As CBD becomes ever increasingly popular, more and more people are wondering whether it’s right for them – and if they can take it in the first place. Let’s look at some of the most common questions surrounding CBD and whether or not it might suitable for your routine:
Can I take CBD with medication?
This isn’t a simple yes or no answer – it will vary depending on what medication it is you are taking.
When you take CBD orally, your body metabolises it in the liver. This is also where many medications you might take and other chemical compounds are processed, so it’s possible for the interactions between CBD and a prescribed drug to influence each other when taken together. The liver’s enzymes used to break down CBD may also be needed for your medication, which could mean that the efficacy of your medication is affected. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor beforehand to get a professional opinion.
Topical CBD is slightly different, as the CBD doesn’t tend to get past the skin barrier or absorbed into the bloodstream. That being said, we will always encourage being as safe as possible and would recommend seeking professional approval, for your peace of mind.
Can I take while drinking alcohol?
Alcohol and CBD is not a pairing that we particularly condone, as CBD is all about balance whereas alcohol is a depressant that can have the opposite effect on bodily functions, especially in excess. There’s no real danger in combining the two responsibly, so you don’t have to worry about any risk from taking CBD drops before bed if you’ve had a couple of drinks beforehand, for example. Early results suggest that taking the two together could amplify the effects of relaxation, or maybe even reduce the negative side effects of alcohol, but there’s still very little solid research in the area.
Generally, we would say that you shouldn’t intentionally and actively combine the two as there’s no real advantage to it, but that the two can be taken together safely.
Is It vegan?
Whilst we can say that all of our products are completely vegan, we can’t speak for the CBD market on the whole. CBD as a chemical compound is vegan, and the two most common extraction methods (ethanol extraction and CO2 extraction) don’t involve any animal products either.
However, no commercial CBD product is 100% CBD. Most products are up to about 20% concentration, with the remainder being made up of other ingredients, depending on the product. This is where you will need to check if the product is made up of vegan-friendly additives.
CBD oils typically use natural plant-based oils like hemp or MCT oil, often sourced from coconut or palm oil extracts. Topical products like balms or creams often contain more ingredients, including non-vegan components in their composition. Similarly, edible CBD products such as gummies are often gelatine-based. Some ingredients aren’t always clear, either – glycerine, for example, can be sourced from animals or plants. The simplest method is to check the packaging or website; reputable brands will clearly label their products as vegan-friendly.
Is CBD suitable for people with allergies or intolerances?
CBD intolerance is rare, and even in these cases, side effects are never severe or dangerous. For most, CBD is well-tolerated, with worst-case symptoms being drowsiness or upset stomach.
As with CBD and veganism, check product ingredients for known allergies or intolerances.
Is CBD halal?
In Islam, intoxication is forbidden, and cannabis, containing THC, is haram. However, isolated CBD does not typically cause intoxication.
CBD has been shown to be non-addictive and not cause any intoxicating effects to cognitive function. For these reasons, CBD as a chemical is widely considered to be halal. From here, you’ll need to check the rest of the product. Firstly, are the other ingredients halal? On the most part, this is the case for products on the market today, but it’s always best to check. Secondly, an important consideration is THC content.
Broad or full-spectrum CBD oils may contain trace THC, the intoxicating component of cannabis. To ensure a THC-free product, consult brand lab reports. Reputable brands provide easily accessible reports detailing cannabinoid breakdowns and THC levels.Using these, you can confirm that the product doesn’t contain THC and is indeed halal friendly.
Can I take CBD and drive?
Yes, you can. CBD is legal, doesn’t impair cognition or coordination, and is perfectly safe to take before driving. Some experience mild drowsiness with larger CBD doses. Exercise caution, akin to medications with drowsiness side effects. Be vigilant and responsible.
But what if you’re pulled over or required to take a drug test – can you still get in trouble? After all, CBD comes from hemp or cannabis, so will the test show up as such? In short, no. Standard drug tests are designed to show up THC, not CBD. If you’ve only used THC-free CBD (verified via lab reports), there shouldn’t be concerns. Always verify through lab reports.
Can I take CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding?
We don’t recommend this. Research focuses on THC rather than CBD’s influence on infants, so its effects are unclear. UK FSA advises against CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution, pending further research in the area.
Also read our blog on Dopamine Deficiency, Depression and Mental Health
