At EthicaCBD we would always suggest checking with your doctor before taking CBD if you are on any medications. CBD can be taken with the majority of medications however, we would always recommend checking prior to use.
CBD is usually very well-tolerated by the body, but there is still ongoing research into its effect. Many drugs are broken down by enzymes in the liver and sometimes CBD might compete with (or interfere with) these enzymes, meaning that the body may receive too much/too little of the prescribed medicine you are taking. The Harvard Medical School states that:
“People considering or taking CBD products should always mention their use to their doctor, particularly if they are taking other medications or have underlying medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, heart issues, a weakened immune system, or are on medications that can weaken the immune system (such as cancer medications)”.
CBD is mostly broken down in the liver by specific enzymes called CYP3A4 and CYP2C19. In clinical studies, the only relevant effect of CBD on the liver enzymes that metabolise (breakdown) drugs was on CYP2C19. Significant CYP2C19 inhibition was only observed in subjects receiving 1500 mg/day of CBD (20 mg/kg/day). The potential interaction of CBD with other drugs that are broken down by CYP2C19 when CBD is taken in food products at 1/20th of this clinical dose (as recommended on your CBD product labels) is unlikely to be a safety concern.
To summarise, if CBD is taken according to the recommended daily intake on the product labels, it should not interfere with the effectiveness of any other type of medication that you are taking. Laboratory or clinical studies have shown that, at the maximum advised daily intake level for the EthicaCBD products, CBD does not increase or decrease other medication exposure. Anyone who is currently taking prescribed medication and who is considering taking any CBD supplement should consult their doctor before use.
A common misconception is CBD can reduce the psychotropic effects and adverse events produced by THC (the major active component in cannabis). Laboratory or clinical studies have shown that taking CBD together with THC does not increase or decrease the psychotropic effects of THC. CBD does not reduce the impairment of cognition, motor function or driving performance produced by THC.
EthicaCBD, Unit 7 Bude Business Centre, Kings Hill Industrial Estate, Bude, Cornwall, UK, EX238QN.
