Can I use cannabis while taking antibiotics? What does science say

Have you ever wondered if you can use cannabis while taking antibiotics? Although there is no robust evidence of serious interactions, the combination still requires attention, especially since there is a lack of large studies evaluating how cannabinoids influence the metabolism of commonly used medications, as confirmed by the website El Planteo.

Ultimately, the answer is often not a "yes" or "no," but a "depends," with room for care and medical guidance.

How the body processes cannabis and antibiotics

El Planteo also explains that both cannabis and various medications undergo what is called first-pass metabolism, a stage that occurs in the liver whose function is to filter substances, break down molecules, and reduce potential excesses before they circulate throughout the body. This means that, often, cannabis and antibiotics "compete" for the same metabolic pathways.

Dr. Carolina Rosa, a family physician, confirms this dynamic. According to her, understanding the relationship between cannabis and medications, especially antibiotics, begins with understanding how the body processes each of them. "When we ingest any medication, it passes through the liver, where first-pass metabolism occurs. It is there that the body filters toxic substances, transforms molecules into smaller compounds, and reduces part of the initial potency of the medication to protect the body and facilitate its elimination," she explains.

After this stage, the metabolized medication travels through the bloodstream to the organs, where it exerts its therapeutic effect. "Cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, are also metabolized in the liver, by the same enzymes responsible for breaking down many medications, including some antibiotics. These enzymes are part of the cytochrome P450 system, a kind of 'chemical factory' of the body," she details.

When the interaction deserves attention

The doctor emphasizes that, in practice, this may mean that CBD reduces the elimination speed of some drugs, increasing their concentration in the blood, while THC tends to have milder interactions but also uses the same metabolic pathways.

"Some antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin, can increase the levels of CBD and THC, intensifying effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or fatigue," the doctor states.

On the other hand, antibiotics like rifampicin do the opposite: they accelerate the metabolism of cannabis, reducing its therapeutic effects.

The good news, according to her, is that "more common antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, metronidazole, and cephalexin, usually do not cause significant interactions." Still, the lack of specific research indicates that caution remains the safest path.

El Planteo reinforces this view by reminding us that it is still unclear whether cannabis inhibits or induces certain liver enzymes, making it prudent to consult a professional before combining treatments.

For Dr. Carolina Rosa, the principle is simple: "The most important thing is to always inform your doctor about the use of medicinal cannabis before starting any new medication. This way, it is possible to monitor potential interactions, adjust doses when necessary, and ensure that both treatments are safe and effective."

In the end, although cannabis is not automatically prohibited during the use of antibiotics, each body reacts uniquely, and individualized guidance remains the best way to navigate treatments safely.

With information from El Planteo.