Does CBD Interact With Other Medications?
- David Anthony
- Jul 13, 2016
- 2 min read
The third most frequently asked question Does CBD Interact With Other Medications?
To make it short and simple, Yes it does interact with other medications. Just not how you may think. CBD inhibits the cytochrome P450 enzyme, which is family of isozymes responsible for metabolizing several medications or drugs within our bodies. By inhibiting the cytochrome P450, CBD can either reduce or increase the effects of other medications. The same effects are found when ingesting grapefruit, which is the reason why physicians advise patients not to eat grapefruit shortly before or after taking any medication. So CBD is no more harmful than a grapefruit. In some situations, it may be advisable for a physician to monitor a patient’s blood level while taking CBD with any other medications. The way CBD interacts with cytochrome P450 is key in a sense when using CBD it deactivates cytochrome P450. Research has shown that CBD is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzymes while at the same time trying inhibit liver enzymes. By taking up the space of enzymatic activity, CBD misplaces chemical competitors and prevents cytochrome P450 from metabolizing other chemical compounds. To the extent of which cannabidiol behaves as a competitive inhibitor of cytochrome P450(CYP) will depend on how tightly CBD binds to the active space of the metabolic enzyme before and after oxidation. This can change greatly, depending on how much CBD is consumed and the unique attributes of the individual who is taking CBD on top of their medication and whether it is just CBD oil extract or a whole plant extract. If the dosage of cannabidiol is low enough, there would not be enough of a noticeable effect on CYP activity, but CBD may still exert other effects. There is no clearly established cut-off dose, below which CBD does not interact with other drugs. A 2013 report on a clinical trial using GW Pharmaceuticals Sativex, a whole plant CBD-rich sublingual spray, found no interactions with CYP enzymes when administering 40mg of CBD. Another clinical trial, however, found that 25mg of CBD administered orally significantly blocked the metabolization of an anti-epileptic drug. CBD even impacts cytochrome P450 activity for metabolic breakdown of THC. Research studies indicate that CBD pretreatment increases brain levels of THC. That’s because CBD, functioning as a competitive inhibitor of cytochrome P450, slows down the conversion of THC into its more potent metabolite, 11-OH-THC. Consequently, THC remains active for a longer duration, but the peak of the extended buzz is blunted somewhat under the influence of cannabidiol. Other factors figure prominently in CBD’s ability to lessen or neutralize the THC high. Bringing us to our question for tomorrow “Can I Fail A Drug Test From CBD Oil?”
Want to learn more about CBD or Just curious to know what CBD is? Stay tuned to our blog Learn... This week is all about CBD. We will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions about CBD. In light of this weeks topic ALL CBD Products Are 20% OFF The Whole Week!!! Just use promo code "cbd20"
Comments