Written by Dra. Rocio Vargas
More people are turning to medical cannabis to help manage health conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, epilepsy, and insomnia. If you’re using it alongside prescription drugs, you might wonder if it’s safe to mix the two. Whether you’re living in Colombia or just visiting, it’s important to know how cannabis might interact with your current medications.
Many tourists and locals also ask, is weed legal in Colombia? Yes, medical cannabis is legal and regulated. You need a prescription from a licensed doctor to access it through certified dispensaries. While this article isn’t focused on the law, it’s important to understand that legal access to medical cannabis is possible.
Now let’s talk about something just as important—how cannabis might affect your other medications.
How Medical Cannabis Affects the Body
Medical cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids. The two most common ones are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the part that can cause a “high,” while CBD is non-psychoactive and often used for inflammation, anxiety, or seizures.
When you take cannabis, these cannabinoids are processed by your liver. The liver uses a group of enzymes, especially one called CYP450, to break down both cannabis and many prescription drugs. This means cannabis can interfere with how your body processes certain medications. The results vary: it can make your meds stronger, weaker, or cause unexpected side effects.
Medications That May Interact with Cannabis
Some medications have a higher chance of reacting with THC or CBD. Below are the most common drug groups that may be affected.
Antidepressants
Drugs like sertraline, fluoxetine, and amitriptyline may have increased side effects when mixed with cannabis. You might feel more sleepy, dizzy, or anxious. In rare cases, it could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Anxiety Medications and Sleep Aids
Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam already slow down the nervous system. Adding cannabis can increase sedation and even impair memory or coordination.
Blood Thinners
Cannabis, especially CBD, may affect how your blood clots. If you are taking warfarin or similar medications, this can lead to higher bleeding risks. You’ll want to have your levels checked more often if using both.
Anti-Seizure Medications
If you’re using cannabis for epilepsy and already taking medications like clobazam or valproate, be aware that CBD can affect their levels. This can either increase side effects or reduce effectiveness if not monitored.
Immunosuppressants
People with autoimmune diseases or transplants often take drugs that control the immune system. Cannabis may interact with these drugs and change how they work, so medical advice is strongly recommended.
What Tourists and Expats Need to Know
If you’re visiting Colombia and already taking prescription medication, make sure to bring your doctor’s note and original packaging. This helps if you need to speak with a Colombian doctor about continuing your treatment with cannabis.
It’s also important to find a clinic or doctor in Colombia who understands both your current health conditions and how cannabis is used medically. If you don’t speak Spanish well, consider preparing a short phrase to help explain your situation. For example, “Estoy tomando medicamentos recetados. ¿Es seguro usar cannabis médico con estos?” means “I am taking prescription medications. Is it safe to use medical cannabis with these?”
How to Stay Safe When Using Medical Cannabis With Other Medications
The best way to avoid negative interactions is to work with a doctor who knows your full medical history. Even if you feel fine, mixing cannabis with other drugs without guidance can be risky.
Here are a few safety tips:
- Start low and go slow. Begin with a small dose of cannabis and increase it only if needed, especially if you’re combining it with other medications.
- Watch for side effects. These can include dizziness, fatigue, upset stomach, or confusion. If you notice anything unusual, stop using cannabis and talk to a doctor.
- Don’t change your medication routine on your own. Always check with a medical professional before stopping or adjusting your prescriptions.
Accessing Medical Cannabis Safely in Colombia
To use medical cannabis legally and safely in Colombia, you need a prescription from a licensed doctor. Several clinics in the country specialize in cannabis treatments and can provide support in English or Spanish. Once you have a prescription, you can buy products like oils or capsules at approved dispensaries.
If you’re already using cannabis in your home country, be sure to tell your Colombian doctor so they can recommend the right product and dose for your situation. Product strength and purity can vary between countries, so a local evaluation helps avoid confusion or overdose.
Final Thoughts
Medical cannabis is helping many people manage pain, stress, and other chronic conditions. But if you’re also using prescription drugs, it’s essential to understand how the two can interact. Whether you’re in Colombia temporarily or for the long term, speaking with a qualified healthcare provider can keep you safe and help you get the most benefit from your treatment.
If you have any questions about the process to obtain a medicinal cannabis prescription or want to know if medical cannabis is right for your condition, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. You can contact me, Dr. Rocio Vargas, I am a physician specialized in medical cannabis treatments; I will be happy to guide you with professional and personalized care.
