Can Marijuana Interact with Other Medications? Unpacking the Truth!

A 360 Look at Marijuana and Prescription Medications: Safe or Risky?

Can marijuana interact with other medications? And if so, is there a way that you can still enjoy top-notch cannabis while getting your daily dose of medicines? 

The experts have finally spoken.

In this guide to marijuana and prescription medications, we explore the connection between the two, how to overcome possible negative effects, and the best way to obtain high-quality medical weed in Utah.

Let’s get started!

Understanding the Science: Can Marijuana Interact with Other Medications?

Yes, research shows that marijuana and prescription medications don’t go well together. 

Essentially, the interaction happens because both cannabis and certain medications are metabolized in the liver — specifically by enzymes located within the “cytochrome P450 system”. 

We’ll discuss the topic of medical marijuana and prescription drug interactions in more detail below.

For now, remember: Always talk to a healthcare professional before considering treatment with medical cannabis. 

Many patients dealing with chronic pain, inflammation, and PTSD already use prescription medication to ease symptoms of the disorder. And can marijuana interact with other medications? Yes, it can. 

Because of that, be transparent with your doctor and educate yourself about which prescription drugs are suitable for cannabis treatment and which aren’t.

That said, before you can even access the world of medical cannabis in Utah, you need to obtain an MMJ card. 

Not sure how to do it? Green Team Doctors is here to help. 

Get your MMJ card as soon as possible, and book an appointment with a Qualified Medical Provider today!

Marijuana and Prescription Medications: What Can Cause an Interaction?

Drug interactions, such as those involving medical cannabis, can happen for a few reasons. 

Each of these reasons affects how your body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes the medication or substance. 

The two main causes include pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions.

Cause 1: Pharmacodynamic interactions

When two drugs have antagonistic, additive, or synergistic effects on the same receptor site or physiological process, interaction will happen. 

For instance, when it comes to antagonistic type, one drug will counteract or reduce the effects of the other. 

If you are taking prescription medication to increase or decrease your blood pressure while smoking cannabis (which can lower blood pressure), you diminish the efficacy of one drug.

Cause 2: Pharmacokinetic interactions

Can marijuana interact with other medications? Yes, it can, and this usually happens because of pharmacokinetic interactions. 

It can begin with absorption — if you are using medications that change your stomach’s pH levels, the absorption rate of the other drug can be affected.

Can marijuana interact with other medications? It can so make sure to know which medicines are incompatible with medical cannabis. 

Got more questions or any concerns? Do you need help obtaining a medical marijuana card? Let us make the process easier for you. 

Trust Green Team Doctors and book your first appointment with highly qualified medical providers!

How Does Marijuana Interact with Medications?

Can marijuana interact with other medications? It can, and as mentioned previously, it all starts with cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibition.

Namely, CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two key cannabinoids in cannabis. 

They inhibit specific enzymes, particularly CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. 

As a result of this inhibition, the metabolism of the drugs metabolized by these enzymes slows down — thus, drug levels and the possibility of toxicity increase.

Evidence backs up the interaction between marijuana and prescription medications. 

A study shows that cannabidiol is a powerful inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, the two enzymes responsible for the metabolism of some pharmaceuticals. 

The Most Common Effects of Marijuana and Prescription Medication Interactions

Marijuana and prescription medications together can make you feel drowsy and sedated.

That’s because cannabis enhances the sleep-inducing effects of drugs such as antidepressants, opioids, and benzodiazepines. 

Why does this happen when you mix marijuana and prescription medications? 

Well, tetrahydrocannabinol and prescription medications have additive effects on the central nervous system. 

There’s scientific proof for this too! 

Research shows that the frequent use of medical cannabis and opioids can cause increased depression. 

Broad observational studies have noted this adverse effect among users — that said, more research is required to determine how marijuana and prescription medications make you drowsy.

Cannabis and prescription medications can also impact your blood sugar levels. 

Studies show that cannabidiol affects glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, possibly altering the efficacy of medications for diabetes. This was shown in a study in the American Journal of Medicine — cannabis use was linked with lower levels of fasting insulin.

How to Prevent Negative Effects Of Marijuana and Prescription Medications?

Can marijuana interact with other medications? Yes, but there’s something you can do about it. 

Here are some useful strategies to reduce risks and make sure you use prescription medications with cannabis safely.

• Consult with trained professionals: Again, be open and honest with your healthcare provider about the substances you are using, including medical marijuana, over-the-counter medications, and prescription pills. 

To assess possible interactions, your healthcare professional needs to know everything you are currently using (this includes herbs and natural supplements!).

• Educate yourself: Knowledge reigns supreme, especially when it comes to medical marijuana and prescription drug interactions. Inquire about the names, different purposes, and possible side effects of the prescription drugs you are taking. 

It’s crucial to understand how cannabis can interact with these medications. 

Fortunately, current research and information about marijuana and prescription medications are abundant. 

The most reliable sources for weed education include government health sites, peer-reviewed journals, and expert blogs.

• Monitor the side effects of cannabis and medications: Know your body and pay close attention to changes in how you feel when you consume medical marijuana with prescription drugs. 

Sometimes, you can experience decreased efficacy of the medications or increased side effects like nausea and drowsiness. 

Stay safe and immediately talk to a medical professional if you feel any new or worsening symptoms. 

How does marijuana interact with medications? How can I reduce my risk of side effects? These are all questions an expert can answer.

• Manage your weed consumption: If you are consuming medical cannabis, whether it is vaping, smoking, or via edibles, it is helpful to decrease doses. 

Complete beginners should start with the lowest doses, especially if they are consuming prescription medications.

• Know the timing: Consider smoking medical cannabis in the morning and using prescription medication in the evening (or vice versa). Of course, talk to your doctor first to find out the best timing.
• Undergo regular blood work: Your doctor will monitor the medication levels in your body and adjust the dosages if needed.

You’re one step closer to enjoying premium and completely legal medical marijuana in Utah!

Get Your Hands on Elite Medical-Grade Cannabis in Utah

Now that you know the answer to “Can marijuana interact with other medications?”, it’s time to think about your wellness strategy.

First of all, to be able to buy cannabis in Utah, you will need a medical marijuana card or an “MMJ card”. 

This special card grants you access to the most prestigious dispensaries in Utah — with this card in your hand, you can purchase the highest-quality medical marijuana in Utah and get the relief you deserve.

However, not everyone is eligible for a medical marijuana card — only patients with qualifying conditions. 

To qualify for an MMJ card, you need to be a patient dealing with any of the following conditions:

• HIV
• ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Nausea
• Cachexia
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (or debilitating and persistent muscle spams)
• Terminal illness
• PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Autism
• Chronic pain (pain that lasts two weeks or more)
• Any rare condition or illness that affects less than 200,000 people in the United States
• Any condition resulting in the patient receiving hospice care

Requesting an MMJ card takes some time and patience. We can help you make the process smoother and quicker. 

Trust the Green Team Doctors and schedule an appointment this moment!

FAQ

Can marijuana interact with other medications?

Yes, cannabis can interact with medications by decreasing or increasing the desired effects. 

For instance, if you consume cannabis while taking pain medications, you might experience nausea or another uncomfortable side effect. 

In some cases, the prescription pain medication can become ineffective.

What should I do if I use marijuana and prescription medications?

Always discuss the treatment plan with a doctor, especially if you are struggling with a severe disorder and you need immediate relief. 

Your healthcare professional will give you a structured, personalized treatment plan.

How does marijuana interact with medications?

Cannabis interacts with prescription medications through the enzyme system of your liver. That’s where it can inhibit or increase the metabolism of medications, possibly leading to changes in effects or drug levels.

What is the best way to avoid medical marijuana and prescription drug interactions?

Again, turn to your doctor for professional medical guidance on how to avoid unwanted interactions.

Give Green Team Doctors a Call Now

Can marijuana interact with other medications? It can, and often, the side effects are nasty. 

Talk to a doctor, especially if you are already taking prescription medications. 

For more info on marijuana and prescription medications and obtaining an MMJ card, reach out! Today’s the day to book an appointment with a qualified medical provider!