Can you take CBD with cortisone?

Cortisone is a commonly prescribed product for treating various common conditions. CBD can help relieve the symptoms of certain illnesses that are typically treated with cortisone. But can you take CBD with cortisone?

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main active component found in the composition of the cannabis plant, after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Different scientific studies demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of this cannabinoid. Moreover, being a 100% natural product, cannabidiol does not present serious side effects.

The therapeutic virtues of cannabidiol and the absence of risk linked to its consumption are recognized and approved by the WHO. This notably explains the legalization of the product in several European countries such as France.

What is cortisone?

Cortisone is a hormone naturally secreted by the adrenal glands. This substance has anti-inflammatory actions and regulates blood sugar, carbohydrate, and protein levels in the body.

With advances in technology and science, experts have been able to produce cortisone in the laboratory. These alternatives incorporate exactly the same properties as the natural hormone. The substance is prescribed to people suffering from adrenal insufficiency.

Furthermore, the term "cortisone" is commonly attributed to corticosteroids, also called corticoids. They are found under the names "Prednisone," "Prednisolone," and "Betamethasone" on the market. These are steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, synthetic hormones. These products are specially formulated to exert an anti-inflammatory action four to five times greater than the effects of natural cortisone.

CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties, similar to the actions of natural cortisone and synthetic products.

What conditions are treated with cortisone?

Cortisone is generally prescribed to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.

This type of medication can be recommended for short-term treatment of everyday ailments such as sinusitis. Doctors also prescribe cortisone to treat, over a long period, chronic or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, conditions affecting the respiratory system, multiple sclerosis, skin diseases, cancers, inflammatory bowel conditions, and kidney and neurological pathologies.

CBD is also recommended to limit, or even avoid, inflammation in the digestive, neurological, and respiratory systems. The natural substance would also optimize the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases (psoriasis, acne, etc.).

Furthermore, various studies have established that cannabidiol could help stop the development of cancers. The product would also act by considerably relieving the side effects of chemotherapy. Indeed, CBD would, among other things, have antiemetic and analgesic actions.

What are the interactions between CBD and cortisone?

To understand the interaction between CBD and cortisone, it is necessary to know the side effects of cortisone and the combined action of the two molecules in the body.

The side effects of cortisone

Synthetic cortisone can cause side effects of varying severity. This mainly concerns people placed on treatment over a long period or at high doses. Among the most common adverse consequences, we can note:

• significant weight gain;
• skin sensitization;
• the development of osteoporosis.

Furthermore, nearly one in two people on cortisone suffer from more or less severe neuropsychiatric disorders.

The common actions of CBD and cortisone

This study conducted in 2019 allowed specialists to establish that CBD and cortisone inhibit CYP3A enzymes in the liver. This has the consequence of slowing down the degradation of the corticosteroid.

In other words, CBD can alter the way the liver metabolizes medications. This can lead to an accumulation of cortisone in the body and increase the risk of side effects. Additionally, CBD can affect the way cortisone is absorbed and used by the body. This can, moreover, affect the effectiveness of the medication.

Is it permitted to combine cortisone treatments and CBD use?

It is strongly recommended to seek the advice of the attending physician who prescribed the cortisone before starting CBD consumption. The healthcare professional is the only one able to provide all the necessary advice on the best way to take these products together. In some cases, the attending physician may suggest alternatives if needed or strictly advise against the administration of one of the two substances.