The use of medical marijuana (weed or cannabis) among Americans is increasing. It is because of the two main reasons:
- Several states allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
- More and more research on cannabis is validating the claims that it helps with different qualifying health conditions.
The prevalence of medical marijuana in society has raised questions in people’s minds about using weed and antibiotics together. And why not? Everyone should know the benefits of medical cannabis and antibiotics—or otherwise, the risks they bring to your health.
Antibiotics and Weed: Do antibiotics and weed interact?
It is a common question among people using antibiotics and are thinking of turning to medical marijuana.
Many think that weed and antibiotics have nothing to do with each other and they are completely safe to use together.
If you’re one of those people, it’s time to think again—because that is not true.
Weed can affect how your body metabolizes certain medications. This is because cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with liver enzymes that break down drugs, including antibiotics. As a result, cannabis consumption might make antibiotics work better or less effectively in some cases.
What do studies and research have to say about using weed while on antibiotics?
Some lab-based studies suggest that cannabinoids have antibacterial properties against bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Another research claims that certain cannabis strains have antibacterial effects and may help when combined with antibiotics to fight tough infections.
Contrary to the above reports, Dr. Kent Vrana and Paul Kocis released a list of 57 medications that may not work properly when used alongside cannabis.
That said, there isn’t enough extensive research on humans to provide a clear answer. For most common antibiotics, the risks appear minimal.
However, you still can’t ignore talking to your doctor before mixing the two. After all, your health is worth the extra caution, right?
What are the potential side effects of mixing weed and antibiotics?
There isn’t any report or study that validates the side effects of using weed and antibiotics together. However, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any.
Some professionals are concerned about the side effects of using THC with antibiotics:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Liver toxicity
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
These are the side effects of using THC and antibiotics; if you witness any other severity in any of these, you must stop taking weed and antibiotics together.
Is it safe to consume weed while taking antibiotics?
The short answer is: Search “weed doctor near me” and get a personalized consultation from a trusted professional near you. There are mixed opinions about using the antibiotics and weed combination. And your health isn’t something you can risk.
Some researchers and healthcare providers think it is beneficial to mix weed and antibiotics, while others negate it. The research isn’t enough to validate that using cannabis with antibiotics is safe.
CBD and Antibiotics
Even though CBD is usually seen as milder than THC, it can still increase your risk of side effects when combined with antibiotics. CBD may change how your liver makes certain enzymes. It causes your body to process antibiotics more slowly.
This can lead to higher amounts of the antibiotic in your bloodstream than recommended. The consequences? Higher risks of side effects, including serious ones.
Conclusion
There are some studies suggesting that using weed and antibiotics together is beneficial. However, we don’t have a full picture now and need more research on humans and evidence to come to a conclusion.
It is best to consult a medical marijuana doctor near you. You can also contact doctors at My Florida Green for any questions you may have.
FAQs About Antibiotics and Weed
Can you smoke weed and take antibiotics?
It’s generally best to be cautious. Cannabis can affect how some antibiotics work and may make side effects worse. It is recommended to always consult your healthcare provider before mixing the weed and antibiotics.
Can I smoke while taking doxycycline?
According to some experts, smoking marijuana and doxycycline have no interaction. However, you must be conscious and seek guidance from your nearby doctor.
Can you mix weed and antibiotics?
There is limited research on the use of weed and antibiotics. It is best to consult your healthcare provider before using them together.
