Will Cannabis Interact with My Medications?

If you take any prescription medications, understanding potential cannabis interactions is essential before trying it.

How Cannabis Can Interact with Medications

Cannabis is processed by your liver using the same enzyme pathways (CYP450) that metabolize many common medications. This means cannabis can:

1. Increase medication effects - Drug stays in your system longer
2. Decrease medication effects - Drug is metabolized faster
3. Enhance sedation - Combined drowsiness effects
4. Affect blood pressure - Both raising and lowering

Medications That May Interact with Cannabis

Blood Thinners:

• Warfarin, Coumadin
• Cannabis may increase bleeding risk
• Talk to your doctor

Sedatives and Sleep Aids:

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)
• Sleep medications
• Combined sedation can be intense

Antidepressants:

• SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft)
• Some interactions reported
• Monitor for increased side effects

Blood Pressure Medications:

• Cannabis can affect blood pressure
• May enhance or counteract medications

Important: Always Consult Your Doctor

This is not a comprehensive list. Before trying cannabis:

1. Tell your doctor you're considering cannabis
2. Ask about specific interactions with your medications
3. Start with very low doses
4. Monitor how you feel carefully
5. Report any unusual effects

CBD Considerations

Even non-intoxicating CBD can interact with medications. CBD is particularly known to interact with:

• Blood thinners
• Immunosuppressants
• Seizure medications
• Some antidepressants

Key Takeaways

• Cannabis uses the same liver pathways as many medications
• Blood thinners, sedatives, and antidepressants may interact
• Always consult your doctor before combining cannabis with medications
• CBD can also interact with certain drugs
• Start with low doses and monitor carefully