Last updated : November 18, 2024
You can purchase CBD products everywhere. Many order online and products come straight to their homes. Others run out to a nearby store grabbing their favorite product and checking it off the list as they complete their shopping.
Marijuana, in general, is touted to be a wonder drug by many. It’s not the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is said to have the medical benefits, though. It’s the cannabinol (CBD) contained within the plants that is said to provide all types of medical benefits. Once that was determined, manufacturers quickly jumped into action. CBD oil was extracted from plants creating an entirely new market.
We’re a few years in now
Studies are now beginning to shed light on the fact that CBD products may interfere with some prescription medications. The interference can trigger serious health consequences according to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center clinical pharmacist, Paul Kocis.
He, along with Kent Vrana, head of pharmacology at Penn State College of Medicine, researched the potential for interactions between CBD and prescription medications because, as Kocis stated in a college news release, “There really was no information about how CBD and THC might affect other medications, so we set out to fill a need that was not being met.”
No holds barred
The main problem with trying to determine whether or not CBD is truly safe to use for medical purposes is that, overall, there isn’t any regulation of products. Some manufacturers have rigid protocols in place, taking steps to ensure the levels of CBD—and THC for that matter—don’t exceed specific limits.
Many others don’t, however.
Therein lies the rub because we truly have no idea how much CBD—or THC for that matter—is too much. Is there a level where the drug itself would become harmful?
Researchers have yet to discover that.
Case in point, though, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) in New York has issued a recall on cannabis products sold through licensed cannabis dispensaries throughout the state. According to OCM, the products weren’t put through the required testing for consumer safety and product quality.
The recall is only a precautionary measure, which points to the need for further regulation at the federal level. Not all states have set the same standards for CBD manufacturing requirements.
Data is showing signs
Vrana and Kocis brought in the computer science students at Penn State Harrisburg and launched a web-based application intended to increase awareness of possible CBD-induced drug interactions. The CANNabinoid Drug Interaction Review enables visitors to enter drugs that they are prescribed and obtain results as to whether or not CBD can adversely affect them.
CBD can adversely affect people who are prescribed certain:
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Sedatives
- Narcotics
Also, Coumadin, a blood thinner, is a very common medication that is severely affected by cannabinoids. CBD—or marijuana—use may have the reverse effect causing severe bleeding in those taking this medication.
It’s important to tell your doctor
Rather than self-medicating with CBD products, it’s best to discuss use with your primary care physician. “Natural remedies” don’t automatically equate to “safe.” Mixing only herbal medications can cause health issues too if you mix the wrong combination.
The term “better safe than sorry” comes into play here. Your doctor should know about any supplements and medications that you take. It’s okay for them to probe into your overall lifestyle too. They need to know the works.
It’s their job to assist you in being the best you can be. Don’t throw them a loop by self-medicating and taking the risk of adverse reactions. We probably would never consider that we’re putting ourselves at risk.
Then again, though, who wants to risk finding out?
