CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from the cannabis plant, but unlike cannabis when used as a drug, it has no psychoactive effects. It has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation. While CBD is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain medications, including those that are metabolised by the liver. Below, we will discuss the potential interactions between CBD flowers and other medications, and what you need to know to use them safely.
What are CBD flowers?
CBD flowers UK are the buds of the hemp plant that are high in CBD and low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike cannabis when used as a drug, hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC, making them legal in most states, and in countries across the globe. CBD flowers can be consumed in various ways, such as smoking, vaporising, or using them to make edibles. They can also sometimes feature in skincare products like moisturisers so your skin can benefit!
How Does CBD Interact with Medications?
CBD can be used as a way of soothing a range of ailments, from anxiety to aches and pains, but when using it with other medications, it helps to know what it’s compatible with. CBD can interact with medications in two main ways: by affecting the way the body metabolises the medication, or by altering the effectiveness of the medication. CBD is metabolised by the liver, and it can affect the same enzyme system that is responsible for metabolising many medications. This can lead to increased or decreased levels of the medication in the bloodstream, which can be dangerous.
Additionally, CBD can alter the effectiveness of certain medications by changing the way they work in the body. For example, CBD can increase the levels of blood thinning medication, which can increase the risk of bleeding. It can also decrease the effectiveness of certain antidepressants, making them less effective in treating depression.
What Medications Should You Avoid Taking with CBD Flowers?
If you’d like to try CBD but you take a form of medication for your illness, you should always consult your doctor before you take it. Here are a few types of medication that you may need to avoid mixing with CBD flowers.
- Blood Thinners: CBD can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinning medications such as warfarin, clopidogrel, and aspirin.
- Antidepressants: CBD can decrease the effectiveness of certain antidepressants such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline which can alter your mood.
- Sedatives: CBD can increase the sedative effects of medications such as benzodiazepines and opioids which can lead to you feeling drowsy.
How to use CBD Flowers with medication safely
- Consult with your healthcare provider: As we mentioned previously, before starting to take CBD, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with your current medications.
- Start with a low dose: When starting to use CBD flowers, it is best to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. This will help to minimise any potential interactions with other medications and allows your body to get used to them.
- Monitor for side effects: When taking CBD flowers and other medications together, it is important to monitor for any side effects such as increased drowsiness, confusion, or changes in blood pressure.
- Keep track of your medications: Keep a list of all the medications you are currently taking and bring it with you when you visit your healthcare provider. This will help them to identify any potential interactions.
