other medicines, which is why it is important to ensure your body has enough capacity to handle everything safely.
The best way to do that is following the guidance of an expert.
Medications That May Interact With CBD
So, what medications may interact with CBD? Below we’ve listed some that may potentially interact with CBD. The key piece of information here is to share it with your clinician so they can prescribe accordingly. Medical cannabis should never be used as a replacement for your current medication. So, everything needs to work together.
Here are some examples where interactions have been documented or are clinically relevant:
- Blood thinners like warfarin: CBD may affect how quickly the blood clots so it’s important for your clinician to take extra care when considering CBD and blood thinners
- Anti-epileptic medications: These need to stay at very precise levels in your system to work correctly.
- Antidepressants and SSRIs
- Sedatives or sleep aids: CBD can sometimes increase their calming effect
- Immunosuppressants
- Certain heart medications
Because these medicines are so important for your health, you should follow the guidance of a clinician to ensure everything stays in balance.
CBD and Alcohol: Is It Safe?
It’s important to be cautious if you’re considering consuming CBD and alcohol at the same time together. Both substances can potentially make you feel relaxed or sleepy. When taken at the same time, they may amplify each other’s impact, potentially leading to increased drowsiness or a significant change in your coordination and reaction speeds.
This study, although out of date, observed that the combination of alcohol and CBD significantly slowed down motor performance and altered people’s perception of time
Because everyone’s body reacts differently, and the fact that there isn’t much research when it comes to using CBD oil and alcohol together, health experts generally suggest being very careful with this combination. This is especially true if you need to stay alert, to ensure you don't feel more impaired than expected.
We’ve got lots more information on CBD and alcohol here.
How CBD and THC Interact
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD, along with other active compounds like terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) and flavonoids, can work together to potentially produce different effects. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect.
The idea is that a combination of both CBD and THC may potentially be more effective.
Is CBD Dangerous When Taken With Other Drugs?
It is natural to wonder if combining CBD and other medicines is "dangerous," but for most people, the situation is more about management than immediate danger. In most cases, these interactions aren’t serious; rather, they change how your regular medications perform.
While it is rarely an emergency, these shifts matter because they can prevent your primary treatment from working exactly as your doctor planned. By having a quick consultation with a specialist, like the expert clinicians at Alternaleaf, you can ensure your medications are balanced correctly, keeping your treatment both safe and effective.
What Should You Do if You Take Other Medications and Want to Use CBD?
If you’re already taking other medications, but want to try CBD, the most important step is to speak with a specialist first. Because CBD can interact with your existing treatments, you should not start taking it or adjust your dosage of other medications on your own.
When you have your first consultation with Alternaleaf, be sure to provide a full list of all your current medicines. This allows our clinical team to check for any potential clashes and give you expert guidance, ensuring that you can add CBD and medical cannabis to your routine in a way that is safe and supports your overall health.
FAQs
Why do clinicians ask about all medicines before treatment?
This is to ensure that any new treatment, like CBD, works safely, and in harmony with your current prescriptions, and lowers the risk of unwanted side effects.
Should I tell my clinician about antidepressant medication?
Yes, you should always tell your clinician about antidepressant medication because it helps them ensure your treatment plan is safe.
Should I disclose diabetes medication before treatment?
Yes, you should disclose any diabetes medication because CBD may interact with your treatment.
Does the form of CBD affect how it interacts with other drugs?
Yes, the way you consume CBD affects how much of it reaches your liver. Swallowed forms like oils or capsules generally have a higher chance of interacting with other medications compared to forms that are inhaled for example, and absorbed differently.
Can I take CBD with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
While most people can safely consume CBD with paracetamol or ibuprofen, it’s still important to check with a doctor first, and especially if you experience any unwanted effects.
If you notice any unusual side effects while consuming medical cannabis, you should speak to your clinician as soon as possible.
Summary
If you’re considering medical cannabis, the best thing to do is seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.