Cannabis and Steroids: What You Need To Know

According to Reuters, an estimated 1.2 % of adults in the United States take oral steroids each year. Most commonly, this is a medication known as Prednisone. With this large population using oral steroids, knowing the side effects and safe interactions is critical.

In addition, the rise of legalization, easing federal government restrictions, and acceptance of Cannabis means more people are using Cannabis products legally than ever before. Medical use of Cannabis is now legal in 39 states (as of 2022), while recreational use is now legal in 19 states and Washington DC. Many people use medical Cannabis to help promote good sleep and relaxation and to reduce anxiety. Keep reading to learn everything you need about the interaction between Cannabis and Steroids.

Potency of Steroids

Using marijuana while also on anabolic steroids may impact your body’s ability to absorb and process the steroid medication. The weed may cause the steroids to be less effective. Depending on why you’re taking the steroid, it could be potentially harmful if you’re not achieving the intended result from prescription medications. 

If you are a regular Cannabis user, it is essential to mention this to the prescribing doctor of your prescription steroid. This allows your doctor to change your dose or adjust the type of prescription medication accordingly. 

While many people hesitated to mention marijuana use to their doctor, it is now far more widely accepted and legal in many locations. You can feel comfortable mentioning Cannabis (or other drugs) to your doctor.

Prednisone and Weed

One of the most common types of prescription steroids is Prednisone. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can treat many different conditions and ailments. Medical professionals may prescribe it to help patients with autoimmune conditions, cancer, or specific types of allergies. Steroid medications such as Prednisone mimic a hormone called Cortisol in the body. In turn, the goal is to help reduce widespread inflammation in the body. 

At this time, there are no known interactions between Prednisone and Cannabis. This is not to say that patients cannot experience the potential side effects listed below, like the adverse effects on the central nervous system.

Side Effects

Many Cannabis users use the substance to help relax them and reduce anxious feelings. However, using steroids with Cannabis could have the opposite effect, leading to increased anxiety. If you’re on a steroid prescription, taking caution when using weed is essential to avoid an adverse reaction.

You may experience various side effects if smoking weed and steroids together. Some users experience violent vomiting, known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Also, patients may experience other symptoms of weight gain, high blood pressure, insomnia, and mood or anxiety disorders. 

In addition, users may experience other adverse effects like dizziness, sluggishness, shortness of breath, hives, itching, and other respiratory problems.

Using Cannabis Instead of Steroids

If you’re using steroids to fight inflammation in the body, you may have wondered if Cannabis use is an alternative. Many people prefer the idea of a natural plant rather than taking a prescription drug.

While both marijuana and steroids contain components that may help fight inflammation, we do not recommend stopping your Steroid medication. Speak to your doctor before making any changes to your dose to avoid any medical complications.

Cannabinoids and inflammation are still a topic of discussion in medical research. There is a need for advanced research in this field.

Illegal Use of Steroids

Using steroids illegally (when not prescribed to you) is a significant problem within the U.S. Using steroids can become addictive, even after just one use. Unlike Cannabis, which does not have addictive properties, steroid abuse is a serious concern, as both are physically and psychologically addictive substances.

Symptoms of steroid addiction include intense anxiety, heart palpitation, cravings, depression, and more. Steroid use is every day amongst competitive athletes looking to gain an advantage, as it can promote muscle growth. 

Make Smart Choices

Consult with your doctor or another medical professional before mixing any two substances, especially if you are on other certain medications or suffer from mental disorders or severe health problems. 

Also, you want to buy steroids online in Canada from a reliable source. 

Lastly, if you plan to buy weed online, you should pick a reliable source like Get Kush. Alternatively, you can get same-day service from local dispensaries like Daily Treats in Vancouver.

References 

Department of Justice. Cannabis Act  (2018). Available at: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-24.5/

Sharp.com Team. (2021, September 15). Marijuana and prescription drugs: a dangerous combination. Available at: https://www.sharp.com/health-news/marijuana-and-prescription-drugs-a-dangerous-combination.cfm

De Pietro, M. (2020, July 21). Medical Marijuana. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/medical-marijuana/benefits-of-marijuana

Online Steroids Canada. (2022, September 7). Buy Anabolic Steroids Online in Canada. Available at: https://onlinesteroidscanada.com/

Daily Treats Delivery. (2022, September 7). BC’s Top Weed Delivery Service. Available at: https://dailytreatsdelivery.io/

DVUSD.org Team. (2022). Marijuana, Inhalants, and Steroids, Chapter 23 Lesson 3. Available at: https://www.dvusd.org/cms/lib/AZ01901092/Centricity/Domain/2919/Chapter%2023%20Lesson%203.pdf

Smart ED. (2022, September 7). Buy ED pills online in Canada. Available at: https://getsmarted.co/