First and foremost, always consult with a medical professional before mixing cannabis with medications. That also counts for CBD products with minimal THC percentages. Even though cannabis belongs to the medicinal family, it may not be enough for certain users to combat anxiety, for example, or glaucoma or insomnia. Often times, users incorporate other pharmaceuticals to help with their medical conditions.

In these circumstances, it’s wise to speak with your doctor before throwing cannabis into the mix. You never know how cannabis will react with other drugs. It could make your pharmaceuticals less effective, more effective, or possibly even dangerous altogether. In today’s article, we’ll explore a variety of drugs that users may combine with cannabis and what the (possible) side effects are.

Cannabis And Viagra

“Marijuana may interact with drugs, including Viagra, that are broken down by chemicals in the liver known as cytochrome P450 enzymes,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Therefore, cannabis may prevent the breakdown of other drugs, which could make Viagra less effective. Additionally, users who combine cannabis with other drugs may have increased levels of said drugs in their system. This could lead to dangerous adverse effects.

Cannabis And Warfarin

Warfarin, often prescribed to treat and prevent blood clots, is a blood thinner that should not be mixed with cannabis. The primary reason being that cannabis increases Warfarin’s effects, which often result in nosebleeds and easy bruising because your blood is so thin. According to Live Science, “Because marijuana affects the cytochrome P450 enzymes, it may inhibit the breakdown of warfarin, leading to an increase in warfarin’s effects.”

Cannabis And Benzodiazepines

Muscle relaxers of any kind, including Benzodiazepines, should not be combined with cannabis under any circumstances. Research shows that users who do so experience a higher likelihood of “central nervous system depression.” This is extremely dangerous as it often leads to slow breathing and heart-rate issues. Users may feel tired, drowsy, and “out of it.” Because of this, users should never drive or operate heavy machinery if they mix cannabis and Benzodiazepines.

Cannabis And Ketoconazole

While slightly less hazardous than the drugs previously mentioned, the combination of cannabis and Ketoconazole still has undesirable bodily effects. Cannabis limits the breakdown of Ketoconazole, an anti-fungal drug, which prevents it from working as it normally should. Users who combine these two often have more THC in their systems which leads to a stronger than expected high.

Cannabis And Prozac

With mental health awareness on the rise, users may be more inclined to speak with their doctor about Prozac. This antidepressant fluoxetine combined with cannabis works in a similar way to Ketoconazole. Though not yet proven, researchers hypothesize that cannabis’ boost of serotonin would enhance the effects of Prozac to help users with their depression. While this may sound like good news, please don’t try it at home without your doctor’s recommendation!

Cannabis And Diabetes Medications

Some studies indicate that regular cannabis users are less resistant to the effects of insulin, the hormone that helps blood sugar get inside cells. This suggests that their systems are better able to control blood sugar levels, which could help with diabetes. On the other hand, other studies have shown that cannabis users have a higher likelihood of developing prediabetes. People who combine cannabis with diabetes medication should monitor their blood sugar levels closely.

Other Medications And Ingredients To Avoid

Be advised that the list above is not a complete round-up of the medications you should avoid while consuming cannabis. Herb.co also mentions the following pharmaceutical ingredients to stay away from (always check your drug’s labels to see if they contain the following)…

  • Propoxyphene
  • buprenorphine
  • Levomethadyl acetate
  • Beta-blockers
  • SSRIs
  • SNRIs
  • Antipsychotic medications
  • Sodium oxybate