Cannabis is often considered a “safe” drug, with many users believing that it does not cause adverse effects when combined with other substances. However, this is not always the case.

This blog post will explore the potential drug interactions between cannabis and other substances. We will also discuss the possible consequences of such interactions.

So, if you’re a Cannabis enthusiast who likes to mix things up, read on. You might learn something new.

What Are Cannabis Drug Interactions?

When you use multiple drugs together, they can interact in several ways. Drug interactions can result in the drugs not working as well as they should, or they may cause unexpected and potentially dangerous side effects.

It’s essential to be aware of drug interactions when using cannabis products, as some of them may reduce the effectiveness of cannabis. In contrast, others may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Identifying Medications That Interact With Cannabis

There are many different kinds of medication, and most people consume these medications daily for many reasons. Not all of them will be dangerous to use in combination with cannabis, but that’s just it; how do you know when it is safe?

Well, there are a few things to look out for:

• Check the labels of all your medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) and herbal products, to see if they list cannabis as a potential interaction.
• Discuss any medications you’re taking with your healthcare provider, even if they don’t list cannabis as a potential interaction.
• Be aware that cannabis products can interact with other substances, such as alcohol, so avoiding using them together is essential.
• Research your specific medications and see what reputable websites say about them.
• Even though it is risky, you can also consume them together in small doses to observe any adverse effects they may have. However, this would be your discretion and can land you in the hospital.

It may not be fun to do any of these steps, and most people would even see it as a burden, but it is vital for your safety.

Cannabis And Other Recreational Substances

Now that you understand the importance of drug interactions better let’s look at a few common ones. Here are a few recreational substances that can interact with marijuana and should be taken note of.

Alcohol 

Alcohol can increase the effects of cannabis, including dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment. Therefore, it’s essential to be cautious when combining alcohol and cannabis, resulting in increased risks of accidents and injuries.

Cocaine

In general, the use of cocaine is a bad idea. It is an illegal substance, and for a good reason. Cocaine puts you at risk of headaches, convulsions or seizures, strokes, heart attacks, lung damage, and other heart diseases. Combining these side effects with cannabis may increase the impact and put you at higher risk of injury or fatality.

Cannabis And Medications

As mentioned, many medications can interact with cannabis, so it’s best to seek advice from your healthcare professional and find out the possible effects of your drugs.

Here are a few general medication groups to be aware of:

Pain Medications

There are three main pain medication types: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and paracetamol. Studies have shown that pain medications can sometimes be used in combination with cannabis, as they can increase your pain threshold. They may even, in the future, develop an opioid-cannabinoid drug, but first, they need to study these combinations before giving a final verdict. Therefore, it may be best to keep these separate from each other for the time being. After that, you could perhaps even transition to cannabis from opioids.

Muscle Relaxers

Muscle relaxers such as methocarbamol, often used for back pain, are better left separated from cannabis. When you mix methocarbamol and weed, they can often lead to an array of adverse effects such as drowsiness, blurry vision, and dizziness. These effects can, in turn, increase the risk of injury.

Anti-Depressants

People use anti-depressants such as Zoloft or Prozac to treat anxiety. However, by mixing anti-depressants and cannabis, you might counter the effects. Unfortunately, this counteraction may result in a higher stress level and further depression. 

Therefore, it’s best to avoid mixing these drug types, but that doesn’t mean you can’t replace your medication with cannabis. Studies have proven that marijuana may be an excellent treatment for depression, but discussing this change with your local doctor is still important.

Supplements

There are no significant side effects of using supplements combined with cannabis, as long as you use both in moderation. So, go ahead and get yourself a daily dose of multivitamins and minerals.

How Can You Prevent Or Manage Drug Interactions With Cannabis?

Now that we’ve discussed some of the more common cannabis and drug interactions, let’s discuss how you can prevent or manage them.

As we’ve seen, cannabis can interact with recreational substances and medications. Therefore, you must be aware of the risks before using cannabis, especially if you’re already taking medication.

The best way to prevent cannabis drug interactions is to speak to your healthcare professional. They’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action, depending on the medication you’re taking.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that cannabis can affect people differently. So, what may not affect one person, could have a significant effect on another. Therefore, starting with small doses is vital and gradually increasing until you find the correct amount.

Finally, medications should also be kept in their original packaging so that you can easily identify them.

Who Is More Vulnerable To Cannabis Drug Interactions?

Certain groups of people need to be especially careful about drug interactions with cannabis. These groups include:

• People who are taking medications that could potentially interact with cannabis.
• People with medical conditions could be affected by cannabis.
• Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
• Children and adolescents.
• Older adults.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re worried about drug interactions with cannabis. They’ll be able to advise you on the potential risks and benefits of using cannabis while taking your medication.

Always Read The Label

There you have it—the ins and outs of cannabis drug interactions. As with any medication, it’s essential to be aware of potential interactions before taking them.

If you’re ever in doubt about whether a particular medication could interact with cannabis, check out our online programs for more information—or speak to a health professional. Stay safe and informed when it comes to mixing drugs and enjoy the benefits of this excellent plant!