2020

Avoid Taking these Supplements with CBD

Avoid Taking these Supplements with CBD

Cannabis is a variegated plant composed of over 120 cannabinoids. Also produced by the human body cannabinoids work on the receptors of our bodies to maintain our body in homeostasis.





The cannabinoids found in plants and other elements are exogenous cannabinoids while the others produced inside our body are endogenous and interact with our endogenous system.





CBD or cannabidiol is one of the two most popular exogenous cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.









CBD: How Is It Different From Marijuana?





CBD is a cannabinoid found mostly in the Hemp variety of the cannabis plant.





It is a non-psychoactive compound that does not cause the hallucinatory effects associated with marijuana.





Marijuana and Hemp are two different varieties of the cannabis plant. CBD is found in Marijuana as well but in very little quantities.





THC is the most popular cannabinoid as it is consumed by people to get the feeling of “high”. It is present in large quantities in Marijuana and in minuscule quantities in hemp.





CBD and THC are two of the many phytocannabinoids present in Hemp and Marijuana.





Hemp is produced for the sole purpose of using its derived products for industrial uses.





Is CBD legal?





While CBD is effective with anxiety and depression , it can also be helpful with body and skin diseases. For this reason, there has been a sharp rise in CBD-derived products.





CBD products derived from the hemp plant containing not more than 0.3% THC by weight are considered legal in the US according to the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018.





Hemp and Marijuana are recognized by the federal US government as a variety of the Cannabis Sativa Plant.





Under the Controlled Substance Act, CBD that is extracted from marijuana is considered illegal. This CBD is also characterized as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency.









CBD and its derived products containing legal doses of THC and being produced and developed by licensed producers is legal in the USA although not approved by the FDA.





The FDA has approved only one drug called Epidiolex containing refined CBD to treat seizures related to Epilepsy.
It is used to treat symptoms related to two forms of epilepsy which are Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome in 1 year of age or older children.





But different states have different laws regarding CBD and marijuana. Be sure to read them thoroughly before purchasing any product of CBD.





For more details about the State Laws regarding CBD and its products, refer to The Cannabis Radar discussing the legal status of CBD in the USA.





CBD and Other Drugs





To understand how CBD and other drugs interact with each other it is first necessary to learn how the body metabolizes different substances you consume.





Metabolism is a chemical process by which the body breaks down and utilizes the substances you consume. For this purpose, the body produces enzymes that mix with the food you eat and help metabolize it.





CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 are two such enzymes part of a group of proteins calle P450 enzymes (CYPs).





Found primarily in the liver, these proteins help metabolize certain medications and drugs like valium, cyclosporin, etc in the liver or the small intestine.









These are primarily found in the liver. Any drug entering through our bloodstream passes through the liver where it interacts with these enzymes and undergoes breakdown.





CBD much like a grapefruit, has an inhibiting effect on the functions of these enzymes.





When you consume CBD the body starts to decrease the production of these enzymes.





If you use CBD with a drug metabolized by these enzymes the drug does not breakdown fully and stays in your system for a longer duration.





This can result in the intensification of the side-effects of the said drug like sleepiness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting etc.





Therefore it is best to take CBD when you are not on any other medications or be sure to consult your doctor before taking CBD.





Example of drugs depending on the CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes for metabolism are:





  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Beta Blockers
  • HIV Antivirals
  • Antibiotics
  • Anaesthetics
  • PPIs
  • Steroids




The quality of CBD, the time of consumption, the quantity you consume it in, and how it is administered are all important factors that decide how it interacts with your body.





Every individual has a unique body that reacts differently to each drug depending on age, gender, weight, health and other factors.









CBD’s interaction with some popular drugs





CBD and ibuprofen





An anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal drug Ibuprofen is used for pain and inflammation.





Major side-effects of this drug are:





  • Blood Thinning
  • Dizziness
  • Breathing Problems
  • Nausea




CBD can increase the strength of Ibuprofen and may make it stay in your body for a longer duration. While CBD in itself is a major pain killer , its combination with Ibuprofen may amplify the strength of the side-effects causing major health problems.





CBD and Vicodin





VIcodin is an opioid used as a popular pain-killer.





Major side-effects include:





  • Dizziness
  • Trouble Breathing
  • Impaired Cognitive Functions




CBD interacts adversely with opioids and can inhibit their breakdown process causing prolonged side-effects.





CBD and Thyroid Medications





Used to treat thyroid disorders these medications have many side-effects like:





  • Headaches
  • Chest Pains
  • Itching
  • Rashes
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue




There is little research regarding the effects of mixing thyroid medications with CBD. Patients taking these medications should consult a doctor before consuming CBD.





CBD and Apixaban





Also called Eliquis, this medication is used to lower the risk of strokes and other heart diseases. It is used for blood thinning so as to avoid blood clots in veins, brain, lungs, and heart.





This medication should be taken extremely carefully because it can cause severe bleeding.





Apixaban is broken down by the body using the CYP enzymes which CBD has an inhibiting effect on.





So, it is better to not take CBD or consult a doctor if you are currently on such medications.









CBD and Azithromycin





This is an antibiotic used to treat throat infections, sinus and ear infections.





Also used to treat bronchitis and certain bacterial STDs.





Some side-effects of this drug are:





  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea




Azithromycin metabolizes very weakly with the CYP enzymes. There is little to no indication whether this drug with have adverse reactions with CBD





But it is still better to consult a physician beforehand.





How You Take CBD Can Also Make A Difference





CBD in numerous forms takes different times to show its effects on the body. But in any form CBD is eventually absorbed by the body and enters your bloodstream.





CBD can be consumed by a variety of methods and in numerous forms.





CBD Oil:





Orally ingested CBD oil which is a pure extract of CBD in a liquid form is called a tincture. Usually, its put under the tongue and absorbed by the lower mouth.





According to reviews, Fab CBD has some well-flavored variants that can be infused with a drink.





Tinctures usually take only about 20 minutes to show their effects, which in turn last at least a few hours.





CBD Topicals:





Any cream, oil, lotion or moisturizer infused with CBD is a CBD Topical. These are used to treat pains or aches and various skin conditions.





These Topicals can also help manage symptoms of arthritis and take about 90 minutes to show their effectiveness.









CBD Edibles and Capsules:





CBD can also be digested and absorbed in the gut by taking it orally in the form of capsules and gummies.





These take anything between a half-hour to one hour to take effect.





CBD Vaping





A mixture of CBD is heated and vaporized and the vapors are inhaled using an electric vaporizer.





The vaporized CBD enters quickly into the bloodstream through the lungs as soon as it is inhaled.





It starts showing its effects in minutes.





The method of ingesting CBD can affect the timing of its reaction and outcome such that it may not interact with the other drugs you are consuming at all.





Regardless of the forms or methods, you consume CBD in it will enter your bloodstream and inhibit the CYP enzymes the same way.





The only difference will be the time it takes to show its effects by different consumption methods.






Share by: