Cannabidiol (cbd) + Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel brand name: Lybrel.
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel falls into 3 drug categories that Cannabidiol (cbd) can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Cannabidiol may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full interaction reportCannabidiol (cbd) and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
These two interact in 3 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 3 Interactions?
Cannabidiol (cbd) interacts with whole categories of medication. Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel falls into 3 of those categories, so it can interact with Cannabidiol (cbd) in 3 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES
1 of 3Why this applies to Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel falls under CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES — the group Cannabidiol (cbd) interacts with.
In vitro research shows that cannabidiol inhibits CYP1A2. Furthermore, clinical studies show that cannabidiol may inhibit the metabolism of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate. Two pharmacokinetic studies in healthy adults show that taking cannabidiol dosed 640 mg once up to 750 twice daily increases the area under the curve of caffeine. However, results are mixed over whether cannabidiol impacts peak serum levels of caffeine.
Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports..
Here's the honest picture for your birth control pill (Lybrel). CBD can block a liver enzyme called CYP1A2, and in studies it raised levels of caffeine, which that same enzyme handles. The thinking is CBD could slow the breakdown of certain medicines and let them build up a bit higher than usual.
For your pill, the estrogen and progestin part are mostly cleared by different enzymes, so this particular CYP1A2 link is a weaker fit than it is for something like caffeine. If anything, a small rise in hormone levels might mean slightly more of the usual side effects, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or spotting. This isn't a reason to stop either one, but it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor so they can keep an eye on how you feel.
- Yamaori S, Kushihara M, Yamamoto I, Watanabe K. Characterization of major phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol and cannabinol, as isoform-selective potent inhibitors of human CYP1 enzymes. Biochem Pharmacol 2010;79(11):1691-8.
- Thai C, Tayo B, Critchley D. A Phase 1 Open-Label, Fixed-Sequence Pharmacokinetic Drug Interaction Trial to Investigate the Effect of Cannabidiol on the CYP1A2 Probe Caffeine in Healthy Subjects. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2021. PubMed
- Nasrin S, Watson CJW, Perez-Paramo YX, Lazarus P. Cannabinoid Metabolites as Inhibitors of Major Hepatic CYP450 Enzymes, with Implications for Cannabis-Drug Interactions. Drug Metab Dispos 2021;49(12):1070-1080. PubMed
- Bansal S, Zamarripa CA, Spindle TR, et al. Evaluation of Cytochrome P450-Mediated Cannabinoid-Drug Interactions in Healthy Adult Participants. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023.
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) INHIBITORS
2 of 3Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) INHIBITORS.
Cannabidiol is a substrate of CYP3A4 enzymes. Theoretically, drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of cannabidiol, increasing its effects and adverse effects.
Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
Here's an easy way to think about this pairing. Your birth control pill, Lybrel (ethinyl estradiol with levonorgestrel), is a mild blocker of a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. CBD happens to be broken down by that same enzyme. So in theory, the hormones in your pill could slow CBD's breakdown a little and let it build up, which might mean more of CBD's typical effects, like drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhea, or changes in appetite.
I want to be honest that this is a theoretical concern, based on how the enzymes work rather than real-world reports, and any effect is likely small. It does not make your pill less effective at preventing pregnancy. Still, if you notice you feel extra sleepy or off, mention it to your pharmacist or doctor before changing anything.
- Product information for Marinol. AbbVie. North Chicago, IL 60064. August 2017. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018651s029lbl.pdf.
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
3 of 3Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro and animal research shows that cannabidiol inhibits CYP3A4. In human studies and case reports, cannabidiol has been associated with an increase in plasma levels of the CYP3A4 substrates zonisamide, tacrolimus, everolimus, citalopram, midazolam, and methadone.
Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports..
Your birth control pill (Lybrel) combines two active hormones, ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, and your liver clears them partly through an enzyme called CYP3A4. CBD can gently slow that same enzyme. In theory, this could nudge the hormone levels in your blood a bit higher, which might mean slightly more of the usual side effects like nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, bloating, or breakthrough spotting.
The good news is this is not a drug that loses its effect here, so I would not expect your birth control to stop working from CBD. The bigger concern is the reverse direction, since some hormones can actually raise CBD levels. Either way, it is worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before combining them, especially with concentrated CBD products.
- Yamaori S, Ebisawa J, Okushima Y, et al. Potent inhibition of human cytochrome P450 3A isoforms by cannabidiol: role of phenolic hydroxyl groups in the resorcinol moiety. Life Sci 2011;88(15-16):730-6. PubMed
- Harvey DJ. Absorption, distribution, and biotransformation of the cannabinoids. Marijuana and Medicine. 1999;91-103. DOI
- Bornheim LM, Everhart ET, Li J, Correia MA. Characterization of cannabidiol-mediated cytochrome P450 inactivation. Biochem Pharmacol 1993;45(6):1323-31. PubMed
- Gaston TE, Bebin EM, Cutter GR, Liu Y, Szaflarski JP; UAB CBD Program. Interactions between cannabidiol and commonly used antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsia. 2017 Sep;58(9):1586-92. PubMed
- Leino AD, Emoto C, Fukuda T, Privitera M, Vinks AA, Alloway RR. Evidence of a clinically significant drug-drug interaction between cannabidiol and tacrolimus. Am J Transplant. 2019;19(10):2944-2948. PubMed
- Wiemer-Kruel A, Stiller B, Bast T. Cannabidiol Interacts Significantly with Everolimus-Report of a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Neuropediatrics. 2019. PubMed
- Madden K, Tanco K, Bruera E. Clinically Significant Drug-Drug Interaction Between Methadone and Cannabidiol. Pediatrics. 2020;e20193256. PubMed
- Anderson LL, Doohan PT, Oldfield L, et al. Citalopram and Cannabidiol: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence of Pharmacokinetic Interactions Relevant to the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Young People. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2021. PubMed
- Nasrin S, Watson CJW, Perez-Paramo YX, Lazarus P. Cannabinoid Metabolites as Inhibitors of Major Hepatic CYP450 Enzymes, with Implications for Cannabis-Drug Interactions. Drug Metab Dispos 2021;49(12):1070-1080. PubMed
- Treyer A, Reinhardt JK, Eigenmann DE, Oufir M, Hamburger M. Phytochemical comparison of medicinal cannabis extracts and study of their CYP-mediated interactions with coumarinic oral anticoagulants. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2023;6(1):21-31. PubMed
- Bansal S, Zamarripa CA, Spindle TR, et al. Evaluation of Cytochrome P450-Mediated Cannabinoid-Drug Interactions in Healthy Adult Participants. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023.
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
- ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
- UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
- AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
- BCase-control study.
- CConsensus.
- DAnecdotal evidence.
These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Cannabidiol (cbd) Also Interacts With Other Medications
Cannabidiol (cbd) has 1,050 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Cannabidiol (cbd)
We haven’t checked that one against Cannabidiol (cbd) yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Cannabidiol (cbd). Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
This page covers Cannabidiol (cbd) only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel page lists 239 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Beer (major), Grapefruit (major), Siberian Cocklebur (major) and St. John's Wort (major).
By severity: 6 major · 195 moderate · 38 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel page
“A daily birth control pill like Lybrel (ethinyl estradiol with levonorgestrel) only works when enough hormone stays in the bloodstream, and that is exactly what several supplements on this page can undermine. This list deserves genuine care, starting with the six major-rated entries.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Where Cannabidiol (cbd) and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel Sit Against Everything Else
Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.
#383 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#454 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.
About Cannabidiol (cbd)
What is Cannabidiol (cbd)?
- Anxiety and stress
- Sleep problems
- Chronic pain
- Certain seizure disorders
- Inflammation
CBD is a compound from the cannabis (hemp) plant that does not cause a 'high.' It has strong evidence only for certain rare seizure disorders (as a prescription drug), while most other popular uses are still backed by limited or early research. Product quality varies a lot, so talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you take other medicines.
Other Drugs & Cannabidiol (cbd)
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Cannabidiol (cbd) — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
1,050 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Theophylline ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Metronidazole ›
- Diphenhydramine ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Naproxen ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Flurazepam ›
- Glyburide ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Bupropion ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Orphenadrine ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Apomorphine ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Nitrazepam ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Everolimus ›
- Griseofulvin ›
- Ivabradine ›
Showing 60 of 1,050 moderate interactions — see all 1,050 on the Cannabidiol (cbd) page.
No interaction 1,779 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Cannabidiol (cbd) against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Aspirin ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Docusate ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Metformin ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Mannitol ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Levodopa ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Lenvatinib ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Tenecteplase ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Procainamide ›
- Tocainide ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Acetylsalicylic Acid ›
- Dextrothyroxine ›
- Lomustine ›
- Rocuronium ›
- Hydrochlorothiazide ›
- Mitomycin C ›
- Hydrochlorothiazide, Lisinopril ›
- Dabigatran ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,779 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Cannabidiol (cbd) list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel Is Linked to Lower Levels of 7 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Cannabidiol (cbd) — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking Cannabidiol (cbd) and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel Together: Common Questions
Can you take Cannabidiol (cbd) with Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel?
Why are there 3 interactions listed for Cannabidiol (cbd) and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel?
How serious is the Cannabidiol (cbd) and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Still Have a Question About Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel and Cannabidiol (cbd)?
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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.