Use our chat feature to speak with one of our expert consultants who can help you identify if medical cannabis can help you.
6 min read
Editorial Team
Cannabidiol, classified as a phytocannabinoid, is a natural compound produced by the cannabis plant. It is known for its various beneficial properties and effects. CBD has a wide variety of potential health benefits that can help reduce problematic symptoms.
Emerging clinical research has revealed the remarkable potential of CBD in alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, addressing neurological conditions, managing autoimmune disorders, and mitigating anxiety. Moreover, CBD showcases promising results in treating various skin conditions, including acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and alopecia. In particular, CBD topicals, such as CBD cream, are commonly used to target external symptoms for effective relief.
The skin is the body's largest organ, serving as a protective barrier against infection-causing pathogens. It should come as little wonder that it can be vulnerable to disorders causing discomfort and irritation.
While numerous medications exist for these conditions, many individuals show resistance to treatment. Therefore, new approaches and compounds are necessary. In this regard, CBD has emerged as a promising candidate due to its remarkable soothing properties and low toxicity.
Yes, for the vast majority of patients, CBD is perfectly safe to take whilst taking other pharmaceuticals.
Whilst CBD is relatively safe, non-toxic and generally well tolerated, there are a few side effects that we all should be aware of. The number of people who have a negative experience with CBD where side effects occur is low but possible.
Negative side effects are more commonly observed when CBD is ingested orally, as it undergoes liver processing and enters the bloodstream in higher concentrations compared to when CBD cream is used. When CBD is applied topically, only minimal amounts are absorbed into the bloodstream. However, due to the presence of cannabinoid receptors on the skin surface and in muscle tissue, cannabis topicals exert a localized effect.
When taking medication, it is crucial to be aware of any potential interactions with other drugs or dietary supplements. One notable example is grapefruit, which can interfere with various types of medications. To prevent overdose or hindered effectiveness, warning labels are added to these drugs' safety information. Similarly, CBD has the potential to interact with certain medications. If you are prescribed any medications, it is advisable to seek guidance from a medical professional.
Given that CBD cream can result in a minimal amount of CBD entering the bloodstream, it is prudent to be aware of potential negative drug interactions with other medications. If you have concerns about how CBD may affect your current or prescribed medication, we strongly advise you to consult with your healthcare professional at the earliest opportunity.
Some medications that may interact with CBD topicals and their combined side effects include:
Higher levels of CBD in your system can hinder liver enzymes from effectively metabolising other medications you're taking. This may amplify their potency and increase the likelihood of experiencing severe side effects associated with those medications. If you notice this while using CBD, it's crucial to promptly reach out to your doctor or seek emergency treatment.
More specifically, if you know you are taking a medication that interacts with the P450 enzyme in the liver, it is wise to talk to your medical professional as CBD can directly block this enzyme from working. CBD is fine to take if you are not taking medications that interacts with the P450 enzyme.
It is essential to remember there are no silly questions when it comes to your health and safety when taking medications.
Some additional tips for using CBD topicals safely are to:
A study of 25 children was conducted on hard-to-treat epilepsy, where half of the participants were given clobazam and CBD. The results showed higher levels of clobazam in the children's blood that were administered CBD.
Whilst this was determined to be safe, children were advised to be monitored when taking these drugs in combination.
A subsequent study was conducted, this time involving a broader patient cohort comprising both adults and children who were taking AEDs. During the study, the participants were administered Epidoylex, a cannabis-based medicinal product containing 99.9% pure CBD with no other cannabinoids.
The dosage of Epidoylex was gradually increased every two weeks. Blood serum levels were monitored, revealing that while most participants maintained therapeutic levels, elevated levels were observed for two specific types of AEDs: clobazam and desmethyl clobazam, surpassing the therapeutic range.
It is essential to remain vigilant when applying CBD topicals in combination with other medications. While potential interactions may be low, it is wise to check for any warnings or drug interactions before use.
If you are prescribed any medications, speak to your healthcare professional about your concerns and inquire if taking CBD cream is suitable for you and whether monitoring of levels will be needed.
Releaf understands that embarking on your medical cannabis journey can be intimidating – that’s why we offer tailored monthly packages, specialist consultations for medical cannabis, and our unique medical cannabis card to give you the peace of mind that your treatment is protected, all based on your medical cannabis prescription.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
Get comprehensive care, convenience, and confidence with an all-in-one treatment plan.
Am I eligible?Editorial Team
Article written by the Releaf Editorial Team, a group of seasoned experts in cannabis healthcare, dedicated to enhancing awareness and accessibility in the field through their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Our articles are written by experts and reviewed by medical professionals or compliance specialists. Adhering to stringent sourcing guidelines, we reference peer-reviewed studies and scholarly research. View our editorial policy.
Need more help?
For some patients, medical cannabis really is a lifeline and is therefore a necessary component in the holiday of a lifetime. So that you don’t have to choose between your health and a holiday, we’ve put together this guide that explains which countries currently have medical cannabis policies in place.
Lucy MacKinnon
Here at Releaf we understand that holidays should be about relaxation, but travelling with medical cannabis sounds like a stressful voyage. We’re doing what we can to absorb that stress so that you can soak up the sun, and so, we’ve designed a series of articles to cover the subject: medical cannabis on holiday.
Lucy MacKinnon
The time it takes for you to feel the effects of THC depends on the methods of administration as well as your own physiology. Fortunately, there are fast and slow-acting options, as well as ways to take low or high doses in order to facilitate control over the way your body reacts to your medicine.
Editorial Team
