Can you use weed if you take Xanax?

Many people turn to cannabis to promote feelings of relaxation. However, combining cannabis with alprazolam (Xanax) — a type of medication that’s often prescribed to treat anxiety — may cause certain side effects. While these side effects are usually mild and temporary, it’s best to avoid mixing them without first getting approval from your healthcare provider.

Learn more about the possible drug interactions between cannabis and Xanax, and how to use them safely.

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What is Xanax?

Xanax belongs to a category of prescription medications called benzodiazepines. It’s commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, but it can also be used to treat:

• Insomnia
• Muscle spasms
• Epilepsy and seizures

How does Xanax work?

Benzodiazepines like Xanax work by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in your brain that helps you feel calm.

Xanax and other benzodiazepines can be effective at treating your symptoms. But they can also cause side effects such as:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Poor balance or coordination
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Dependency
• Brain fog
• Addiction

Ask your doctor about choosing a dosage that lowers the risk of these side effects.

Is it safe to take Xanax and weed?

Research on how cannabis interacts with Xanax is limited. But mixing cannabis with Xanax carries some risks, including an increased chance of side effects such as:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Poor balance or coordination
• Memory problems

Both Xanax and cannabis also lower the amount of liver enzymes that break down certain drugs in the body, which impacts how they work. When taken together, the effects of both substances can last for longer than intended and increase the risk of side effects.

While cannabis may help relieve anxiety, cannabis products containing high doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can increase anxiety for some people. So taking it with Xanax may counteract the medication’s calming effects.

Can I mix CBD and Xanax together?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonintoxicating cannabis compound. It’s often used to help:

• Lower inflammation
• Reduce anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Ease pain

Taking CBD and Xanax together may increase side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.

Like other cannabis compounds, CBD lowers the amount of liver enzymes that metabolize medications like Xanax. Mixing the two may also alter the effectiveness of both substances.

How to take weed and Xanax

If you’ve been prescribed Xanax, ask your doctor if you can safely take it in combination with cannabis. They may help you develop a dosing plan that minimizes any risks. 

You can also follow these general safety tips for taking Xanax and cannabis together:

• Start low and go slow: Taking higher doses of either substance increases risks of an interaction. Instead, start by taking low amounts of each. Only increase each dose as needed (under your doctor’s supervision) to reach the desired results. If you experience any unwanted side effects, reduce your dosages, and talk to your doctor about next steps.
• Be mindful of timing: Consider taking cannabis and Xanax at different times of day to minimize any interaction risks. Be aware of how long it takes for each substance to take effect. For example, the effects of Xanax can peak in 1 to 2 hours and last for around 4 hours. Cannabis edibles can peak in 2 to 3 hours and last for 8 hours. When inhaled, the effects of cannabis can peak in 15 to 30 minutes and last for a couple of hours.   
• Ask about other medications: If you’re taking other medications, ask your doctor about any other potential interaction risks. Together, you can make a plan to limit your risk.

The takeaway: Talk to your doctor before you mix Xanax and marijuana

Both cannabis and Xanax are widely used to manage anxiety symptoms. But combining them can increase your risk of certain side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. And, in some cases, they can counteract one another’s effectiveness. 

Before taking Xanax and cannabis together, ask your doctor or a Leafwell healthcare professional for help establishing a safe dosing plan.

Resources

• Alprazolam. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
• Cannabis and anxiety: A critical review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10890807/