Combining marijuana and opioids is a form of polysubstance abuse. Some people mix them to enhance their euphoric effects, whereas others do so when seeking better pain relief. In any case, you should never take them together without medical supervision, as this drug combination can have detrimental effects on your physical and mental health.
Read along to learn the key things you should know about the interaction between cannabis and opioids and why it’s not a good idea to mix them.
How Do Opioids Work, and What’s Their Effect on the Body?
Opioids are a class of drugs prescribed for pain management that work by interacting with the opioid receptors located throughout the central nervous system (CNS).
Upon consumption, these drugs bind to these receptors and block pain signals from reaching the brain, altering the perception of pain. Opioids also cause the brain to release an excessive amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter known as the “feel-good” hormone. In doing so, they induce feelings of euphoria and deep relaxation, making the user feel “high.”
Given that people are naturally wired to seek out behaviors that release dopamine, these rewarding effects significantly increase the risk of opioid abuse. Opioid medications have a high potential for misuse, dependence, and opioid addiction and should be taken strictly as prescribed.
Since opioids slow down messages between the body and the brain, they can also lead to sedation, slowed breathing, and decreased heart rate, especially if abused (i.e., taken in ways other than prescribed, such as in higher or more frequent doses).
Some examples of opioid drugs include:
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Tramadol
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
Opioid Use Side Effects
The most common side effects of opioid use include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
Furthermore, using opioids for an extended time, even as prescribed, will eventually lead to dependence, as repeated exposure to these drugs alters brain chemistry. More specifically, it decreases endorphin production while increasing the production of opioid receptors, resulting in tolerance.
Prolonged opioid use also increases the risk of opioid addiction, organ damage, suppressed immune function, and other negative consequences.
Mixing opioids with other substances without medical supervision amplifies the risk of adverse effects, including a potentially fatal overdose.
Inform your doctor about any side effects you experience while using opioid painkillers. In case of severe adverse effects, such as allergies, seek medical help immediately.
How Does Marijuana Interact With the Brain?
Marijuana primarily interacts with the brain through two active compounds, also known as cannabinoids: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes you to feel “high,” whereas CBD is a cannabinoid with medicinal properties that doesn’t produce psychoactive effects.
Because marijuana is not an opioid, it doesn’t attach to opioid receptors. Instead, THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, leading to various effects, including:
- Anxiety
- Euphoria
- Paranoia
- Increased appetite
- Altered time perception
Meanwhile, the exact way CBD works isn’t fully understood yet, but it doesn’t directly attach to the same receptors as THC. However, it can activate the 5-HT1A (hydroxytryptamine) serotonin receptor. It produces calming effects, which can offset the undesired effects of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia.
In recent years, using cannabis for pain management has become increasingly common. A study by Libat Weizman et al. found that using THC for nerve pain is more effective than a placebo. Another study by Jussi Jylkkä et al. comparing marijuana vs. opioids for chronic pain found that they’re equally effective in reducing pain intensity.
Although some believe marijuana could help curb the opioid epidemic, it is more likely to contribute to it. Evidence suggests it is more commonly used as a companion drug than a substitute for opioids, which comes with its own dangers.
On this note, let’s explore the dangers of mixing marijuana and opioids.
Dangers of Mixing Marijuana and Opioids
The key dangers of mixing marijuana and opioids include the increased risk of respiratory conditions, sedation, mental health issues, and overdose.
Here’s a detailed overview of these dangers:
#1. Increased Risk of Respiratory Diseases
In some cases, mixing marijuana and opioids may amplify the risk of severe breathing problems.
While medical cannabis doesn’t normally depress the respiratory system, smoking it may lead to lung problems, trigger chronic bronchitis, and worsen respiratory symptoms. However, there have been cases of respiratory depression among people using synthetic cannabinoids; as such, you should never combine them with opioids.
#2. Enhanced Sedation and Drowsiness
The interaction between opioids and cannabis is synergistic, meaning the effects of combining these drugs are more intense than taking them separately. Since both drugs can act as depressants, taking them together may amplify their sedative effects, considerably slowing down the CNS.
This can result in drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slowed reaction times. So, for your own and other people’s safety, avoid driving and operating heavy machinery while under the influence of marijuana and opioids.
#3. Compromised Mental Health
The combination of marijuana and opioids can trigger or exacerbate various mental health conditions, including paranoia, depression, and even hallucinations.
Researchers from the University of Houston found that the co-use of cannabis and opioids enhances the risk of anxiety, depression, and substance use issues. Additionally, this drug combination doesn’t improve the pain experience in patients with chronic pain compared to opioid use alone.
#4. Higher Risk of Overdose
Mixing marijuana and opioids can significantly increase the risk of an opioid overdose, as these drugs amplify each other’s effects and increase the risk of opioid misuse.
Furthermore, this drug combination can impact your judgment. It can cause you to misjudge the opioid dose, make it harder for you to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, and make you less likely to seek help.
If you or someone around you displays signs of an opioid overdose, such as difficulty breathing, profound sedation, or pinpoint pupils, call 911 immediately. An opioid overdose can have fatal consequences without prompt medical help.
#5. Unpredictable Effects
Concurrent use of marijuana and opioids without medical supervision is a form of polysubstance abuse. Mixing opioids with other substances without the doctor’s approval can have unpredictable effects, and the combination with marijuana is no exception. Its effects may vary based on the dosage of both substances, their potency, and other individual factors.
Mixing marijuana and opioids in high doses significantly increases the risk of side effects associated with both drugs, including “greening out.” This phenomenon happens when people consume an excessive amount of cannabis, which can cause heart palpitations, panic, vomiting, sweating, and other unpleasant symptoms.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis and Opioid Abuse
The short-term effects of cannabis and opioid abuse may include:
- Anxiety
- Euphoria
- Poor coordination
- Difficulty breathing
- Impaired judgment
- Excessive sedation
- Slowed reaction time
- Paranoia and panic attacks
- Confusion and disorientation
While these effects typically subside once the effects of both drugs wear off, long-term marijuana and opioid abuse elevate the risk of cognitive issues, such as memory problems, weakened immune system, and mental health problems. Smoking marijuana in particular exposes you to a higher risk of respiratory issues.
Additionally, the co-use of marijuana and opioids makes you more susceptible to substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioid use disorder (OUD).
How Marijuana and Opioid Use Increases the Risk of OUD
Concurrent marijuana and opioid use increases the risk of addiction by making you more likely to misuse opioids.
Researchers from the Tufts University School of Medicine found that patients with chronic pain using this drug combination face a higher risk of opioid abuse. Similarly, a study by Ziva D. Cooper et al. suggests that mixing oxy and weed increases oxycodone abuse liability.
Anyone who uses opioids for a prolonged time, with or without marijuana, will eventually become dependent. However, opioid abuse significantly increases the risk of OUD, which is primarily psychological. While those dependent on opioids rely on them to feel normal, people with OUD cannot resist using them, even when it destroys their lives.
The good news is that opioid dependence and addiction are treatable conditions; addressing physical dependence is also key to preventing OUD.
Some people even use marijuana for opioid withdrawal to ease cravings and other symptoms upon drug discontinuation. However, according to the CDC, there’s no evidence that it works for opioid addiction treatment; in fact, cannabis can worsen withdrawal symptoms in some people.
Although there are many approaches to treating OUD, from rapid detox to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), traditional methods only scratch the surface of the problem. This is because they focus on the symptoms of opioid dependence rather than its root causes.
Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) remains the first and only treatment that addresses the neurobiological causes of the issue, facilitating long-lasting recovery.
ANR – The Most Effective Opioid Dependence Treatment
ANR is a revolutionary opioid dependence treatment developed by Dr. Andre Waismann. What makes it different from traditional approaches is that it targets the root cause of opioid dependence by resetting the balance of the opioid-receptor system.
More specifically, ANR treatment decreases the production of opioid receptors while also allowing the body to resume proper endorphin production levels, restoring normal brain function. Since this treatment returns the brain to its pre-dependence state, it eliminates cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, negating the risk of relapse.
Benefits of Undergoing ANR Treatment
The main benefits of undergoing ANR treatment are:
- Safety. At ANR Clinic, patient safety is an absolute priority. For this reason, ANR is tailored to each patient individually and carried out in an ICU setting of accredited hospitals by highly experienced board-certified medical professionals.
- High success rate. As the only treatment that eradicates opioid dependence at its root, ANR has an exceptionally high success rate. As of today, it has helped almost 25,000 people globally reclaim their lives.
- Short treatment duration. ANR doesn’t require weeks of rehab like most traditional treatments. Thanks to its comprehensive, scientifically based approach, it can help you return to an opioid-free life within a matter of days!
Meet Laiylah, our patient whose powerful story proves that recovery is possible for everyone, including you:
Take the first step toward the life you deserve today by contacting us for a free, 100% confidential consultation with zero obligation.
Key Takeaways
Although research on the effects of marijuana and opioids tends to produce mixed results, one thing is clear: you should never mix these drugs without medical supervision. At worst, their combined effects can have life-threatening consequences. If you need better pain relief, consult your doctor instead of mixing these two substances.
Lastly, let’s summarize the key points we covered in this article:
- Marijuana and opioids work on different receptors, but they can produce some similar effects, such as euphoria and sedation.
- Some dangers of combining cannabis with opioids include the increased risk of respiratory problems, profound drowsiness, mental health issues, and overdose.
- People who use marijuana and opioids concurrently are more likely to misuse opioids, which leaves them more vulnerable to opioid addiction.
- ANR is a highly effective opioid dependence treatment that re-regulates the endorphin-receptor system imbalance, thereby supporting long-term recovery.
Marijuana and Opioids FAQ
#1. Does cannabis help with pain?
Cannabis can help with pain, according to some studies, but its use for pain management still lacks scientific evidence. If you’re experiencing moderate-to-severe pain, doctors may suggest opioids; however, you should only use them as a last resort, given that these drugs are effective but highly addictive.
#2. Does marijuana affect opioids?
Marijuana can affect opioids, as these drugs interact synergistically, meaning they enhance each other’s effects. However, this doesn’t necessarily lead to better pain relief; some studies show that this drug combination increases the risk of anxiety, opioid abuse, and other adverse effects.
#3. Is mixing morphine and marijuana safe?
Mixing morphine and marijuana is not safe. Combining them increases the risk of adverse reactions associated with both substances, such as sedation. Depending on the potency, dosage, and other factors, the effects of this drug combination can be unpredictable and even life-threatening.
