Combining Cannabis and Cold Medicine: Is It Safe?

Introduction

The quest for a permanent cure for the common cold has eluded us for centuries. While some practices can expedite recovery, others might prolong the ordeal. This dilemma raises a pertinent question for cannabis users: "Can I smoke weed and take cold medicine simultaneously?" 

In this blog post, we delve into the research regarding cannabis and cold medication, their potential interactions, and the safety considerations for combining them.

Understanding Cold Medicines and Their Ingredients

Cold medicines typically contain a combination of different active ingredients designed to target various symptoms of a cold or flu. Some of the most common ingredients include:

• Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine): Used to reduce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itching.

• Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine): Help to relieve nasal and sinus congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages.

• Cough Suppressants (e.g., dextromethorphan): Used to reduce the frequency of coughing.

• Expectorants (e.g., guaifenesin): Help to thin mucus, making it easier to cough up.

• Pain Relievers/Fever Reducers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen): Used to relieve aches, pains, and fever.

Each of these ingredients serves a specific purpose, but when combined with cannabis, they may lead to interactions that can either intensify or reduce the effects of the medication, potentially leading to unwanted side effects.

How Cannabis Affects the Body

Cannabis contains hundreds of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, with the most well-known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD is non-psychoactive and is used more for its therapeutic properties.

When consumed, cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate functions like mood, pain, appetite, and sleep. Many people use cannabis to relieve symptoms such as pain, inflammation, nausea, and insomnia. However, cannabis can also cause side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, and changes in heart rate, especially when used in larger amounts.

Should You Combine Weed and Cold Medicine?

For most cannabis consumers, it is not advisable to mix weed with cold medicine. If you decide to use cannabis while taking cold medication, proceed with caution. Smoking can irritate the throat and lungs, which is undesirable when you're already dealing with a sore throat and coughing. Furthermore, cannabis consumption may exacerbate unwanted side effects of common cold medications, such as pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil. 

While many people turn to cannabis for relief from pain, epilepsy, inflammation, and sleep issues, an excessive dose can lead to dizziness or nausea, potentially worsening your condition. Numerous other remedies, apart from cold medicine, can alleviate cold symptoms without interacting with cannabis. 

Doctors typically recommend staying hydrated, resting, gargling with warm salt water, consuming warm liquids with honey, and using a humidifier.

Related: Epilepsy and Medical Marijuana

How Weed Can Interact with Cold Medication

The active ingredients in many cold medicines include acetaminophen (the primary component in Tylenol), dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, doxylamine, and phenylephrine. Some of these ingredients, like dextromethorphan, acetaminophen, phenylephrine, and doxylamine, can induce side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, nausea, or vomiting. Cannabis can also lead to similar adverse effects. 

Combining both substances may intensify the severity and duration of these unpleasant sensations. There is little concern about combining cannabis with ibuprofen or guaifenesin, but no direct studies exist to confirm their compatibility. It's advisable to consult your doctor before adding these medications to your cannabis routine or vice versa.

NyQuil and Weed

NyQuil is a widely recognized over-the-counter cold medicine brand, effective in relieving cough, headaches, congestion, and more. Despite its apparent innocuousness, combining NyQuil with cannabis warrants caution. NyQuil contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine, all linked to side effects like stomach pains, dizziness, and drowsiness, similar to the effects of excessive cannabis consumption. 

Furthermore, some studies suggest that cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, might affect liver enzymes responsible for processing medications like NyQuil, potentially amplifying side effects. NyQuil's status as a cough suppressant may counteract the relief cannabis provides, while its alcohol content can heighten dizziness and incoherence. The interaction between cannabis and NyQuil varies from person to person, and more research is needed to comprehend the dynamics fully.

Read Also: CBD vs. CBG

Can Smoking Weed Help Alleviate a Cold or Make It Worse?

Doctors do not recommend smoking weed while you have a cold, not because cannabinoids directly influence the virus, but due to how cannabis and cold medicine interact with our bodies. Cannabis compounds possess antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. However, direct smoke inhalation can worsen cold symptoms. To continue using cannabis during a cold, consider non-smokable forms like tinctures or capsules to avoid throat and lung irritation.

Related: Smoking vs. Edibles- The Pros And Cons

Can Smoking Cannabis Help Against Other Viruses?

While there's limited research on cannabis's interaction with the common cold, certain cannabinoids have been studied in their interaction with other viruses, such as HSV, HIV, and influenza. Recent studies have explored the impact of cannabinoids on the COVID-19 virus, with CBD demonstrating antiviral properties. Continued research is needed to understand how cannabis interacts with viruses.

Wrapping Up 

In general, it's not recommended to combine smoking weed with cold medicine, as this may lead to undesirable reactions when you're already unwell. Smoke inhalation can exacerbate cold symptoms. If you choose to use cannabis for cold symptom relief, opt for non-smokable forms like tinctures or capsules, and consult with your doctor for the safest approach.

FAQs: Combining Cannabis and Cold Medicine

1. Can I safely smoke weed while taking cold medicine?

Answer: It is generally not recommended to combine smoking weed with cold medicine. Smoking can irritate your throat and lungs, worsening cold symptoms, and the combination may amplify unwanted side effects.

2. What are the potential interactions between cannabis and common cold medications?

Answer: Many cold medications contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. Cannabis can induce similar effects. Combining them may intensify these side effects, impacting your well-being.

3. Can I use cannabis products other than smoking to alleviate cold symptoms?

Answer: Yes, non-smokable forms of cannabis, such as tinctures or capsules, can be a safer option for cold symptom relief. They deliver the desired effects without the irritation associated with smoking.

4. Is it safe to combine NyQuil and cannabis for cold relief?

Answer: It's advisable to exercise caution when combining NyQuil and cannabis. NyQuil's ingredients can overlap with cannabis-induced side effects, and the interaction varies among individuals. More research is needed to fully understand the dynamics.

5. Are there any studies on how cannabis interacts with the common cold virus itself?

Answer: There is limited research on the direct interaction between cannabis and the common cold virus. However, certain cannabinoids have been studied in relation to other viruses like HSV, HIV, and influenza. Continued research is essential to better understand how cannabis interacts with viruses, including the common cold.