Can You Smoke Weed on Antibiotics?

August 21, 2024

Found yourself in that tricky spot where you’re fighting off an infection, popping antibiotics, and suddenly wondering if your favorite herb is off-limits?

So, here’s how we see it: you snuggled into the sofa feeling a little bit sniffly and groggy armed with your antibiotics bottle to one side and your stash box on the other. All the while, thinking, "Wait… am I still allowed to take my daily dose of weed and antibiotics at the same time?

Well, we can make it easy for you by giving you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health and your hobby.

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What Are Antibiotics, Anyway?

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat infections caused by bacteria, small but powerful organisms. They are employed in the treatment of respiratory, skin, and urinary tract conditions. Still, antibiotics are only a treatment for bacterial infections and do not work on viruses like the common cold or flu.

There are several types of antibiotics, each targeting different kinds of bacteria:

Penicillins (e.g., amoxicillin)
Cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin)
Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin)
Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin)
Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline)

Can I Smoke Weed on Antibiotics?

Okay, let’s get straight to the point because we are all curious here. The short answer is: It is a little bit of both, it’s complicated. To answer the question of whether or not it is possible to smoke, mixing antibiotics and weed, there are certain things to note.

First of all, it is important to understand that you are physically stressed to the limit due to an infection while receiving an antibiotic course. Bringing weed into the equation might make it a bit harder. Here’s why:

Interaction with liver enzymes: Both weed and antibiotics are metabolized in the liver. Especially, they interact with specific body structures called the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. This system is more or less like the chemical factory of your body where all the drugs and other substances undergo metabolism.
Potential for increased side effects: As a result of this drug interaction, smoking weed or popping in edibles and antibiotics at the same time may lead to a higher concentration of the antibiotic in the body. This may increase the chance of side effects.
Respiratory concerns: However, if one is on antibiotics in particular for a respiratory infection, smoking anything including marijuana is detrimental to the lungs and this will slow down healing.

No, But Seriously. Can You Take Antibiotics and Smoke Weed?

Well, there are probably partiers out there right now who read that and chimed in: “Alright, I get it, I get it, but what if I just can’t help it and I want to smoke while I have to take antibiotics?”

How exactly does weed affect antibiotics? The outcome depends on the type of antibiotic one is using, and the manner in which one uses cannabis. However, it should be understood that some of the antibiotics can be more sensitive to weed than others. For example:

Erythromycin and Clarithromycin: These antibiotics are broken down by an enzyme that weed can inhibit. Both erythromycin and clarithromycin are metabolized by CYP3A4. This could lead to higher levels of the antibiotic in your system, potentially increasing side effects.
Metronidazole: This antibiotic is also affected by the same enzyme system. Mixing weed with antibiotics could lead to nausea, vomiting, and even neurological issues in extreme cases.

Does THC Affect Antibiotics?

THC, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most well-known of all the active cannabinoids in cannabis. Most antibiotics do not affect the mind-altering effects of THC. However, the use of cannabis may cause a user to overlook other signs or effects of the infection or the antibiotics that are being taken.

Antibiotics and THC together can look a little like this:

Enzyme Interaction: THC can act on your liver enzymes, potentially altering how quickly antibiotics are metabolized.
Immune System Effects: Tetrahydrocannabinol may dampen specific aspects of the immune response, which may be an issue when dealing with an infection.
Symptom Relief: THC and antibiotics might be able to work together to ease the effects that accompany some infections, for example, pain or nausea.

Effect	Potential Impact
Enzyme interaction	May alter antibiotic metabolism
Immune suppression	Could potentially slow healing
Symptom relief	Might ease discomfort from infection

Does Marijuana Affect Antibiotics?

When we say marijuana, know that this plant contains way more than just THC – the active ingredient that is commonly associated with its recreational use.

Can weed affect antibiotics? Here’s the scoop:

Antibacterial properties: A few studies present evidence that certain cannabinoids (including CBD) may actually possess antibacterial characteristics. So, CBD and antibiotics. Cool, right?
Smoking concerns: If you are consuming marijuana in any form, you may also cause some irritation to your lungs. Not advisable especially if one is facing a respiratory problem or asthma.
Munchies matter: The drug might actually stimulate your appetite and if your infection has given you nausea, this might not be such a bad thing.

Read more: How to Smoke a Weed Pipe?

The Bottom Line: Marijuana and Antibiotics

So, we can conclude that the world of medicine is far from stagnant. Over time, it becomes possible to discover new interactions between these substances.

In the meantime, the discussion on this topic reminds the public of the relative ‘complications’ of the human body and the drugs that are being administered. All of this emphasizes the importance of knowing what’s happening and asking questions. While you’re at it, don’t forget to browse the rest of the website and sign yourself up for some good monthly weed subscription boxes from Greeen Box.

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