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This post is for educational purposes and should not be taken as medical advice. Cannabis and hemp products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information presented here is not meant to serve as a substitute for information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications. Never make changes to your prescription medicine routine or dosages without the supervision of your prescribing doctor. The science of cannabis is ever-changing and more research and patient response data is being collected all the time.
Cannabis and hemp products are part of many people’s daily wellness routines — but when medications are also involved, the conversation becomes more nuanced. And when it comes time for patients and consumers to understand how cannabinoids might interact with other prescribed medications, the information out there can feel lacking, inconsistent, or difficult to interpret.
Like many patients and customers in the cannabis space, we’ve found ourselves asking: What do we need to know about cannabinoid–drug interactions?
This question is especially important for people trying cannabinoids for the first time who need to understand the potential risks and impacts of integrating them into their health regimen. So, we set out to better understand this topic for ourselves and for the communities we serve.
This article is a big-picture review of what is currently known — and not yet fully understood — about how prominent cannabinoids like CBD and THC may interact with medications and supplements.
While this article is not written by medical doctors, we did consult with a cannabis-trained pharmacist during our research and aimed to compile information in a way that feels clear, grounded, and practical. Our goal is not to create fear or discourage thoughtful hemp use. Without a doubt, many people use cannabinoids safely as part of their wellness routine.
Instead, we hope to:
Clarify what’s known
Acknowledge what’s still evolving
Offer simple, practical guidance you can apply to your own life
Because at the end of the day, informed use is empowered use.
Cannabis, including hemp, CBD, and other derivatives, is widely used — both in the U.S. and across the globe. Many who consume cannabinoids also rely on pharmaceutical drugs. As rates of medicinal cannabis usage grow, both consumers and healthcare providers need to understand potential interactions between cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, and common medications.
What is a cannabinoid-drug, or cannabis-drug, interaction? A cannabis-drug interaction happens when cannabis alters the effectiveness or safety of another medication taken at the same time, potentially leading to side effects or either enhanced or diminished therapeutic effects. Cannabinoid-drug interactions can involve prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, or even other natural remedies.
Cannabinoid-drug interactions can vary widely based on individual metabolism (bioindividuality) and the use of multiple medications, which can influence how cannabinoids are processed.
As you explore cannabis therapeutics, staying informed about potential risks empowers you to take precautions, conduct thoughtful research, and have open discussions with an experienced, cannabinoid-trained clinician to ensure safe and effective use.
Millions of people around the world have turned to cannabis and cannabinoid-based products to help manage symptoms and support their overall well-being. However, cannabis and cannabinoids may not be the right choice for everyone. Some people may be sensitive to THC and its psychoactive effects, while others may experience varying responses due to their unique biochemistry. Additionally, people may need to exercise caution with cannabis due to its potential to lead to drug interactions.
While the common side effects of cannabis (such as paranoia, increased appetite, sedation, or anxiety) are widely recognized, one of the often overlooked aspects of cannabis medicine is its possible interaction with other medications. This article aims to address that knowledge gap by providing information on what is known (and not known) about cannabinoid-drug interactions and offering practical safety guidance to help you determine whether cannabinoids are a suitable option for you.
You might be wondering — Is it safe for me to start or continue using cannabinoids? One thing we would like to share regarding safety is that cannabinoids often pose little (if any) risk of cannabinoid-drug interactions when taken in low-to-moderate doses.
As with many wellness tools, cannabinoids tend to work best when used thoughtfully and in moderation. Lower to moderate doses are often:
Better tolerated
More appropriate when integrated alongside other therapies
Less likely to create unwanted effects or interactions
This is especially relevant when combining hemp or cannabis with medications.
Emergent research on CBD-drug interactions, specifically, suggests that most significant interactions are observed at higher doses, often well above 100mg per day. These higher doses are typically used in clinical contexts, such as in the treatment of epilepsy. However, at the low to moderate doses commonly used for general wellness (typically 5–100 mg), significant drug interactions are uncommon for most CBD users.
Dr. Dustin Sulak, a clinician and educator in cannabis medicine, has noted that in clinical practice, “very few interactions [are seen] except at high doses of cannabis" (1).
This aligns with a broader pattern in the research — most clinically significant interactions tend to occur at higher cannabinoid doses, particularly in medical contexts where cannabinoids are used therapeutically at elevated levels.
As with most things, when it comes to cannabinoids alongside medications, moderation is best. A gentle, mindful approach to cannabis consumption — starting low, adjusting gradually, and paying attention to how your body responds — can go a long way in supporting both safety and effectiveness.
Understanding how cannabinoids interact with medications is important — but it’s also an area that’s still evolving. While we’ve learned a lot in recent years (especially around CBD and THC), there are still gaps in our understanding.
Why is that? One of the biggest reasons comes down to research limitations.
Cannabis exists in a complicated legal landscape. Cannabis has historically been classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal government (although we may see meaningful changes to this designation soon). This has historically made it difficult to conduct large-scale, high-quality clinical research — especially in humans.
As a result, much of what we know today about cannabinoid-drug interactions is still developing.
At the same time, there are a few cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical drugs that have gone through the full clinical trial process, including FDA-approved cannabinoid medication Epidiolex, a plant-derived purified form of CBD.
While findings on Epidiolex and other FDA-approved cannabinoid medicines provide valuable insight, they don’t fully reflect how most people are using cannabis or hemp in everyday life, particularly when it comes to full-spectrum, plant-based products. This creates a paradox where people are often encouraged to talk to their healthcare providers about cannabinoid use, and yet many providers haven’t been given the training or research needed to offer clear, evidence-based guidance on non-pharmaceutical cannabis preparations.
Additionally, cannabis and the endocannabinoid system are still not widely covered in many medical education programs. And like many areas of health, individual responses to cannabinoids can vary, which adds another layer of complexity.
So patients are left in a position of wanting to make informed decisions — without always having access to clear answers. Like many in this space, we’ve found ourselves navigating these same questions.
Despite these challenges, there is increasing awareness around how major cannabinoids like CBD and THC may interact with medications. However, much less is known about lesser-studied compounds like CBG, CBN, and CBC.
While research is still evolving, there are several key things we do understand about how cannabinoids interact with medications.
Cannabinoids are processed in the liver. Compounds like CBD and THC are broken down by the same liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing many medications. Because of this, cannabinoids have the potential to influence how other drugs are processed in the body.
Interactions can go in either direction. Cannabinoids may:
CBD likely plays the biggest role in interactions. Among cannabinoids, CBD is most commonly associated with drug interactions because of its effects on multiple liver enzymes. This doesn’t make CBD unsafe — but it does mean it should be used thoughtfully, especially alongside medications.
Higher doses increase the likelihood of interactions. Most clinically observed interactions occur at higher doses of cannabinoids — often well above what many people use in daily wellness routines.
Certain medication categories require more awareness. Some medications, such as blood thinners, seizure medications, and statins, are more likely to be affected by cannabinoid use and should be approached with additional care. For more information on these specific medication categories, see our “Known Medication Interactions” section below.
Individual responses vary. How someone experiences cannabinoids alongside medications depends on many factors, including metabolism, overall health, and the combination of substances being used.
For more specific detail on what is known about cannabinoid-drug interactions, refer to our “Science of Drug Interactions” section below.
While these patterns give us a helpful foundation, there’s still much we’re learning about cannabinoid-drug interactions.
Even with growing research and awareness, cannabinoid–drug interactions are still an evolving area of science. While we know enough to approach this topic thoughtfully, there are gaps in our understanding — and that’s worth acknowledging.
Here are a few areas where the science is still catching up:
Understanding exact dosing thresholds. We don’t yet have clear dosing thresholds for when cannabinoid–drug interactions may occur. Much of the available research is based on higher, clinical doses, which doesn’t always reflect the lower, real-world use common in everyday wellness — making it difficult to define exactly where interactions become meaningful.
Everybody responds differently. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to cannabinoid or medication use. Genetics, metabolism, liver function, overall health, and even lifestyle can all influence how both cannabinoids and medications are processed.
Not all products behave the same. The way cannabinoids are used matters. Full-spectrum products, isolates, edibles, tinctures, inhalables, and topicals can all interact with the body differently — making it difficult to generalize outcomes across all forms of use.
Minor cannabinoids are less understood. While CBD and THC have been more widely analyzed, far less is known about how other cannabinoids — such as CBG, CBN, and CBC — interact with medications.
Timing and combinations may play a role. We’re still learning how factors like timing (taking cannabinoids and medications close together) or combining multiple substances may influence interactions.
There’s limited guidance on adjusting use. If concerns about interactions arise, there’s no clear, standardized approach for how to reduce, pause, or adjust cannabinoid use — highlighting the importance of individualized support.
In other words, this discussion of cannabinoid-drug interactions is a developing area of research where individual awareness matters. A thoughtful, personalized approach — starting at a low dose, staying aware, and seeking appropriate guidance — can go a long way in helping you navigate cannabinoid use with confidence.
Based on what we know today, we’ve put together practical guidance, including key considerations and known medication interactions, to help you make informed, confident decisions with safety and effectiveness in mind.
Here are key considerations to keep in mind when using both cannabinoids and medications:
Don’t assume CBD is risk-free. Although non-intoxicating and often thought of as the most benign of all cannabis components, CBD is likely the cannabinoid responsible for most cannabis-drug interactions (2). While it generally has a favorable safety profile, assuming CBD carries no risk at all is inaccurate. Both clinical and patient experience demonstrate that CBD can interfere with how certain medications are processed, occasionally leading to unintended side effects or reduced drug effectiveness.
Don’t take more than you need. Interactions are more likely to occur at high doses of cannabinoids and/or drugs. For this reason, there is wisdom in not taking more cannabinoids than you need. This simple inclination to keep doses low-to-moderate and appropriate can help to minimize the risk of cannabinoid-drug interactions. This approach can also help you to manage cannabinoid tolerance.
When taking cannabis, consider its biphasic nature (3). This means that each person has an ideal dose where cannabinoids will work best with their system — with diminishing returns and counterproductive effects at doses that are too low or too high. For example, at higher doses of cannabinoids, some people may experience anxiety or increased sedation as well as lower efficacy in terms of symptom management.
Be intentional about timing your dose. To help reduce the potential for interactions, consider spacing out your cannabis and medication doses. By alternating dosing times for medication and cannabinoids, you allow your liver to process one substance at a time. Keep in mind this approach may not be as effective for those with atypical metabolization, such as gastroparesis, liver disease, or other conditions.
Consider administration routes that minimize interaction risk. The way cannabinoids are consumed can significantly affect their potential to interact with other medications (2). For individuals who need to be especially cautious, non-transdermal topical formulations that don’t absorb into the bloodstream are often the best option. Because they’re applied to the skin and have limited systemic absorption, they’re less likely to affect drug metabolism.
Be aware of known cannabis side effects and which compounds contribute to them. What may seem like a cannabinoid-drug interaction may actually be a side effect of the cannabis product you have taken. Here are some things to know: THC, at moderate doses, can lead to munchies, sedation, red eyes, and dry eyes. At high or intoxicating THC doses, people may experience paranoia, anxiety, disorientation, or discomfort. CBD can lead to diarrhea, sedation, and sleepiness at high doses. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may simply be an indication that you need to lower your dose. Know that these are common and typically minor side effects that people may experience with cannabinoids.
Understand possible risks to liver health at extremely high CBD doses. A 2019 study on rodents offered insight into cannabis’s potential negative impacts to the liver when taken at extremely high doses (4). At considerably elevated cannabis doses, liver toxicity signs became evident in rodents. The significance of these findings lies in their potential implications for human health, suggesting that particularly at high doses, CBD may increase risks for liver strain (not dissimilar to alcohol or some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs). It is advised to keep the body’s natural limits in mind when embarking down a path of therapeutic cannabis and CBD use.
Be aware of non-cannabis ingredients and additives. Sometimes, what seems like a negative reaction to cannabis may not actually be caused by the cannabis itself. Consider other factors that could be at play, such as allergies or sensitivities to other herbal extracts, low quality hardware (such as poorly made vapes), or other additives, carrier oils/liquids, and toxins in low-quality and untested products. Always choose products from reputable manufacturers who offer publicly accessible third party full-panel lab testing to ensure you are consuming safe, high-quality products. Full-panel lab tests, also known as Certificates of Analysis (COAs), ensure your product is being tested not just for potency, but also purity from pesticides, molds, heavy metals, residual solvents, and other harmful compounds.
Listen to your body’s response. This is all about tuning into your body’s response to inputs, including cannabis and other medicines. If your body starts to experience a negative reaction, such as pain, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or more, it is important to listen to your body's signals. If you experience any reaction, reduce or eliminate your cannabinoid dose until you can get to the bottom of what is causing distress. Then, consult the experts, such as doctors or cannabis trained clinicians, to determine next steps. It is important that you never stop prescription medications until you have consulted with your doctor.
Know when to consult a physician and/or cannabis-trained pharmacist. Anyone using prescription medications alongside cannabis or CBD should consult their healthcare provider or cannabis care team. This is especially pertinent if taking blood thinners, heart medications, CNS depressants, or any of the drug profiles listed in our “Known Medication Interactions” section below. Pharmacists can also serve as valuable resources, offering guidance on managing potential interactions. If you are taking many medications and plan to start a cannabis regimen, consider connecting with a cannabis-trained doctor or pharmacist; we include tips on how to connect with the right provider at the end of this article.
The following is a list of medications that are known by clinical cannabinoid experts to have potential interactions with CBD and other cannabinoids.
These interactions do not present everyday concerns for most people, but they’re important to be aware of — especially if you’re taking these medications.
Anesthesia: Cannabinoid use can affect anesthesia, particularly with the drug Propofol. Patients who use cannabinoids often require a higher dose to achieve full sedation (5). Without the right dosage, there’s a risk someone may not be properly sedated during surgery. Due to the possibility of cannabis use interacting with anesthesia, it is important to disclose your cannabis and/or CBD use with your doctor, dentist, and/or surgeon before any procedure requiring the use of anesthesia.
Anticoagulants and Blood Thinners: Warfarin (Coumadin) and similar blood-thinning medications can interact with CBD, potentially leading to increased risk of bleeding or bruising. In addition, caution should be applied to THC and Warfarin combinations.
Anti-Seizure Medications: CBD may interact with antiepileptic drugs like clobazam, rufinamide, topiramate, zonisamide, and eslicarbazepine, possibly affecting efficacy or causing side effects (6).
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants & Mood Medications: CBD and other cannabinoids may interact with medications such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants including SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac), and some antipsychotics such as aripiprazole. Potential interactions may include increased drowsiness, additive sedative effects, or changes in how medications are metabolized (7).
Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressants and cannabinoids taken together may present risks, primarily due to how both substances interact with the immune system and are metabolized by the liver. Immunosuppressants are typically used to dampen immune response to treat certain conditions, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Cannabinoids can have similar immunomodulatory effects, which could conflict with the intended effect of immunosuppressants and complicate immune regulation.
Heart and Blood Pressure Medications: Amiodarone, diltiazem, and other medications affecting the heart and blood pressure can interact with CBD or THC, potentially altering their effectiveness or side effects (7). High doses of CBD can lead to low blood pressure so there may be a need to monitor blood pressure with cannabinoid consumption. If you are taking heart and blood pressure medications, it is suggested that you speak with your medical provider before taking cannabinoids.
Statin Cholesterol Medications: Statin cholesterol medications, including but not limited to Lipitor, Zocor, and Fluvastatin, can result in cannabis-drug interactions when taken in conjunction with CBD. CBD may affect how certain statins are processed in the body, which could increase statin levels and, in some cases, the likelihood of side effects such as muscle discomfort. Caution is required with statins and cannabinoids.
Key Things to Remember:
While this list may sound extensive, these interactions are most often relevant at higher doses or in specific medical contexts — not typical everyday use.
Patients should never make changes to their medications without consulting their doctor. Adjusting doses or stopping/starting a new medication without medical supervision can lead to serious health risks, including dangerous side effects, withdrawal symptoms, or impacts to other medications. It is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to ensure any changes are made safely and with proper monitoring.
Many cannabinoid–drug interactions come down to how the body processes substances — especially in the liver.
The liver uses a system of enzymes (Cytochrome P450, often referred to as the CYP450 system) to break down medications and other compounds so they can be used or cleared from the body (8). Within this enzyme family, there are over 50 subtypes, or “isoforms,” each with a different role in metabolizing substances.
Phytocannabinoids (plant-derived cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and more) are also processed by the CYP450 system. Because of this, cannabinoids and medications can compete for the same enzyme pathways in the body.
When cannabinoids affect these enzymes, they can change how quickly a medication is broken down. This is referred to as “altered concentration” (9).
In simple terms, this can lead to two possibilities:
Slower breakdown → higher levels of a medication in the body
Faster breakdown → lower levels, which may reduce effectiveness
In either case, cannabinoids can either amplify or weaken the effects of medications — sometimes causing unintended or undesired effects. That’s why it's so important to approach cannabinoid use carefully, especially if you're taking other prescriptions.
While this science can sound complex, it’s most relevant in specific situations — particularly at higher cannabinoid doses or with certain medications. For most people using hemp in moderate, thoughtful ways, interactions are less likely to occur.
CBD is most commonly associated with drug interactions among widely used cannabinoids due to its effects on multiple liver enzymes.
Research suggests that CBD can inhibit a high number of CYP450 enzymes, which may slow how many medications are broken down (2). This can lead to higher levels of a drug in the body and an increased likelihood of side effects. In other words, CBD can affect how your body processes medications taken at the same time. For this reason, it’s important to use caution and consult a healthcare provider when combining CBD with prescription medications.
Within the context of drug metabolization and drug-drug interactions, you may have heard of “the grapefruit test”. It turns out that grapefruit or grapefruit juice, like CBD, is a CYP3A4 inhibitor (a key enzyme in the CYP450 family). For this reason, many doctors or pharmacists who prescribe a drug that is known to rely on CYP3A4 enzyme metabolization will tell their patients to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice in conjunction with taking that drug.
Any medications that require caution with grapefruit juice may require the same caution with CBD. It is advised to check with your pharmacist or doctor before embarking on a CBD regimen alongside any drug that has a grapefruit warning.
Does this mean grapefruit is generally harmful? No! Similarly, we don’t need to fear CBD. Instead, it’s best to keep key interaction considerations in mind and exercise caution when combining CBD with pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drugs. You don’t have to skip CBD — you just need to be smart about it.
THC can also play a role in drug interactions, though typically to a lesser extent than CBD.
For example, THC is processed by some of the same pathways as certain medications, including blood thinners like Warfarin.
If you’re using products that contain THC — even in small amounts — it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider if you’re taking medications that require close monitoring.
Cannabinoid–drug interactions don’t follow a single, predictable pattern. In some cases, cannabinoids may increase the effects of a medication. In others, they may decrease them. Your medications can also influence how your body metabolizes cannabis, possibly leading to changes in tolerance, even for the most experienced cannabis users (9).
This variability depends on many factors, including:
Individual metabolism
Overall health
Cannabis and medication dosage
Combination of substances being used
This variability is one reason clear, personalized guidance can sometimes be difficult to find.
Drug interactions aren’t unique to cannabis — they can occur anytime multiple substances are used together, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and even herbal supplements. As we have covered, even a fruit like grapefruit can interact with medications.
What matters most is awareness. When combining any two (or more) substances, it is important to understand how the substances may interact, pay attention to your body’s response, and seek guidance when needed to support safe, effective use.
Given cannabis’s long history of medicinal use and its widespread use today by millions of consumers, cannabinoids are generally considered safe and well-tolerated. Among these, cannabidiol (CBD) stands out for its strong safety profile.
Research suggests that chronic use and high daily doses of CBD have been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in humans with minimal adverse effects, which is particularly notable because most CBD users will feel positive results from a fraction of this dose (10). The World Health Organization (WHO) has affirmed that CBD “does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm” (11). While all cannabinoids should be used thoughtfully, CBD in particular is widely regarded as a safe and non-intoxicating option for supporting wellness.
When comparing relative safety, it’s worth noting that many commonly used over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin, have narrower safety margins and higher toxicity risks than cannabinoids. Acetaminophen, for example, can lead to acute liver failure when misused. By contrast, cannabinoids — particularly CBD — are generally well-tolerated, with a much higher margin of safety and no known lethal overdose in humans. This context helps position cannabis and CBD as generally safe substances when considering relative overdose potential and toxicity.
This said, the relative safety of cannabinoids does not equate to the absence of potential side effects or interactions. For example, THC-rich cannabis carries some risks, including potential cognitive effects and the risk of dependency, particularly with heavy use or use among younger individuals. Furthermore, issues like cannabinoid-drug interactions or conditions such as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, where people develop extreme negative reactions such as cyclic vomiting, emphasize the need for responsible use and individual awareness.
By staying informed, listening to your body, and consulting with knowledgeable professionals, you can explore the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids with confidence and care, unlocking advantages to this natural option while prioritizing your health and safety. As with any therapeutic approach, mindful and informed use is key to maximizing benefits while minimizing potential harms.
As we have reviewed, if you take prescription medications and are considering adding cannabinoids to your routine, it's important to be aware of the potential for cannabinoid-drug interactions. To minimize risk and ensure your safety, always work with a qualified healthcare provider who can help you assess potential interactions and create a medication plan that meets your needs.
Never stop or adjust your prescribed medications without medical supervision. Anyone taking medications must work closely with their doctor before making any changes to their dosage, as unsupervised adjustments can be extremely dangerous.
If you have concerns about how cannabis or CBD might interact with your medications, it is wise to stop cannabinoid use temporarily and schedule a discussion with your healthcare provider to plan your next steps safely.
Additionally, if you are preparing for surgery or anesthesia, be sure to disclose your cannabinoid use to your medical team. This allows them to take any necessary precautions to ensure your procedure is as safe as possible.
Navigating cannabinoid use, especially alongside medications, can feel complex. The good news is that there are a growing number of professionals and resources available to support you in making informed, confident decisions.
Because cannabis education is still limited in many traditional medical settings, it can be helpful to seek out providers who have specific training and experience in cannabinoid therapeutics.
These may include MDs, DOs, naturopathic doctors (NDs), pharmacists, and nurses who have pursued additional education in cannabis medicine and understand how to guide patients safely — especially when it comes to dosing, product selection, and potential drug interactions.
One highly regarded clinician in this space is Bonni Goldstein, a physician and medical director of Canna-Centers Wellness & Education. Dr. Goldstein offers patient consultations focused on personalized cannabinoid care, including guidance on dosing, conditions, and potential interactions with medications. Her work is especially well known in pediatric and complex medical cases, though she supports a wide range of patients. For consultations and more, visit her website: Goldsteinwellness.com.
Another great resource includes specialized integrative health clinics that offer consultations with licensed physicians who are dually experienced in plant therapeutics and conventional therapies. For example, in Seattle, WA, we are lucky to have access to the AIMS Institute, an integrative clinic founded by Dr. Sunil Aggarwal and Dr. Leanna Standish, both renowned experts, researchers, and patient advocates.
In addition to physicians, cannabis-trained nurses are becoming an increasingly valuable resource. Telehealth services like Leaf411 connect individuals with trained nurses who can provide guidance and answer questions related to cannabis use and safety. For a modest fee, you can have an in-depth discussion with a cannabis-trained nurse to learn what will work best for you.
Some dispensaries and wellness clinics are beginning to offer a more integrated model of cannabis care, combining access to cannabis products with professional guidance.
In Washington State, tribal-led integrative health models are leading the way with patient-focused dispensaries that include:
Cedar Greens Cannabis (Jamestown S’klallam Tribe)
Qwibil (Puyallup Tribe)
These centers offer access to cannabis-trained practitioners who can support patients with product selection, dosing, and navigating considerations like drug interactions.
This type of model is still emerging, but it represents a promising direction for more personalized and medically-informed cannabis care. If you’re interested, consider asking your local dispensary whether they offer consultation services or can refer you to a trusted partner or provider.
Even if you don’t have direct access to a cannabis-trained provider, there are many ways to continue learning.
Following the work of experienced clinicians and researchers, such as Dr. Bonni Goldstein, Dr. Ethan Russo, Dr. Dustin Sulak, and Dr. Sue Sisley, can offer valuable insight into safe and effective cannabinoid use. Many of these experts share educational content through books, articles, interviews, and webinars, helping to bridge the gap between cannabis science and everyday wellness.
There are also several online tools that can help you explore potential cannabinoid–drug interactions:
These tools can be helpful starting points, but they should not replace personalized medical guidance. When using these platforms, keep in mind that cannabis terminology can vary. You may need to search using terms like:
“Cannabis” or “marijuana”
“CBD” or “cannabidiol”
“Hemp” or “Epidiolex”
ProjectCBD.org is another excellent resource for individuals interested in cannabinoid therapeutics. This website offers evidence-based information on the medicinal uses of CBD and other cannabinoids, helping patients better understand how these compounds may benefit their health. Project CBD has put together a comprehensive primer on cannabinoid-drug interactions (12).
As a reminder, do not make medication changes without consulting your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. While these resources can be incredibly helpful, they are best used as part of a broader, supported approach to your health. If you are taking medications or have underlying health conditions, it’s important to work with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your routine.
We hope this post has given you valuable insights into cannabinoid-drug interactions and has provided you with actionable steps to stay informed and safe when using CBD or other cannabis products.
Here are some key takeaways to remember about cannabinoid-drug interactions:
Low-to-moderate cannabinoid use is generally well tolerated
CBD is thought to be the primary cannabinoid involved in cannabinoid-drug interactions
Certain classifications of drugs require more caution than others
Awareness + proper guidance are key to safe use
At the end of the day, cannabinoid use — like any wellness tool — is most effective when it’s informed, intentional, and supported. By staying curious, listening to your body, and working with trusted professionals when needed, you can navigate your wellness journey with confidence and care.
Sulak, Dustin, DO, et al. Medical Cannabis Insights, Part II: How Cannabis Helps Opioid Addiction and a Discussion on Interactions with Other Medications.Cannabis Science and Technology, July 30, 2021.https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/medical-cannabis-insights-part-ii-how-cannabis-helps-opioid-addiction-and-a-discussion-on-interactions-with-other-medications
Smith, Rosemary T, Gruber, Staci A. Contemplating cannabis? The complex relationship between cannabinoids and hepatic metabolism resulting in the potential for drug-drug interactions. Frontiers in Psychiatry Volume 13. 2023. DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1055481. ISSN=1664-0640.https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1055481/full
Magrabi, T. (2023). The Biphasic Effects of Cannabis Explained. Leafwell. Retrieved fromhttps://leafwell.com/blog/biphasic-effect
Ewing, L. E., Skinner, C. M., Quick, C. M., Kennon-McGill, S., McGill, M. R., Walker, L. A., ElSohly, M. A., & Gurley, B. J. (2019). Hepatotoxicity of a Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract in the Mouse Model.Molecules, 24(9), 1694.https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24091694
Baker, MB, Binda DD, Nozari A, Kennedy JM, Dienes E, Baker WE. Quantitative Analysis of Propofol Dosage in Cannabis Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025; 14(3):858.https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030858
Gaston TE, Bebin EM, Cutter GR, Liu Y, Szaflarski JP; UAB CBD Program. Interactions between cannabidiol and commonly used antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsia. 2017 Sep;58(9):1586-1592. doi: 10.1111/epi.13852.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28782097/
Antoniou T, Bodkin J, Ho JM. Drug interactions with cannabinoids. CMAJ. Mar. 2020.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7055953/
Bibi Z. Role of cytochrome P450 in drug interactions. Nutr Metab (Lond). Oct. 2008. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-5-27.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2584094/
Kirk, Riley, PhD. Drug-Drug interactions with Cannabis. Cannabichem. Youtube Video. 2022.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_ndwUmzW9M
Bergamaschi, MM, Queiroz RH, Zuardi AW, Crippa JA. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129319/
"WHO Perspective on Cannabidiol." Open Access Government. Dec. 2019.https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/who-perspective-on-cannabidiol/80838/.
12. Devitt-Lee, Adrian. A Primer on Cannabinoid-Drug Interactions. Project CBD. Project CBD Releases Primer on Cannabinoid-Drug Interactions. September 25, 2018. https://projectcbd.org/safety/project-cbd-releases-primer-on-cannabinoid-drug-interactions/
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