Advil and Weed: Interaction and Side Effects

Advil and weed are two substances that are often used to relieve pain and inflammation. Advil is a common over-the-counter medication, while cannabis is a plant that has been used for centuries for medicinal and recreational purposes.

But before combining these two substances, it’s important to delve into the possible interaction between Advil and weed, including their effects on the body, potential risks, current research, and insights into how consumers can combine these substances safely. 

So, whether you’re a medical cannabis patient or simply looking for pain relief, read on to learn more about the interaction between Advil and cannabis.

What Is Advil?

Advil is a brand name for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called ibuprofen. NSAIDs are a type of medication that works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.

Patients commonly use NSAIDs for pain relief, such as headaches, menstrual cramps, toothache, arthritis, and muscle pain. They are also used to reduce fever and swelling and to manage conditions like gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

NSAIDs are widely available over-the-counter and are some of the most commonly used medications in the world. Over 30 million people use NSAIDs every single day. As such, their use makes up 60% of the US over-the-counter analgesic market.

The chemical characteristics of NSAIDs vary, but most work by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). This enzyme plays a critical role in producing prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation in the body.¹

It’s important to note that while NSAIDs can help manage pain and inflammation, they can also have side effects, especially if taken for a prolonged period or at high doses.

NSAIDs can also interact with other medications, including cannabis, and should be used with care in specific populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Advil Risks

While Advil can be an effective medication for managing pain and inflammation, it is not without its risks. This is particularly true if taken in excess or combined with other drugs. 

Some potential dangers of using Advil include:

Advil Side Effects

The most common side effects include stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. These symptoms can be problematic for individuals with a history of gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers or Crohn’s disease.

Besides gastrointestinal issues, Advil can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly if taken in high doses or over a long period. This risk is particularly pronounced in individuals with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure and in those who are over the age of 60. 

Advil can also cause liver and kidney damage, particularly if taken in excess or with other medications that can affect these organs.

Advil’s Potential Interactions with Other Drugs

It’s also important to note that Advil can interact with both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. For example, Advil can increase the risk of bleeding if taken with blood thinners. 

It can also interact with certain antidepressants and other medications. Individuals need to speak with their healthcare provider before taking Advil if they are taking other medications to ensure no potential interactions occur.

Advil can also interact with alcohol and certain herbal supplements, such as ginkgo balboa.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to Advil or other NSAIDs can be severe and life-threatening. People who are allergic to aspirin are more likely to be allergic to NSAIDs, including Advil. 

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance, in this case, Advil.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Advil can include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur, a medical emergency that can cause difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and a loss of consciousness.

If you experience these symptoms after taking Advil or any NSAID, seek medical attention immediately.

When taking Advil or any other medication, it’s essential to always read the label and follow the recommended dosages. If you experience any unwanted side effects or complications while taking Advil, speak with your healthcare provider immediately.

Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any other medications, supplements, or substances you are taking, including cannabis, to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Interactions Between Advil and Weed

While research on the specific interactions between Advil and weed is limited, the way they work in the body can shed some light on potential interactions. 

Both ibuprofen and weed can affect the central nervous system and feelings of pain and inflammation in the body.² Advil works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which can cause pain and inflammation. Cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis may also have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.^3,4

While there are no clinical studies on human subjects regarding the combination of ibuprofen and cannabis, there is one particularly fascinating study to make note of. A 2021 study has shed light on the potential impact cannabis may have on the metabolizing enzymes in the liver and kidneys. According to the research, cannabis can impede these enzymes, resulting in a slower breakdown of drugs, such as Advil. It is possible, then, that using cannabis could prolong the presence of drugs like Advil in the body, increasing the risk of unintentional overdose because of a slower metabolic process.

However, this was shown only in kidney cells grown in laboratories. Further human trials are necessary to establish the full extent of the consequences.⁵

Always speak with your healthcare provider before using Advil and cannabis together to ensure safe and effective treatment. Understanding the potential interactions between these substances can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Can Advil Enhance the Effects of Weed?

There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that Advil may enhance the effects of weed, but research on this topic is limited.

One study found that NSAIDs like ibuprofen had the potential to mitigate the adverse cognitive effects (such as memory deficits) that may come with consuming cannabis.⁶ But, beyond this, the science remains relatively scarce. 

Nevertheless, there is one mechanism that suggests (in theory anyway) that Advil could enhance the effects of cannabis. The human brain naturally produces chemicals similar to those produced by cannabis, called endocannabinoids, such as anandamide.⁷ This chemical is quickly broken down by enzymes or absorbed by nearby cells. However, drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin can prevent the breakdown of anandamide (thereby increasing its effects) by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for its metabolism. Perhaps, then, a similar mechanism of action takes place for THC (as both THC and anandamide bind to the same cannabinoid receptors).⁸

However, it’s important to note that combining Advil and cannabis may not always be safe or effective. Similar to ibuprofen’s potential to inhibit the metabolism of some endocannabinoids, cannabinoids may lengthen the time it takes for Advil to metabolize in the kidneys and liver. Thus, while it’s unclear if Advil can enhance the effects of cannabis, it may be such that cannabis can enhance the effects of Advil. As a result, combining the two may lead to an increased risk of side effects or complications.

It’s also important to consider individual factors when using Advil and cannabis (either separately or together). Age, weight, and overall health can each affect how the body processes and reacts to these substances.

Is It Safe to Combine Advil and Weed?

Combining Advil (ibuprofen) and weed (cannabis) may carry potential risks that consumers should be aware of. While research on the specific interactions between these substances is limited, speaking with your healthcare provider before combining the two is crucial to ensure safe and appropriate treatment.

Potential Drug Interactions

Both ibuprofen and weed can interact with other medications. 

For example, Advil can interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. It can also interact with other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage. 

Therefore, always speak with your healthcare provider before using Advil and cannabis together.

Increased Risk of Side Effects

Both Advil and cannabis can have side effects, such as stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness. Combining these substances may increase the risk of these side effects or make them more severe.

Mixed Effects on Pain and Inflammation

While cannabis and Advil can have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, they may not work in the same way or for the same pain.

While there is limited research on the specific interactions between Advil and cannabis, it’s generally recommended to proceed with caution and consult your healthcare provider before using these substances together.

Your medical cannabis doctor can help you understand the potential risks and benefits, along with strategies for safe and effective use.

Advil or Medical Cannabis: Which is Better for Light Pain Relief?

When it comes to light pain relief, both Advil and medical cannabis are commonly used options. However, the effectiveness and side effects of each vary and can influence a consumer’s decision.

Advil is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and pain. Studies have shown that Advil can treat light pain relief, such as headaches or menstrual cramps.⁹ However, long-term use or high doses can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and other side effects, such as kidney damage.

On the other hand, medical cannabis contains cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce pain and inflammation.

Studies have shown that medical cannabis may be effective for chronic pain relief, such as that associated with cancer, multiple sclerosis, or neuropathy.¹⁰ However, it can also have side effects, such as impaired cognitive function, dizziness, and anxiety.

If you’re considering medical cannabis to treat pain or inflammation, it’s crucial to obtain an MMJ card and consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in medicinal cannabis applications. It’s necessary to weigh the effectiveness, side effects, and individual factors such as age, weight, and overall health.

Conclusion 

Few studies have been conducted that investigate the links, interactions, and effects of combining Advil and cannabis, and more research is needed to understand exactly how they may interact in the body.

For this reason, consumers should speak with their healthcare provider before combining these two drugs, especially if they have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

If you have concerns or questions about cannabis laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician, or another licensed professional.

References

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2. York PG PharmD Candidate 2016 Marina Manniello, PharmD Candidate 2016 Michele Pisano, PharmD, CGP Assistant Professor Department of Clinical Health Professions College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences St John’s University Queens, New York Carmela Avena-Woods, BS Pharm, PharmD, CGP Associate Clinical Professor Department of Clinical Health Professions College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences St John’s University Queens, New. NSAIDs: Balancing the Risks and Benefits. www.uspharmacist.com. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/nsaids-balancing-the-risks-and-benefits

3.  Zarghi A, Arfaei S. Selective COX-2 Inhibitors: A Review of Their Structure-Activity Relationships. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR. 2011;10(4):655-683. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813081/

4.  Morteau O. Prostaglandins and inflammation: the cyclooxygenase controversy. Archivum Immunologiae Et Therapiae Experimentalis. 2000;48(6):473-480. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11197601/

5.  Cooney N, Pollack C, Butkerait P. Adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions with over-the-counter NSAIDs. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 2015;11:1061. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/tcrm.s79135

6.  Bell EC, Ravis WR, Lloyd KB, Stokes TJ. Effects of St. John’s Wort Supplementation on Ibuprofen Pharmacokinetics. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2007;41(2):229-234. doi:https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.1h602

7.  Blanca-López N, Soriano V, Garcia Martin E, Canto G, Blanca M. NSAID-induced reactions: classification, prevalence, impact, and management strategies. Journal of Asthma and Allergy. 2019;Volume 12:217-233. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/jaa.s164806

8.  Shaikhain TA, Al-Husayni F, Elder K. Ibuprofen-induced Anaphylactic Shock in Adult Saudi Patient. Cureus. Published online December 20, 2019. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6425

9.  Reiman A, Welty M, Solomon P. Cannabis as a Substitute for Opioid-Based Pain Medication: Patient Self-Report. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017;2(1):160-166. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0012

10.  Vučković S, Srebro D, Vujović KS, Vučetić Č, Prostran M. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018;9. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259

11.  Nagarkatti P, Pandey R, Rieder SA, Hegde VL, Nagarkatti M. Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry. 2009;1(7):1333-1349. doi:https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc.09.93

12.  Nasrin S, Watson CJW, Perez-Paramo YX, Lazarus P. ­­­­­­Cannabinoid metabolites as inhibitors of major hepatic CYP450 enzymes, with implications for cannabis-drug interactions. Drug Metabolism and Disposition. Published online September 7, 2021:DMD-AR-2021-000442. doi:https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.121.000442

13.  Chen R, Zhang J, Fan N, et al. Δ9-THC-Caused Synaptic and Memory Impairments Are Mediated through COX-2 Signaling. Cell. 2013;155(5):1154-1165. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.10.042

14.  Scherma M, Masia P, Satta V, Fratta W, Fadda P, Tanda G. Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 2019;40(3):309-323. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41401-018-0075-x

15.  Maccarrone M, Finazzi-Agró A. The endocannabinoid system, anandamide and the regulation of mammalian cell apoptosis. Cell Death & Differentiation. 2003;10(9):946-955. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.cdd.4401284

16.  Tai FWD, McAlindon ME. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical Medicine. 2021;21(2):131-134. doi:https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmed.2021-0039

17.  MODESTO-LOWE V, BOJKA R, ALVARADO C. Cannabis for peripheral neuropathy: The good, the bad, and the unknown. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2018;85(12):943-949. doi:https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.85a.17115

18.  Bushra R, Aslam N. An overview of clinical pharmacology of Ibuprofen. Oman medical journal. 2010;25(3):155-1661. doi:https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2010.49

19.  Rainsford KD. Ibuprofen: pharmacology, efficacy and safety. Inflammopharmacology. 2009;17(6):275-342. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-009-0016-x

20.  Bains S, Mukhdomi T. Medicinal Cannabis for Treatment of Chronic Pain. StatPearls Publishing; 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574562/

Resources

1. Ghlichloo I, Gerriets V. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/ ↩︎
2. Reiman A, Welty M, Solomon P. Cannabis as a Substitute for Opioid-Based Pain Medication: Patient Self-Report. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017;2(1):160-166. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0012 ↩︎
3. Vučković S, Srebro D, Vujović KS, Vučetić Č, Prostran M. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018;9. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259 ↩︎
4. Nagarkatti P, Pandey R, Rieder SA, Hegde VL, Nagarkatti M. Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry. 2009;1(7):1333-1349. doi:https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc.09.93 ↩︎
5. Nasrin S, Watson CJW, Perez-Paramo YX, Lazarus P. ­­­­­­Cannabinoid metabolites as inhibitors of major hepatic CYP450 enzymes, with implications for cannabis-drug interactions. Drug Metabolism and Disposition. Published online September 7, 2021:DMD-AR-2021-000442. doi:https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.121.000442 ↩︎
6. Chen R, Zhang J, Fan N, et al. Δ9-THC-Caused Synaptic and Memory Impairments Are Mediated through COX-2 Signaling. Cell. 2013;155(5):1154-1165. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.10.042 ↩︎
7. Scherma M, Masia P, Satta V, Fratta W, Fadda P, Tanda G. Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 2019;40(3):309-323. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41401-018-0075-x ↩︎
8. Maccarrone M, Finazzi-Agró A. The endocannabinoid system, anandamide and the regulation of mammalian cell apoptosis. Cell Death & Differentiation. 2003;10(9):946-955. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.cdd.4401284 ↩︎
9. Rainsford KD. Ibuprofen: pharmacology, efficacy and safety. Inflammopharmacology. 2009;17(6):275-342. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-009-0016-x ↩︎
10. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids In: The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. National Academies Press (US); 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425748/ ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.