Medical marijuana with other medications

Medical marijuana is an increasingly popular way to treat various ailments. In this article, we focus on how medical marijuana can interact with other drugs that a patient may be taking simultaneously. Although this area requires further exploration, we already have some evidence of both potential benefits and risks [1] associated with simultaneous use of medical marijuana and drugs. 

What will you learn from this article? 

👉 What interactions can occur between medical marijuana and drugs?

👉 Drugs and medical marijuana – is such a combination safe?

👉 Can medical cannabis be combined with antidepressants, thyroid medications, heart medications or painkillers?

👉 Can combining drugs with medical cannabis bring any benefits to patients?

Table of contents:

Medical marijuana – basic information

The most important components of medical marijuana are cannabinoids: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the psychoactive substance in marijuana, whose effect we perceive as “high”. CBD does not produce such effects. Both substances interact with the endocannabinoid system in our body, affecting many different functions, such as sleep, mood, appetite and pain [2]. 

Currently, medical marijuana is used in the treatment of various diseases. It is also a way to improve the quality of life of people undergoing other therapies, for example oncological treatment. 

Medications and medical marijuana – possible interactions 👩‍⚕️

Medical marijuana, like many other substances, can affect the way some medications work. This phenomenon is known as a drug interaction and can lead to increased or decreased effectiveness of one or both medications [3]. 

For example, THC and CBD can affect liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing many medications, which may increase the level of the drug in the body. On the other hand, some medications may affect THC and CBD levels in the body. This should be kept in mind, as such situations can be potentially dangerous. 

💊 Medical marijuana and antidepressants

Research suggests that medical marijuana may have certain benefits for people suffering from depression. However, simultaneous use of medical marijuana and antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may lead to interactions. In some cases, marijuana may amplify the side effects of antidepressants. Furthermore, marijuana itself can cause anxiety symptoms, which may be harmful to people suffering from depression.

💊 Medical marijuana and painkillers

Painkillers, such as opioids, are often used to relieve chronic pain. Medical marijuana is also a known painkiller. In certain situations, medical marijuana may potentially reduce the need for opioids and may provide an alternative for people who experience negative side effects of opioids.

There is also a risk that simultaneous use of medical marijuana and opioids may lead to increased risk of side effects, such as respiratory depression. Interestingly, it is medical marijuana that may be a way to reduce the scale of opioid addiction. 

💊 Medical marijuana and heart medications

Medical marijuana can affect the circulatory system and may increase heart rate and blood pressure. Patients taking heart medications should be cautious when using medical marijuana. Simultaneous use of medical marijuana and some heart medications, such as beta-blockers, may lead to unpredictable effects, such as sudden changes in blood pressure. 

💊 Medical marijuana and thyroid medications

Interactions between medical marijuana and thyroid medications are not well studied, and research on this topic is limited. There are several reports suggesting that medical marijuana may affect thyroid hormone levels, but these results require further research. It is always worth consulting with a doctor if a patient is considering simultaneous use of medical marijuana and thyroid medications.

In each of these cases, it is important to consult with a doctor before starting to use medical marijuana in combination with other medications.

Lucas Cysewski – president and founder VapeFully

Potential benefits of using medical marijuana and medications

There are many situations in which combined use of medical marijuana and other medications may bring benefits. For example, patients with Parkinson’s disease may experience pain reduction and improved sleep when medical marijuana is used along with traditional medications [4]. 

Similarly in patients with cancer disease. Medical marijuana can help alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and loss of appetite [5]. Currently, it is a popular way to improve the quality of life for people suffering from the effects of oncological disease and aggressive treatment. 

🔴 Watch out for side effects! 

There is some risk associated with simultaneous use of medical marijuana and other medications. It is possible that medical marijuana may increase the effects of some medications, which may lead to potentially dangerous side effects. For example, combined use of medical marijuana with painkillers such as opioids may lead to increased risk of respiratory depression [6]. It is therefore worth very carefully observing your body, especially if you have been using medical cannabis recently. This way you will react in time if the situation becomes dangerous. 

Medical marijuana and medicines – what do the studies say? 

We need more research to better understand the interactions of medical marijuana with other medicines. This is a dynamic area of research, with many ongoing studies that may provide more information in the future [7]. It is key that doctors – not only those prescribing medical cannabis – follow scientific reports. This applies to endocrinologists, gynecologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists and all other doctors – you never know when a patient will come in who will inform you that they are undergoing therapy using medical cannabis. It is worth being prepared for this. 

What should patients remember? 

If you are considering using medical marijuana and other medicines at the same time, always consult with your doctor. Your doctor can help you understand potential interactions and risks, as well as monitor side effects and adjust dosing. You should not hide from your doctor that you are taking other medicines – and conversely, if you are receiving medical care, inform your doctor that you are undergoing therapy using medical cannabis. This applies not only to thyroid medicines, heart medicines or antidepressants, but really all pharmaceutical agents. 

Summary

Medical marijuana offers considerable hope, but requires further research, particularly in the context of interactions with other medicines. It is important that both patients and doctors are well informed about potential benefits, risks, as well as the latest research findings.

Bibliography:

1. Cannabis Interactions. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/cannabis.htm

2. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/ 

3. Amna Zehra, Cannabis Addiction and the Brain: a Review, 2018.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6223748/

4. “American Parkinson Disease Association”. Medical Marijuana and Parkinson’s disease.  https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/medical-marijuana-and-parkinsons-disease/ 

5. “National Cancer Institute”. Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)-Health Professional Version. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq

6. Giovanni A Fava , Chiara Rafanelli, Elena Tomba. The clinical process in psychiatry: a clinimetric approach. 2012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21903024/ 

7. Caroline A MacCallum, Ethan B Russo. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29307505/