Can You Safely Combine Weed and Prednisone?

We all know that weed and prednisone can affect our bodies differently when used separately. But if you’re dealing with a pretty nasty bout of inflammation, perhaps you are curious about what happens if you combine them.

Is it safe and particularly beneficial to do so? Or will it enhance the frustrating side effects commonly associated with prednisone use? We did some digging to find out the potential risks and benefits of combining cannabis and prednisone. Here’s what we found out.

What Is Prednisone?

Prednisone is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids, commonly used to treat inflammation. It can treat a wide range of conditions, including allergies, cancers, asthma, arthritis, skin conditions, and other autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Common side effects include:

• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

Prednisone works best with short-term use. Long-term use can cause serious side effects such as osteoporosis (bone loss leading to weakness and increased fracture risk), high blood pressure, adrenal suppression, skin fragility, slow wound healing, glaucoma, or cataracts. For most people, however, the health benefits of short-term prednisone use outweigh the potential risks.

Is Prednisone a Steroid?

In short, prednisone is a type of steroid, specifically a corticosteroid, which is different from anabolic steroids commonly used in bodybuilding. In addition, prednisone is a prodrug, meaning it first needs to be activated by the liver into prednisolone. The activated prednisolone then works by suppressing immune cell responses and tightening blood vessels, which helps reduce inflammation. 

It does this by entering immune cells and binding to specialized receptors in the nucleus, which prevents the release of inflammatory substances. 

These actions help relieve symptoms such as swelling, pain, and redness. In addition, prednisone decreases the immune system’s response to prevent organ transplant rejections. It also has specific anti-cancer mechanisms and may relieve nausea and vomiting.

Is It Safe To Combine Prednisone and Weed?

The latest research shows that cannabis and prednisone can be used simultaneously with caution due to the moderate risk of interaction. They can still be used if the short-term benefit outweighs the risk and the patient is closely monitored for signs of steroid toxicity. This is because steroids and weed influence the same metabolic enzymes, causing a bottleneck in their metabolism and excretion, thus increasing exposure to the steroid. 

Potential Benefits and Risks of Mixing Prednisone and Marijuana

When combining prednisone and marijuana, it’s important to weigh both the potential benefits and risks. Prednisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, so using it should not be taken lightly. On the other hand, marijuana has been recognized for its ability to fight inflammation. 

However, due to the way these substances interact in the body, their simultaneous use requires careful consideration. Below, we explore the potential benefits and risks of mixing prednisone and weed to provide a clearer understanding of how they might work together and where caution is advised.

Potential Benefits

Using marijuana alongside prednisone may provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits, especially for those with chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, or inflammatory bowel disease. Cannabis is known to reduce inflammation through its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which can complement the anti-inflammatory effects of prednisone. 

Additionally, for patients using prednisone for short-term flare-ups, cannabis may help alleviate pain and discomfort, offering a more holistic approach to symptom management. Cannabis’s potential to reduce reliance on higher doses of prednisone could minimize some of the side effects commonly associated with steroid use.

Potential Risks

While combining prednisone and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) may offer benefits, there are significant risks involved. Both substances are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which can lead to a bottleneck effect, increasing exposure to prednisone and raising the likelihood of steroid toxicity. Research shows this interaction may heighten the risk of systemic side effects of prednisone. 

Additionally, heavy cannabis smoking may decrease bone density, (especially if you’re on steroids), increasing the likelihood of fractures and osteoporosis. The best option for these patients is to consume cannabis edibles or vaporize flower instead of smoking.

Final Thoughts

Although more research may help us understand the full extent of how weed and prednisone work together, it seems that cannabis and prednisone are powerful allies against inflammation. While it is promising that the two work well together, there is still a moderate risk for interaction worth looking out for and mentioning to your provider. 

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medications, especially steroids. Tell them if you are taking cannabis, which may affect the dose they give you. The last thing you want is to experience any unpleasant side effects and dangers associated with increased steroid exposure or abruptly stopping corticosteroid therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke while taking prednisone?

It’s best to avoid smoking while on prednisone, as it may weaken your bones and increase the risk of fractures. Consider safer methods like edibles or vaping.

What to avoid while taking prednisone?

Avoid alcohol, grapefruit, and non-prescribed medications that can interact with prednisone. Smoking can also weaken bones and increase the risk of side effects.

Does cannabis work better for treating pain than prednisone?

Cannabis can help with pain, but it works differently than prednisone. It may be better for some people depending on their condition, but always consult your doctor.

What medications should you not mix with weed?

Avoid mixing weed with blood thinners, sedatives, or any medication that affects the central nervous system. Always check with your healthcare provider before combining cannabis with other medications.

Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.