If you entered a CBD shop at least once, you must surely be aware of the fact that there are many cannabidiol-based items. Generally, we are talking herbal teas, candies, oils, shreds and much more. 

But can all of these items be combined with psychoactive drugs? Are there any contraindications? And, if so, who can help us understand this?

Assuming that the joint intake of CBD and psychotropic drugs must always be monitored by medical personnel, it is possible to say that yes, in some cases it is possible to take psychotropic drugs together with cannabidiol. In other cases, however, CBD may interact, affecting the effectiveness of the drug and leading to side effects. 

In any case, it is always recommended to act with common sense and avoid making ‘do-it-yourself’ decisions.

In the next few lines, we are going to give some information of interest to anyone who is familiar with CBD shops and would like to learn more about the subject. Or simply to those who, to reduce anxiety and stress, are looking for a natural remedy.

CBD and psychoactive drugs

Before going into the subject, it is good to specify for those who do not know, what is meant by the article CBD and what is meant by psychoactive drugs.

A CBD item is nothing more than a cannabidiol-based product, which is a natural substance extracted from the cannabis plant. This means that it doesn’t cause the psychotropic effects associated with THC and it is often used to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, pain, inflammation and sleep disorders.

THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the main psychoactive compounds of the cannabis plant. It is THC that is responsible for the ‘mind-blowing’ and ‘euphoric’ effects commonly associated with marijuana consumption, acting on the central nervous system to alter sensory perception, mood, memory and motor coordination. In addition to its recreational effects, THC also has medical applications, for pain relief, nausea reduction and appetite enhancement.

But back to CBD articles! 

Here, the connection between CBD and psychopharmaceuticals is finally clear, as the latter is administered in many cases to patients who have to treat disorders such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and the like. These drugs act on the central nervous system to regulate the chemical balance in the brain and alleviate the symptoms associated with various mental disorders.

However, the interaction between CBD and psychoactive drugs varies and may require medical supervision. 

What happens if you take CBD and antidepressants together?

If you are wondering what you may be getting into by taking antidepressants and CBD together, know firstly that in our bodies, cannabidiol, as well as drugs, are metabolised by enzymes called cytochrome P450 (CYP450). They are responsible for modifying drug molecules, allowing them to be eliminated from the body. 

CBD can interfere with the function of these enzymes, causing three possible effects:

• Inhibition of the activity of certain CYP450 enzyme subsets: this will result in a slowed metabolism of psychoactive drugs. As a result, there could be an increase in the levels of these psychoactive drugs in the body, which could increase both the benefits and potential risks related to them;
• Stimulating the activity of certain CYP450 enzyme subsets: this will result in an accelerated metabolism of some psychotropic drugs, reducing their effectiveness on the body, as they are quickly eliminated;
• Generic increase in side effects: as the levels of antidepressants in the body may increase due to inhibition of CYP450 enzymes, this may also increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects associated with these drugs, such as drowsiness, dizziness or gastrointestinal disorders.

In light of the above list, we can state that CBD may reduce or potentiate psychoactive drugs, causing unpredictable effects on the body. 

These interactions may increase the risk of side effects or compromise the effectiveness of medical treatment.

Other ways to use CBD

Orally mixing psychoactive drugs and CBD is not always a good idea, and this is now clear. But what if cannabidiol were taken in another way? What if CBD, instead of being ingested, was used as a cosmetic?

CBD oil can be applied to the skin to relieve localised pain or to treat skin problems such as acne. But not only that, it also promotes cell renewal, reduces inflammation and regulates sebum production in the sebaceous glands.

The topical use of CBD oil, through cosmetics such as creams or ointments, offers an alternative way to take advantage of its benefits without interfering (in most cases) with the intake of psychiatric drugs. 

This local application allows CBD to act directly on the affected area, without necessarily involving drug metabolism. However, it is still important to consult a specialist to rule out possible interactions.

Another alternative and original method of taking this active ingredient are CBD gummies. They are ideal for those seeking a natural aid for the ‘tasty’ reduction of anxiety and improvement of sleep. Given the ease of administration, they are perfect for getting your daily dose of CBD in an easy and pleasant way.

Similar case for hemp herbal teas, which offer an additional way to take CBD through a relaxing and calming drink. CBD herbal teas are suitable for those who want a natural and gentle option.

How to manage CBD and psychoactive drugs

Having reached this point in the article, it is now clear that there is no single answer to the question ‘Can CBD and psychotropic drugs be taken together?’. 

There are too many factors that influence the answer: amount of CBD, type of psychotropic drug, type of metabolism of the person taking them, presence of any other diseases or disorders, etc.

As already mentioned, before taking CBD and psychoactive drugs together, it is always a good idea to consult a health expert. Only figures such as psychiatrists and psychotherapists may be able to assess the pros and cons of taking them.

There are experts who, after numerous experiments, are prepared to state that prescribing cannabis-based medicines to patients ‘is associated with clinically significant improvements in anxiety with an acceptable safety profile’.

Of course, regardless of the quantity taken and dosage, it is always good to take quality products. Make sure, therefore, that you always obtain your supplies from a specialist dealer. If you need any advice, we are waiting for you in our online shop. You will find a wide selection of high-quality CBD products, guaranteed to meet your needs. 

We are here to offer you personalised support and advice, helping you choose the right products for you and providing detailed information on the benefits and safe use of cannabidiol.