Plan B is a medication that some people use to prevent conception. Using Plan B can provide people with peace of mind and ensure they have the family planning experience they want, but does weed affect Plan B?
If you’re a cannabis user, you may be wondering if Plan B can have an impact on your birth control or family planning. Currently, there is no significant research to show how cannabis will impact the efficacy of Plan B.
As always, speaking with your doctor is important before moving forward with your selected medical option.
What is Plan B?
Plan B is a pill taken after individuals with uteruses have unprotected sex or their other contraceptive measures fail. The purpose of Plan B is to prevent conception. It is not an abortion.
Plan B works by preventing the biological events that must happen for a pregnancy to occur.
Plan B should be used as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Waiting to take the pill can significantly reduce its effectiveness. It’s best to take Plan B within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. In addition, Plan B may not be as effective for individuals weighing over 165 lbs.
How Does Plan B Work?
The only way that pregnancy can occur naturally is if an egg is available for sperm to join with. Plan B removes this possibility by delaying ovulation after unprotected sex. When someone takes Plan B, their body temporarily won’t release an egg from the ovary. This means that any sperm will not be met by an egg, thus preventing pregnancy.
Plan B is different from traditional birth control because it’s used after unprotected sex, not before unprotected sex (like conventional birth control methods). It is not an abortion pill. While abortion pills work to end an already existing pregnancy, Plan B stops a pregnancy from forming in the first place.
Learning about Plan B can be a great way to make sure that you’re aware of all your options and able to make informed decisions about your fertility.
Plan B is legal and available over the counter at select drug stores in states where it is available. However, some states have restricted access to this medication.
Can You Smoke After Taking Plan B?
If you’ve ever taken a Plan B, you may be wondering if it’s safe for you to consume cannabis. Unfortunately, not much research has been done in this area.
Some evidence has shown cannabis can impact sex hormones and fertility levels. For instance, researchers found that consuming cannabis resulted in individuals experiencing a 30% reduction in LH levels. Numbers like this show that it’s possible cannabis can impact someone’s hormone levels and, in turn, their fertility.1
It’s not possible to make claims about how cannabis could affect the efficacy of Plan B. If you’re concerned about using cannabis and Plan B, consider speaking with a medical provider.
What Happens if You Smoke While on Birth Control?
There’s a lot more that needs to be learned about combining cannabis and Plan B.
However, there is some information that’s known about combining birth control and nicotine. Smoking cigarettes can significantly impact someone’s chances of experiencing adverse side effects, so it’s something that should be avoided if you’re taking oral contraceptives.
It’s possible that cannabis isn’t the problem when it comes to taking birth control, but rather, the method of consumption is what may be the issue. You may want to avoid smoking cannabis if you’re taking birth control, as it could impact your sex hormones or your blood pressure.
Can You Smoke Weed on Birth Control Safely?
There aren’t any definitive guidelines about how to smoke cannabis safely while you’re on birth control. Whether or not you use cannabis alongside your birth control is a personal decision. It is best to speak with your doctor about your health concerns.
References
- Corsi DJ, Murphy MSQ, Cook J. The Effects of Cannabis on Female Reproductive Health Across the Life Course. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2021;6(4):275-287. doi:10.1089/can.2020.0065 ↩︎
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.
