What drugs should not be taken with cbd

At Cascadia Blooms, we love what we grow. Year-round, we lovingly cultivate some of the finest CBD Flower in the USA. Oregon-grown, our hemp is compliant with the most stringent licensing and testing policies in the USA. We grow organically (which means no pesticides, GMOs, or other contaminants) and nothing is chemically processed. We are a huge advocate of the positive impact CBD can have and love the opportunity to increase awareness of CBD’s potential benefits.

However, when embarking on your CBD journey, it pays to do your due diligence. Your first port of call should always be your health professional, followed by helpful blogs and reviews. CBD may be exactly what you’ve been looking for- but there are exceptions! While studies are beginning to show CBD helping with a range of conditions from epilepsy to bladder cancer, it also raises questions about CBD’s interactions with prescription medication. Read on for which drugs should not be taken with CBD.

The Grapefruit Test

Many prescription drugs carry a warning label advising against consuming grapefruit while using the medication. Why? A group of proteins called cytochrome P450 enzymes, or CYPs, are responsible for breaking down certain prescription drugs. Unfortunately, grapefruit can disrupt this process, leading to potentially dangerous levels of these medications in the blood.

So what does grapefruit have to do with CBD? Just like the grapefruit, a 1993 study found that CBD may have similar effects on these important proteins. The study, conducted on mice, showed CBD led to higher levels of various prescription medications.

CBD and Anti Inflammatories

Over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen are used to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. Taking CBD and Ibuprofen together is advised against due to CBD’s potential to stop our bodies from breaking down the Ibuprofen. Ironically when taken separately CBD may have similar effects, reducing inflammation.

CBD and benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines like Xanax are used to treat depression, anxiety and panic disorders. Due to CBD’s potential anxiety-reducing effects, there is every possibility for a crossover. Taking CBD could potentially increase the amount of time Xanax is in the system, which can be very dangerous.

CBD and caffeine

Caffeine is part of the lives of many of us and is part of our morning routine as much as CBD. While there hasn’t been as much research in this area, studies do show that caffeine also uses the CYP enzymes that CBD inhibits. In short, there’s a chance that if you combine CBD and coffee, your morning buzz may last a little longer than you were expecting!

CBD and beta-blockers

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are medications that reduce your blood pressure. Limited research has been conducted to see CBD’s interaction with beta-blockers, but there has been some research into CBD’s ability to reduce blood pressure.

With this in mind, the combination of beta-blockers and CBD may not be ideal. Before using these together, check with your health professional.

CBD and statins

By now, you’ve probably guessed what we’re going to say here. Just like many other prescription drugs, statins also call upon the power of CYP’s to be processed correctly. Statins are used to lower cholesterol, which in turn helps reduce the chance of a heart attack or a stroke.

CBD could potentially increase the length of time statins are in your system and may exacerbate their side effects. Check with your health professional if you’re considering using CBD while taking statins.

Talk to your doctor

If you take medication, prescription or over the counter, it’s worth checking before using CBD. The CBD industry has grown at a rapid pace over the past few years and is setting a high standard for self-regulation and pure, quality CBD products. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thorough in your research though. CBD is aimed at improving our health and wellbeing- it can’t do that if it is getting in the way of your medication.

Speak to your health professional. They have your best interests in mind. If CBD is going to potentially cause more harm than good, you’ll be able to talk it through with a qualified professional. If on the other hand, it works well alongside your usual medications, all the better.

Final thoughts

As a CBD Flower Producer, we understandably have a vested interest in promoting CBD as a force for good. We stand by that and take pride in the fact that our hard work is a source of relief or comfort to our customers. We also believe that not one size fits all and that there are many ways to address your sources of discomfort or pain.

Just in case we haven’t covered it, check with your health professional before using CBD. Once you’ve been given the go-ahead, be sure to stop by at Cascadia Blooms and see what organic, premium CBD flower is all about!