Does Marijuana Interact With Other Drugs?

Does Marijuana Interact With Other Drugs?

In the USA, there are currently 38 states, the District of Columbia, and three territories that allow for the use of cannabis for medical purposes. This means that millions of people nationwide use marijuana for its therapeutic effects.

However, like all potent drugs, it can interact with other-the-counter or prescription drugs when they are taken together.  

Drug interactions occur when two or more compounds come into contact and have an effect. Cannabis has hundreds of compounds with extensive effects, so it can cause a variety of interactions with drugs.

In this article, we will give you a general overview of how marijuana interacts with some of the most common pharmaceutical drugs.  

Please note, however, that this article is not meant to constitute medical advice and should not be taken as such. Drug interactions can have fatal consequences. We strongly advise taking professional medical advice before taking cannabis and other pharmaceuticals.  

Antidepressants and Marijuana 

There is very little is known about the interactions between marijuana and antidepressants. The few studies that have been conducted on marijuana being used to treat depression had mostly positive results.  

However, we don't fully know how depression works, and each of us is unique. You can give two people the same cannabis strains and get completely different responses.

To complicate matters, each strain can contain a totally different set of cannabinoids and terpenes. So, it is impossible to predict how any individual will react.

Most people who find positive results when using marijuana to treat depression use it alongside their daily antidepressant medication to treat bouts of anti-depression rather than using marijuana to replace the use of antidepressants.

Blood Pressure and Marijuana 

One of the side effects of marijuana is vasodilation. This is a widening of the blood vessels, and the veins open. This impact means that the heart needs to work harder to pump the blood around the body. This results in a higher heart rate and causes the blood pressure to drop.

Due to these effects, we can say that marijuana can lower blood pressure. Research shows that cannabinoid levels, posture, and physiology can all change our blood pressure.

More research is needed to determine the full effects, but it's safe to say people should be very cautious about taking marijuana and blood pressure medications together.

Marijuana and High Blood Pressure Medication

Marijuana may have the potential to reduce high blood pressure, but it is often utilized to alleviate specific adverse side effects associated with conventional blood pressure medications. However, it is essential to note that marijuana should not be considered a substitute for hypertension medication without appropriate medical supervision.

Marijuana and Low Blood Pressure Medication:

Given the potential effects outlined, it is plausible to infer that cannabis usage may exacerbate low blood pressure -- but the truth is we just don't know. 

If an individual is undergoing treatment for this condition, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before considering the use of marijuana.

Painkillers and Marijuana 

By far, the most common use of medical marijuana is to treat pain. In states where cannabis is legal, the number of opioid overdoses has fallen.

The endocannabinoid system regulates our pain receptors, and cannabis targets the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which send messages to our opiate receptors.

Cannabis can compound the effects of painkillers. However,you need to be careful as while this may seem desirable, it can also be very dangerous, depending on the situation.

Advantages of combining cannabis with painkillers:

Pain and anxiety can be relieved with lower doses.

Marijuana has a broad spectrum of therapeutic benefits that can help alleviate specific adverse effects associated with prescription pain medications. By indirectly targeting overstimulated receptors, cannabis can be an effective treatment for opiate withdrawal.

Disadvantages of adding cannabis to painkillers:

In some cases, combining these drugs with marijuana can cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Sedatives and Marijuana

Sedatives work by slowing down the mechanisms of the central nervous system, the same receptors that marijuana affects.  

Therefore, the use of cannabis can increase the sedative effect. Some studies show that regular marijuana users often need more sedatives in the operating room. If you are taking a sedative and are considering using marijuana, be sure to consult your doctor first. Start with low doses and very slowly in a comfortable environment.  

Stimulants and Marijuana

There has not been much research on the interaction between marijuana and stimulants.

It would appear that these substances seem to work in concert with each other, one counteracting the side effects of using the other.

Stimulants are commonly used to treat narcolepsy, ADD, and ADHD but can have side effects. The side effects can include anxiety, agitation, and elevated blood pressure. 

Marijuana relaxes the system but can cause fatigue and brain fog. Marijuana helps counteract the effects of stimulants, which reduce fatigue and brain fog. However, there are potential dangers. Each of these substances increases your heart rate. Using them together can amplify this effect and pose a severe cardiovascular risk.

Some common drugs that can have dangerous interactions with marijuana

• Sedatives — such as Ambien, Lunesta and Benadryl

• Anti-anxiety medications — such as Xanax, Valium and Librium

• Antidepressants — such as Zoloft, Prozac and Lexapro

• Pain medications — such as codeine, Percocet and Vicodin

• Anticonvulsants (seizure medications) — such as Tegretol, Topamax and Depakene

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) — such as Coumadin, Plavix and heparin

There are infinite combinations of drugs that cause interaction, both positive and negative. Plants are no exception because herbs are potent, especially cannabis. If you take medication, you should be aware that it may interact with marijuana and know what to expect. Talk to your doctor to determine what interactions are likely and if that would be good or bad for your circumstances.