Most CBD users are taking prescription medications that could interact with it
Among emergency department visitors, 37% reported household CBD use, and nearly 70% of those were concurrently taking prescription medications with known drug interaction potential.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Of 681 survey respondents, 254 (37.3%) reported CBD use in their household. Among CBD users, 69.7% were concurrently taking one or more medications with potential drug-drug interaction risk. The most common were antidepressants (64.4%) and antihypertensives (41.8%).
Key Numbers
681 eligible respondents. 37.3% reported household CBD use. 69.7% of CBD users on medications with DDI risk. Top categories: antidepressants 64.4%, antihypertensives 41.8%, followed by diabetes, cholesterol, and immune disorder medications.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional survey distributed to patients and family members in adult and pediatric emergency departments of a Level 1 Trauma Center in eastern North Carolina. Respondents reported CBD use and prescription medications.
Why This Research Matters
CBD inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes that metabolize many common medications. Most CBD users appear unaware of interaction risks, and products rarely carry warnings about potential drug interactions.
The Bigger Picture
CBD is marketed as a wellness supplement but has real pharmacological activity. The high rate of concurrent use with interacting medications represents a largely unrecognized public health concern that falls through regulatory gaps.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Self-reported data from one emergency department in one region. Survey did not capture CBD doses, frequency of use, or actual adverse events from interactions. Household use does not confirm who in the household takes CBD.
Questions This Raises
- ?Which specific medications within these common categories have the most clinically significant interactions with CBD?
- ?Would improved CBD product labeling reduce concurrent use with interacting medications?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- of CBD users were concurrently taking prescription medications with known drug-drug interaction potential
- Evidence Grade:
- Reasonable sample from a clinical setting, but single-site, self-reported data without verification of actual adverse interactions.
- Study Age:
- 2025 publication.
- Original Title:
- Prevalence of Cannabidiol (CBD) Use Among Patients Taking Medications with Known Drug-Drug Interactions: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.
- Published In:
- Journal of clinical medicine, 14(21) (2025)
- Authors:
- Geneau, Hunter(2), Kovasala, Michael(2), Brown, Grant(2), Holmes, Simeon, Hime, Olivia, McNally, Michael, McFayden, Michael, Brewer, Kori, Jones, G Kirk
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06521
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
How does CBD interact with medications?
CBD inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, which metabolize many common medications. This can increase blood levels of these drugs, potentially causing side effects or toxicity.
Should people stop taking CBD if they use prescription medications?
This study did not evaluate actual adverse events. It documented the prevalence of concurrent use. People taking prescription medications should discuss CBD use with their healthcare provider or pharmacist.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06521APA
Geneau, Hunter; Kovasala, Michael; Brown, Grant; Holmes, Simeon; Hime, Olivia; McNally, Michael; McFayden, Michael; Brewer, Kori; Jones, G Kirk. (2025). Prevalence of Cannabidiol (CBD) Use Among Patients Taking Medications with Known Drug-Drug Interactions: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.. Journal of clinical medicine, 14(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217776
MLA
Geneau, Hunter, et al. "Prevalence of Cannabidiol (CBD) Use Among Patients Taking Medications with Known Drug-Drug Interactions: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.." Journal of clinical medicine, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217776
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Prevalence of Cannabidiol (CBD) Use Among Patients Taking Me..." RTHC-06521. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/geneau-2025-prevalence-of-cannabidiol-cbd
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.