Cannabis continues to gain both legal and medical acceptance, even as scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in treating several conditions is accumulating. However, it can interact with certain medications and lead to adverse effects such as can cbd cause hallucinations. The case of this patient demonstrates how cannabis can interact with dopamine-promoting drugs, such as levodopa/carbidopa and rivastigmine, and may cause a psychotic response in individuals who are sensitive to these drugs or have specific genetic variants.
Unveiling the Truth: Can CBD Cause Hallucinations? Exploring the Facts and Myths
The patient had been prescribed levodopa/carbidopa to treat his Parkinson’s disease tremors and rivastigmine as an add-on medication for Lewy body dementia. He had also been chronically using cannabis to control his pain and atypical depression symptoms. During the study, the patient reported experiencing vivid hallucinations. He had large changes in the Intensity and Somaesthesia subscales of the HRS (Hallucinogen Research Scale) compared to those recorded by participants exposed to controlled laboratory tests with other hallucinogenic drugs. However, his scores in the Affect and Cognition subscales were lower than those observed in these studies.
The occurrence of hallucinations with CBD is rare, and many people who use the product say it does not make them feel “high.” This is because CBD contains only trace amounts of THC, which is the component that creates the high associated with marijuana. Instead, CBD produces a calming effect and has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep. However, it’s important to note that CBD is not FDA-regulated and you can’t be sure what is in the products you buy.