CBD and blood-thinning medication


Home » CBD and blood-thinning medication

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes



CBD has got a lot of attention in recent years because it might help with a number of health problems. But it raises the question whether CBD can be mixed with conventional drugs. There is a group of commonly used medicines that can cause problems when taken with CBD. In this group are medicines that thin the blood. Hence, the importance of keeping reading if you’re thinking about taking CBD oil while also taking blood thinners.


What are blood thinners?

CBD blood thinning

The goal of blood-thinning drugs is to stop blood from forming. In some situations, this can be very important for keeping the heart healthy. Depending on where you live, your doctor may give you a different type of blood-thinning medicine. They all can work in different ways. Some medicines stop blood cells and platelets from sticking together, while others slow the rate at which clots form. Even though blood clotting is important for the body to work, clots that form inside the body can be very dangerous. They can stop blood flow, which can cause serious damage or even death.

How do the body break down Blood-Thinning Medication

When you take a pill, it usually goes through your stomach and into your small intestine. From there, it gets into your bloodstream and goes to your liver. The medicine is broken down by enzymes in the liver. For most drugs, the first-pass action destroys most of the dose. Drugs are usually given in doses that make sure the right amount gets into the body. After being processed by the liver.

How CBD Oil Affects Your Liver

Imagine CBD oil as a little connector that can latch onto a specific spot, called the active site, at the end of a protein chain in an enzyme. Now, this is only a temporary thing and usually lasts just a few hours after you take it. But it’s still something to keep in mind.

Here’s the interesting part: when CBD oil is busy hanging out with enzymes, it means these enzymes are kind of occupied. So, they can’t do their usual job of binding to drug molecules as they zip through the liver. What happens then? More of the medicine can cruise straight into your bloodstream without being broken down. This is what experts call the “altered concentration effect.”

In simpler words, because of CBD oil, there’s a chance more medicine than usual could get into your system. It’s like CBD oil is holding the door open for the medicine to get through without the usual check. That’s why it’s super important to think about this, especially if you’re taking other meds. It’s all about making sure everything in your body works together nicely!

Which medications can you not take with CBD?

The liver can only handle so much at once. CBD can beat out other drugs and medicines to use these CYP enzymes. This can cause a person to take too much medicine. The liver breaks down a lot of drugs. The CYP enzymes can change how much of a drug is in the body. This can happen with a wide range of drugs. The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine made a list of 57 drugs that could be dangerous when their concentration was changed in the lab by cannabinoids (CBD and THC).

This is why you should talk to your doctor before taking CBD and a blood-thinning drug together. Warfarin and other blood thinners could cause uncontrolled bleeding around critical organs like the heart, eyes, brain, abdomen, or spine. This is not something to be taken lightly. Check out our detailed blog on CBD and Medication. It has a full list of all the drugs that can’t be taken with CBD – Click here

Can you take antibiotics and CBD oil together?

Can you take painkillers and CBD together?

The Grapefruit test

3. The Grapefruit Test

This warning you often see on blood-thinning medicines is there for a pretty important reason. It’s similar to the caution around CBD. Both grapefruit and CBD can mess with the way certain drugs are broken down by the liver. It’s like they throw a little wrench in the works of your liver’s normal processing routine. That’s why you’ll find this heads-up on the warning sticker of blood thinners. It’s the medicine’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s play it safe and make sure everything works as it should!” Always good to be in the know and keep things running smoothly.

Potential risks of using CBD while on blood thinning medication

Using CBD while on blood thinning medication can increase the risk of bleeding, which can be life-threatening. The potential risks of using CBD while on blood thinners include:

  • Increased risk of bleeding: CBD can enhance the effects of blood thinners, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
  • Interference with medication metabolism: CBD can inhibit the enzymes responsible for breaking down blood thinning medication, leading to increased levels of the medication in the bloodstream.
  • Inaccurate test results: CBD can interfere with the blood clotting time test, leading to inaccurate results and potentially dangerous adjustments to the medication dose.

Potential benefits of using CBD while on blood thinning medication

While using CBD while on blood thinning medication can be risky, there may be some potential benefits as well. CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help manage pain and inflammation associated with some medical conditions.

CBD may also have anxiolytic properties, which can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. This can be particularly beneficial for people with medical conditions that cause anxiety or depression.

Will CBD break a fast?

What to do if you are on blood thinners and want to use CBD?

If you are on blood thinning medication and want to use CBD, it is important to talk to your doctor first. He can help you determine if CBD is safe for you and can monitor your medication levels and blood clotting time.

If your doctor determines that it is safe for you to use CBD while on blood thinning medication, they may recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it if needed. They may also recommend monitoring your blood clotting time more frequently to ensure that your medication dose is appropriate.


FAQ – CBD and blood thinning medication

Can I use CBD products if I’m on blood thinning medication?

It’s crucial to consult your doctor before using CBD products if you’re on blood thinning medication. CBD can potentially interact with these medications, affecting how they work in your body.
How to speak to your doctor about CBD

Does CBD affect the effectiveness of blood thinning medications?

Yes, CBD can affect how blood thinners work in your system. It may either enhance or inhibit their effectiveness, which could pose health risks. Always check with a healthcare professional.

What are the risks of using CBD with blood thinners?

Combining CBD with blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding or alter the effectiveness of your medication. It’s important to get medical advice to avoid adverse effects.

How does CBD interact with blood thinning medications?

CBD can interact with blood thinning medications by affecting how the liver processes these drugs, potentially leading to changes in their effectiveness and side effects.

Should I monitor my health differently if I use CBD with blood thinners?

Yes, if you use CBD while on blood thinners, it’s important to closely monitor your health and regularly consult with your healthcare provider to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your medication.

Discover the perfect CBD Product for you!Get a 25% discount code

2-Minute Survey reveals the best CBD Product for you! Try now for free!
+25% DISCOUNT CODE!

Select your currency
Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!
Continue shopping
0