Medical marijuana is becoming an increasingly popular method for treating various types of conditions. In this article, we focus on how medical marijuana can interact with other medications 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 taking medical marijuana and medications at the same time.
What will you learn from this article?
👉 What interactions can occur between medical marijuana and other medications?
👉 Can medical cannabis be combined with medications for depression, thyroid, heart, or with painkillers?
👉 Can combining medications with medical cannabis offer any benefits for patients?
Table of contents:
- Medical marijuana – basic information
- Medications and medical marijuana – possible interactions
- Potential benefits of using medical marijuana and medications
- Beware of side effects!
- Medical marijuana and medications – what does the research say?
- What should the patients remember?
- Summary
Medical marijuana – basic information
The most important components of medical marijuana are cannabinoids: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the psychoactive substance of marijuana, whose effects 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 to treat various ailments. It is also a way to improve the quality of life for people undergoing other therapies, for example, oncology.
Medications and medical marijuana – possible interactions 👩⚕️
Like many other substances, medical marijuana can affect the way some medications work. This phenomenon is known as a drug interaction and can increase or decrease the effectiveness of one or both medications [3].
For example, THC and CBD can affect liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing many drugs, which may increase the level of the medication in the body. On the other hand, some medications can do the same thing in the case of THC and CBD – the levels of those substances can be affected. These factors should be considered, as such situations can be potentially dangerous.
💊 Medical marijuana and antidepressants
Studies suggest that medical marijuana may have some benefits for people suffering from depression. However, the simultaneous use of medical marijuana and antidepressants, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can lead to unwanted interactions. In some cases, marijuana may enhance the side effects of antidepressants. Moreover, marijuana itself can cause anxiety symptoms, which can be harmful to individuals suffering from depression.
💊 Medical marijuana and painkillers
Painkillers, such as opioids, are often used to relieve chronic pain. Medical marijuana is also known as a pain reliever. In certain situations, medical marijuana can potentially reduce the need for opioids and provide an alternative for people experiencing negative side effects from opioids.
There is also a risk that the simultaneous use of medical marijuana and opioids can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as respiratory depression. Interestingly, medical marijuana may be a way to reduce the scale of opioid addiction.
💊 Medical marijuana and heart medications
Medical marijuana can affect the cardiovascular system and may increase heart rate and blood pressure. Patients taking heart medications should be cautious when using medical marijuana. The simultaneous use of medical marijuana and some heart medications, such as beta-blockers, can lead to unpredictable effects, such as sudden changes in pressure.
💊 Medical marijuana and thyroid medications
Interactions between medical marijuana and thyroid medications are not well studied, and research on this topic is limited. Several reports suggest that medical marijuana can affect thyroid hormone levels, but these findings require further research. It is always worth consulting a doctor if a patient is considering the simultaneous use of medical marijuana and thyroid medications.
In each of these cases, it is important to consult a doctor before starting the use of medical marijuana in combination with other medications.
Lucas Cysewski – CEO and founder of VapeFully
Potential benefits of using medical marijuana and medications
There are many situations where the combined use of medical marijuana and other medications can bring benefits. For example, patients with Parkinson’s disease may experience reduced pain and improved sleep when medical marijuana is used along with traditional medications [4].
Similarly, for cancer patients, medical marijuana can help alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and loss of appetite [5]. Currently, this is a popular way to improve the quality of life for people suffering from oncological diseases and aggressive treatment.
🔴 Beware of side effects!
There are some risks associated with the simultaneous use of medical marijuana and other medications. There is a possibility that medical marijuana may increase the effects of certain medications, which can lead to potentially dangerous side effects. For example, the combined use of medical marijuana with painkillers, such as opioids, can lead to an increased risk of respiratory depression [6]. Therefore, it is very important to closely monitor your body, especially if you have recently started using medical cannabis. This way, you can react in time if the situation becomes dangerous.
Medical marijuana and medications – what does the research say?
We need more research to better understand the interactions between medical marijuana and other medications [7]. This is a dynamic research area, with many ongoing studies that may provide more information in the future. It is crucial for doctors – not just those who prescribe medical cannabis – to follow scientific reports. This applies to endocrinologists, gynecologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, and all other doctors – you never know when a patient who informs you that they are undergoing therapy using medical cannabis might show up. It is worth being prepared for this.
What should the patients remember?
If you are considering the simultaneous use of medical marijuana and other medications, always consult a doctor. The doctor can help understand potential interactions and risks, as well as monitor side effects and adjust dosages. Do not hide from your doctor that you are taking other medications – and vice versa, if you are seeking medical help, inform the doctor that you are undergoing therapy using medical cannabis. This applies not only to thyroid, heart, or depression medications but essentially all pharmacological agents.
Summary
Medical marijuana offers a lot of hope but requires further research, especially in the context of interactions with other medications. Both patients and doctors need to be well-informed about potential benefits, risks, and 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/