The pharmacist might ask if you have questions about how to take it or if it might interact with other medicines. It’s important to know that combining your medications with marijuana could be risky. In San Diego, 29 people end up in the emergency room each day due to marijuana-related issues, like psychosis and severe vomiting. That’s why 17 local pharmacies are teaming up to raise awareness about the San Diego Marijuana Prevention Initiative. This program offers valuable information to consumers about marijuana and its potential interactions with prescription drugs.

Which drugs interact with marijuana?

According to Oh, he and other pharmacists aren’t promoting or discouraging marijuana use. However, they want the public to know that like mixing grapefruit with statins, combining THC and CBD—found in marijuana and cannabis products like edibles can interact with prescription drugs, causing serious side effects. These can include bleeding, increased drowsiness, reduced heart rate, confusion, memory loss, poor judgment, and aggression. THC interacts with nearly 400 prescription medications, while CBD interacts with over 540.

Common types of drugs that can have dangerous interactions with marijuana include:

1. Sedatives such as Ambien, Lunesta and Benadryl
2. Anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax, Valium and Librium
3. Antidepressants such as Zoloft, Prozac and Lexapro
4. Pain medications such as codeine, Percocet and Vicodin
5. Anticonvulsants (seizure medications) such as Tegretol, Topamax and Depakene
6. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as Coumadin, Plavix and heparin

“Currently, there are very few if any pharmacies in San Diego that offer information on drug interactions with marijuana products. Oh mentions that while it’s standard practice to include prescription label warnings about potential interactions with other products, such as grapefruit, consumer protections regarding combining prescriptions with marijuana are rare. Even though marijuana is legal for adults over 21 in California and medically recommended in some cases, there’s limited guidance available on its interactions with prescription drugs.”

Related Article: Comparing Medical Marijuana and Traditional Antidepressants

How the San Diego Marijuana Prevention Initiative will help

To ensure San Diegans are aware of the risks of using marijuana alongside prescription medications, thousands of people will receive information in both English and Spanish regarding potential drug interactions. Patients will be encouraged to visit drugs.com, a valuable resource for checking dangerous interactions between THC, CBD, and their prescription medications. Additionally, they’ll be invited to complete a brief survey about marijuana and drug interactions for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

The use of marijuana can be confusing for the general public, especially since it’s legal for adults in California,” says Oh. “It’s crucial to remember that THC can cause impairment regardless of how it’s used, and marijuana can be risky when mixed with prescribed medications. We aim to raise awareness about potential drug interactions so everyone can protect themselves and their loved ones from harm.