Medically reviewed by Katherine Golden, RN
Written by Denise Rustning

According to a Consumer Reports study, approximately half of all Americans take at least one prescription drug every day. Many more people take non-prescription, over-the-counter painkillers, antacids and other medications.

Not surprisingly, a fair number of these people are seeking alternatives to their medications. In many cases, people are turning to cannabis—either marijuana (cannabis containing >0.3% THC, which is sold legally in dispensaries) or cannabidiol (CBD) hemp products sold in retail stores and online.

This trend grew in 2020, with additional states legalizing adult-use (recreational) or medical marijuana, and increased awareness around the plant’s potential after cannabis was deemed essential during pandemic-related lockdowns. 

As more consumers turn to cannabis for wellness and relief, we decided it was time to republish our Leaf411 article addressing common concerns with potential drug interactions with cannabis products, including both marijuana and CBD hemp. 

We will also be covering this topic early next year in a Leaf Learning series we’re putting together for older adults, though all are welcome. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page to stay updated on this Leaf Learning event!

Smiling senior woman on phone holding medication box, asking about drug interactions with cannabis.

Thinking About Adding Cannabis to Your Medicine Cabinet? Talk to a Healthcare Provider First.

We always suggest that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new medication. That includes CBD hemp or marijuana. Our Leaf411 cannabis-trained nurses can provide education and guidance on adding plant medicine into your regimen for you to share with your healthcare team. Call our free hotline at 844-LEAF411 (844-532-3411) for personalized help.

Also, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any prescription medication. It is imperative that your prescribing physician should always be the one who guides you with stopping or weaning off any pharmaceuticals.

Understanding How Cannabis Interacts With Other Medications

Have you ever wondered why you’re told to not drink grapefruit juice with certain prescription drugs?

Prescription bottle with warning labels to not eat grapefruit while taking medication, and to take medication as prescribed.

When you take medicine by mouth, it passes through your digestive system. The digestive system’s enzymes metabolize (break down) the medicine in your liver so that some of it can enter your bloodstream. The medicine dose takes into account normal digestive processes.

However, grapefruit juice affects several digestive enzymes. It blocks the enzymes’ action, and can result in too much or too little of the drug entering your bloodstream.

What does this have to do with cannabis? Well, the cannabinoids in cannabis—especially CBD—affect your digestive enzymes in a similar way that grapefruit does. In fact, scientists have found that CBD has an even stronger effect on the cytochrome P450 enzyme than grapefruit.

Generic statin medication pills on top of a cholesterol test results page.

Cannabis, Statins, and Blood Thinners: Use Caution

An emerging area of concern is with cardiovascular medications, including statins and blood thinners. Many of these medications are metabolized by the same liver enzymes as cannabis. As a result, people who use cannabis while also taking statins or blood thinners may end up getting a higher dose of their prescription medicine than they intended, since the liver is breaking down the drug differently than normal.

Does this mean you cannot use cannabis? Not necessarily. The key is to talk with your provider and discuss any changes that need to be made to your medication dosage, frequency or timing. You might consider sharing the link to this article from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology which provides very conservative guidance for doctors to use as a screening tool who have no experience or knowledge about cannabis.

Outstretched arm with fingers pinched together to indicate starting slow with cannabis.

The Benefit of Starting Slow with Cannabis

Not all drugs are metabolized by the same liver enzymes. However, even if you’re taking medications that are not directly impacted by cannabis in your digestive system, it’s worth it to start with a low dose of marijuana or CBD, and to go slow. By starting slow, you can see how the addition of marijuana or CBD impacts your ongoing medications (after checking with a healthcare provider, of course!).

Also, Dr. David Gordon (Dr. Dave), founder of 4Pillars Health & Wellness, notes that people usually only need a small dose of cannabis for therapeutic benefits. This minimizes the risk of side effects. Dr. Dave explains that as an integrative physician, “We start with just a small amount, just to stimulate our own internal system. These are dosages that often don’t cause any intoxication or have any significant interaction.”

Dr. Dave is experienced at looking up potential interactions with medicinal cannabis. He’s found that most drug interactions don’t preclude someone from using cannabis, though he notes that drug doses may need to be adjusted. (You can read more from our recent interview with Dr. Dave here.

Smiling Black woman holding out smartphone with the Leaf411 cannabis nurse hotline homepage shown.

Getting Answers to Your Cannabis Questions

Our Leaf411 hotline nurses have special training on cannabis-medication interactions. They also have access to a robust database of research.

We encourage you to call our free hotline at 844-LEAF411 (844-532-3411) with your questions about how CBD or marijuana may interact with other medications you are taking.  

Also, remember that we will be covering this topic in Spring 2021 during our free, virtual Leaf Learning event for older adults. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on this and other Leaf411 events!