Who Should Avoid CBD?
CBD is generally well tolerated and has an excellent safety profile. However, certain people should avoid CBD—including pregnant and breastfeeding women and those taking pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding because the effects of CBD on the growing fetus and infant are not well understood. However, THC is known to cross the placenta and enter breast milk, and it is likely that CBD does the same.
You may also need to avoid CBD or consult with your doctor before trying it if you are taking any pharmaceutical drugs that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. CBD interacts with CYP450 enzymes and may enhance or inhibit the metabolism of drugs that pass through this system. Whether inhibition or enhancement occurs depends on the dosage of CBD, the dosage of the medication, and a person’s unique genetics and biochemistry.
Sixty percent of prescription drugs are metabolized by the CYP450 system; if you are taking any of the drugs in this list, please check with your doctor before trying CBD:
Angiotensin II blockers
Anesthetics
Antiarrhythmics
Antibiotics
Antidepressants
Anti-epileptics
Antihistamines
Antipsychotics
Benzodiazepines
Beta-blockers
Calcium channel blockers
HIV antivirals
HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (aka statins)
Immune modulators
NSAIDs
Oral hypoglycemic agents
PPIs
Prokinetics
Steroids
Sulfonylureas
You should also consult your doctor before adding CBD to your regular health routine, especially if you are already taking other medications. Your doctor will be able to help you identify any possible reactions with your current medication. If you suspect an interaction after you begin taking CBD, you should report the reaction to your doctor. In some cases, cannabidiol can be taken alongside your medications but may need to be taken an hour before or after other substances.