# Self-reported Use of Cannabidiol as Substitute or Adjunct for Medications > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cbd-drug-interactions-patient-safety/ > **Published:** 2026-03-24T18:08:47-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:40:19-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore CBD drug interactions patient safety and its role as a substitute or adjunct in approved medication use among US adults. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #55Monitored Relevance  Early-stage or contextual signal requiring further evidence before action. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic CbdDrug InteractionsPatient SafetyMedication ReconciliationSurvey Research Journal Frontiers in [public health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-mold-contamination-risks-recall-safety/) Study Type Clinical Study Population Human participants Why This Matters This large-scale survey provides the first nationally representative data on how Americans actually use CBD in relation to their prescribed medications. Understanding real-world substitution and adjunct patterns is crucial for clinicians to assess potential drug interactions, therapeutic gaps, and patient safety concerns. Clinical Summary This cross-sectional survey of 2,880 US adults found that among CBD users, many report using it either as a substitute for or in combination with conventional medications across various health conditions. The study used a probability-based sampling method to ensure national representativeness, covering households with and without internet access. While the survey provides valuable population-level insights into CBD use patterns, it relies on self-reported data without clinical verification of diagnoses, medication regimens, or therapeutic outcomes. The findings highlight the widespread integration of CBD into existing treatment approaches among consumers. Dr. Caplan’s Take “This confirms what I see clinically – patients are already making these decisions about CBD with or without physician guidance. The data underscores our responsibility to have informed conversations about potential interactions and safety rather than remaining silent on [cannabis therapeutics](https://cedclinic.com/firearms-regulatory-guidance-cannabis/).” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should proactively ask patients about CBD use during medication reconciliation, as many patients may not volunteer this information. This data supports the need for provider education on cannabis-drug interactions and evidence-based guidance on when CBD might serve as appropriate adjunct therapy versus concerning self-medication. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Self-reported%20use%20of%20cannabidiol%20as%20a%20substitute%20or%20adjunct%20for%20approved%20medicat...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41725772/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41725772/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Self-reported%20use%20of%20cannabidiol%20as%20a%20substitute%20or%20adjunct%20for%20approved%20medicat...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41725772/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41725772/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41725772/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[How prevalent is CBD use among US adults?](#How_prevalent_is_CBD_use_among_US_adults) - [Are patients using CBD to replace their prescription medications?](#Are_patients_using_CBD_to_replace_their_prescription_medications) - [What are the medication reconciliation implications when patients use CBD?](#What_are_the_medication_reconciliation_implications_when_patients_use_CBD) - [What health conditions are patients commonly treating with CBD?](#What_health_conditions_are_patients_commonly_treating_with_CBD) - [What are the clinical safety considerations when patients use CBD with other medications?](#What_are_the_clinical_safety_considerations_when_patients_use_CBD_with_other_medications) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### How prevalent is CBD use among US adults? This nationally representative survey found that a significant portion of US adults have used CBD, with 1,008 ever-users identified from 1,523 qualified respondents. The study provides robust population-level data given its probability-based sampling methodology covering approximately 97% of US adults. #### Are patients using CBD to replace their prescription medications? Yes, the study found that some patients are using CBD as a substitute (replacement) for approved medications rather than as an adjunct therapy. This practice raises significant safety concerns as patients may discontinue evidence-based treatments without medical supervision. #### What are the medication reconciliation implications when patients use CBD? Clinicians need to systematically inquire about CBD use during medication reconciliation, as patients may not volunteer this information. The study highlights that CBD users often combine it with or substitute it for conventional medications, creating potential drug interactions and therapeutic gaps. #### What health conditions are patients commonly treating with CBD? The study identified specific health conditions for which patients self-medicate with CBD, though the complete results aren’t detailed in this summary. Patients reported using CBD for various conditions where they felt conventional treatments were inadequate or caused undesirable [side effects](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-intoxication-memory-disruption/). #### What are the clinical safety considerations when patients use CBD with other medications? CBD can interact with conventional medications through cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibition, potentially altering drug levels and efficacy. Clinicians should assess for drug interactions and monitor patients who combine CBD with prescription medications, particularly those with narrow therapeutic windows. {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “ScholarlyArticle”, “headline”: “Self-reported use of cannabidiol as a substitute or adjunct for approved medications.”, “url”: “https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41725772/”, “about”: “frontiers [public health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-mold-contamination-risks-recall-safety/) clinical study self”, “isPartOf”: “Frontiers in public health”} [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Opioids and Cannabis: An Uncertain Combination?](https://cedclinic.com/opioid-cannabis-interactions-risks-clinical-insights/) Explore the complexities and safety considerations when combining opioids with cannabis products. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/opioid-cannabis-interactions-risks-clinical-insights/) [Unregulated Substance Abuse and Systemic Inflammation Markers: A Review.](https://cedclinic.com/inflammatory-biomarkers-unregulated-substance-use-review/) Review the impact of unregulated substance use on systemic inflammation and health outcomes. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/inflammatory-biomarkers-unregulated-substance-use-review/) [Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment Europe Review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-disorder-treatment-europe-evidence-watch/) An evidence-based review of [cannabis use disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) treatments and clinical outcomes in Europe. [Explore Now](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-disorder-treatment-europe-evidence-watch/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).