Most CBD users are taking prescription medications that could interact with it | Research

The takeaway

Among emergency department visitors, 37% reported household CBD use, and nearly 70% of those were concurrently taking prescription medications with known drug interaction potential.

Healthcare providers, pharmacists, CBD consumers taking prescription medications, and regulators considering CBD product labeling requirements.

What the researchers 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%).

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Reasonable sample from a clinical setting, but single-site, self-reported data without verification of actual adverse interactions.

When this study was published

2025 publication.

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.

Questions still open

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?

Common 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.

Read the original research

Prevalence of Cannabidiol (CBD) Use Among Patients Taking Medications with Known Drug-Drug Interactions: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Journal of clinical medicine, 14(21)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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