Cannabis has genuine mental and physical effects that can react with other medications. Although there is an insufficient amount of research on cannabis and drug interactions, it is important to pay attention if you are taking any of the following drugs: Cannabis Drug Reactions
Insulin
Cannabis can lower your blood sugar levels. Mayo Clinic recommends, “people taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely” when adding cannabis to their health care protocol, and that “medication adjustments may be necessary.”
High Blood Pressure Medication
Cannabis has been known to lower blood pressure. When taking medical cannabis with other medications that lower blood pressure, Cleveland Clinic suggests undergoing “frequent assessments of your heart function, including heart rate, blood pressure and rhythm.”
Antidepressants
The University of Washington’s Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute suspects that taking cannabis may intensify the negative side effects of antidepressants. Talk to your doctor if you experience dizziness, anxiety, panic, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, or have an abnormally fast heartbeat.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Some sources point out that cannabis can increase your risk of bleeding when combined with over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®), and aspirin. While this may be true, we were not able to verify this information with clinical research or laboratory studies.
Blood Thinners
We were not able to find any studies indicating that cannabis can increase the chance of bleeding, but Mayo Clinic suggests taking caution when combining cannabis and blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, including warfarin (Coumadin®), heparin, and clopidogrel (Plavix®).
Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates
According to Mayo Clinic, cannabis may increase drowsiness caused by benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®) and barbiturates such as phenobarbital. Narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol can also result in severe drowsiness. Try a sativa strain to help you stay alert and focussed or schedule a time for a nap during your daily regime.
Marinol and Cesamet
The psychoactive effects of synthetic THC pharmaceuticals, such as Marinol and Cesamet, can become uncomfortably intensified when combined with natural cannabis.
Herbal substances
Read our piece on cannabis and herbs to learn how natural medications and herbal supplements can interact with cannabis.
