The drugs we take under medical prescription, for pleasure, or other purposes all contain chemicals that alter our body functions in one way or another. Likewise, Cannabis and steroids influence the body and mind normal processes and psychological behaviours, whether taken individually or together. As a result, both stand a chance of abuse or misuse, which may lead to addiction.
The legalization and acceptance of marijuana as herbal medicine because of its healing capabilities contributes to some products for treating specific illnesses. The use of weed as a stimulant is also increasing as more medical revelations are being made. When treating certain diseases, doctors prescribe steroids. Unfortunately, steroids are also part of the substance that people abuse, and there is a possibility of a person abusing both Cannabis and steroids.
So, can I take weed and steroids together? Read on to find the benefits, side effects, and consequences of combining the two.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis or marijuana is a herb humans have used in different corners of the earth, mainly as recreational drugs. Marijuana has more than 100 cannabinoid chemicals. For example, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces the “high” effect one feels on smoking weed or consumption of other cannabis products.
Medical marijuana uses cannabidiol (CBD) and THC to make prescription drugs in hospitals. Initially, cannabis use was illegal in many countries, but over seventy countries and states have legalized it for medical purposes or recreation.
How does Cannabis Help Medically?
The cannabinoid chemicals active in medical marijuana are similar to the ones the human body makes that control memory, pain, appetite, and movement.
Although research on the medicinal use of Cannabis is limited as a potent drug and its legal implications, scientists recommend the use of CBD and THC in the following cases:
- Anti-inflammatory drug and relieve pain
- Controlling nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy treatment
- Reducing anxiety
- Muscle relaxation for patients suffering from MS
- Killing and inhibiting cancer cells
- Stimulating appetite to help AIDS and cancer patients gain weight
Approval of Epidiolex, made from CBD by the FDA as a therapy for hard-to-treat and severe seizures, adds another crown to medical Cannabis.
How is Medical Cannabis Taken?
- Inhaling its mist through a vaporizer
- Using a dropper directly in the mouth
- Ingestion through other food products
- Smoking
- Direct skin application information of oil, cream, spray, or lotion
Side Effects of Medical Cannabis
- Depression
- Low blood pressure
- Bloodshot eyes
- Accelerated heartbeat
- Hallucinations
What are Steroids?
Steroids refer to natural chemicals/hormones your body produces to help tissues, cells, and organs do their jobs. Steroids may also mean laboratory-made medicines. Synthetic steroids are of two types: corticosteroids and anabolic steroids.
What are Corticosteroids?
They’re prescription medicines for fighting inflammation in the body. The drugs induce cortisol, a hormone from the adrenal glands that causes inflammation. Corticosteroids can be introduced to work locally on an affected area or to work from within the system. An example is prednisone.
Clinically Corticosteroids are prescription medicines for treating conditions causing swelling and irritation.
They ease inflammations resulting from these conditions:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Asthma
- Lupus and other autoimmune disorders
- Rashes and skin conditions, e.g., eczema
What are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are chemically made drugs to induce the male sex hormone testosterone.
Doctors can prescribe them in cases where the body isn’t producing enough testosterone, like:
- To patients losing weight because of AIDS, cancer, and other health conditions
- Men with low testosterone levels
- In cases of delayed puberty in boys
Anabolic steroids are available as injections, patches, inhalers, and topical creams.
Anabolic Steroids Abuse and Misuse
Anabolic capabilities of improving performance and enhancing muscle powers encourage people to misuse and abuse drugs—some abusers take abnormal doses up to 100 times the legally prescribed clinical levels.
Side Effects of Steroids
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Swelling in the face and extremities
Is it Safe to Take Cannabis and Steroids Together?
There is unsubstantial research on the effects of using marijuana and steroids, and we cannot highlight the benefits of combining the medication. However, as there are no known interactions, medical CBD doctors may recommend cannabis treatment alongside prednisone if a condition warrants using both.
Cannabinoids (CBD and THCA) have anti-inflammatory capabilities that can complement the immunosuppressive abilities of steroids. However, patients shouldn’t think of cannabinoids as a better alternative than corticosteroids. Depending on an individual, there may be opportunities to use both in treating arthritis and some autoimmune diseases.
Suppose you are a regular user of Cannabis; feel free to talk about it with your doctor. In that case, the stigma previously associated with marijuana is fading as more countries legalize its use. However, doctors should also thoroughly consult and regularly monitor their progress to avoid complications from combining Cannabis and steroids.
What are the Effects of Taking Steroids and Weed Together?
When you take medicines, they go through your digestive system, and the liver breaks down the compounds in the drug into individual elements, discarding waste and absorbing the essentials.
The hepatic portal vein, an enzymatic pathway (CYP450), is responsible for metabolizing CBD and other medicines. CBD is known to inhibit CYP3A4 making other drugs metabolize at a lower rate. Therefore, using CBD and prednisone for a long time can lead to a high glucocorticoid concentration in the body, raising the risks of systemic CS side effects.
Using corticosteroids over a long period decreases bone density causing osteoporosis. Similarly, heavy cannabis users show evidence of low bone density. A combination of Cannabis and steroids in the long-term increases fracture risk due to weak bones.
The THC component that makes one high on marijuana encourages people to become more dependent on the drug, increasing dosage and intake intervals. Anabolic steroid abusers likewise continue to expand their doses and uptake intervals. As a result, heavy steroid users may fail to fill the high of marijuana, encouraging the user to indulge more.
THC and steroids (predominantly anabolic) are not safe to use together; the use of steroids is illegal if not under a doctor’s prescription. In addition, studies show that abusers of weed and steroids combined are at risk of developing medical, behavioural, and psychological issues.
Conclusion on Taking Marijuana With Steroids
Major health agencies, such as WHO, acknowledge CBD’s safety and therapeutic capabilities. Cannabis is well tolerated by our bodies and doesn’t produce dangerous side effects.
However, CBD impacts several body systems during the healing process, causing it to interact with other medications you may be taking. In addition, heavy and prolonged use of both Cannabis and steroids is known to cause psychological issues, which may lead to more cravings for the other.
Before starting a CBD medication program while on steroids, you should consult with a doctor. There is no need to figure out how the drugs will react in your body on your own.
Lastly, you want to ensure you buy steroids online in Canada from trusted sources. Also, you want to buy top-grade cannabis prodcuts from reliable dispensaries like WeedSmart.
References
Webmd. (2021, July 30). Bulk Up Your Steroid Smarts. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-steroids-101
Livvy, A. (2022, August 29). CBD Drug Interactions – Mixing Cannabidiol and Medications.CFAH. Available at: https://cfah.org/cbd-drug-interactions/
Online Steroids Canada. (2022, November 15). Buy Anabolic Steroids Online in Canada. Available at: https://onlinesteroidscanada.com/
Natalie, S. (2020, March 4). Does CBD Oil Interact with Prednisone? Way of Leaf. Available at: https://wayofleaf.com/cbd/101/does-cbd-oil-interact-with-prednisone
Shanti, R. Is It Safe to Use Cannabis If You Take Prednisone? Leafwell. Available at: https://leafwell.com/blog/prednisone-and-marijuana/
