Hydrocodone and Weed: Are They Safe to Mix?

Hydrocodone, a potent opioid pain medication, is an important medication used for managing various forms of pain, from post-surgical discomfort to chronic conditions. In the United States, about 1 in 5 adults deal with long-lasting pain, demonstrating the need for effective ways to manage pain.

With so many people looking for relief from their symptoms, some are trying cannabis. But as more people consider mixing traditional medicines, like hydrocodone, with alternative treatments, like cannabis, a big question comes up: Is it safe to us hydrocodone and weed together?

What is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a potent opioid medication primarily prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. Its generic name, which comes from codeine, shows that it's similar to other opioids in how it's made and how it works. Within the body, hydrocodone binds to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering the perception of pain and producing a sense of euphoria or relaxation.

Hydrocodone is often given for pain after surgery or injury, as well as for long-term pain associated with cancer or arthritis. When taken as directed, it can help relieve pain effectively. However, like all opioids, it carries a risk of side effects and potential complications. These may include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, and, in severe cases, addiction or overdose.

Hydrocodone is available under various brand names, including Vicodin, Norco, Lortab, Zohydro ER, and more. Even though it's effective at relieving pain, hydrocodone can be misused and cause addiction.¹ Doctors need to prescribe it carefully and keep an eye on how it's used.

Can You Take Weed With Hydrocodone? Are there Risks?

Mixing weed and hydrocodone brings up important questions about how they might affect each other and the possible risks. Recent studies show there could be dangers when using them together.

For example, a 2022 study looked into what happens when you take hydrocodone pills and breathe in cannabis smoke at the same time. The study discovered that the levels of hydrocodone in the bloodstream didn't go up when cannabis was added; they actually went down. This unexpected finding might mean that the use of cannabis could decrease the metabolism of hydrocodone within the body. Still, this study only looked at one person's experience, so more research is needed to understand how cannabis affects hydrocodone levels in the body.²

As we learn more from research, the possibility of discovering more side effects when weed and hydrocodone are used together grows. Each of these substances on its own can make someone feel sleepy, dizzy, or have trouble thinking clearly. If these effects were to become stronger when taking cannabis and hydrocodone together, it could present increased risks for some consumers.

While there are anticipated risks, some people might find it reasonably safe to use weed and hydrocodone together in certain situations. Any decision about using them together should be discussed with a doctor. Doctors can give personalized advice based on your medical history, what other medicines you're taking, and your own situation.

Are There Benefits to Taking Weed and Hydrocodone Together?

When looking into the benefits of using weed and hydrocodone together, there is some interesting research and stories from people's experiences. Current studies show that the compounds in cannabis, like THC and CBD, can work in different ways to help alleviate pain. They can affect how our nerves process pain signals, reduce inflammation and naturally change how our bodies respond to pain.

Pre-clinical studies examine how cannabinoids might work in cell and animal studies. These studies have shown that cannabinoids could make opioid painkillers work better. For example, some research suggests that certain compounds in cannabis can help opioids, like morphine, work more effectively in easing pain caused by inflammation. This could mean that the natural activity of cannabinoids in our bodies is important for how opioids work. Also, reviews of multiple studies have found strong evidence that when opioids and cannabinoids are used together, they can make pain relief even stronger.³

Likewise, research is beginning to shine more light on the role of terpenes in pain relief, and how they may interact with medications like hydrocodone, tramadol, or over the counter options like ibuprofen.

Personal stories found throughout the internet also hint at how using weed and hydrocodone together might help alleviate pain. Some individuals have said they feel better pain relief and just generally feel better when they use both simultaneously. Early clinical information suggests that cannabis could help alongside opioids to manage long-term pain.

Even though these findings are hopeful, it's important to be careful about using weed and hydrocodone together. There's a chance that they could make each other's side effects worse, and everyone reacts differently to the mix. More research is needed, and doctors should keep a close eye on anyone who tries this combo.

Can Weed Replace Hydrocodone?

People are starting to wonder if weed could be a good replacement for hydrocodone in treating pain. This is getting a lot of attention from both scientists and people dealing with severe or chronic pain. Right now, research and anecdotal experiences are looking at how well weed might work instead of, or alongside, hydrocodone for managing pain.

Studies show that certain compounds in cannabis, like THC and CBD, can help reduce pain. In a 2020 study, people who were allowed to use cannabis found they needed fewer prescription painkillers over six months, and they felt better overall.⁴ Our own survey on neuropathy pain found similar results. This suggests that, for some people, cannabis could be a good option instead of opioids like hydrocodone.

Anecdotal evidence also shows that using cannabis can help with pain. Many individuals have said they feel less pain and generally better when they use cannabis products. Remember that everyone's experience is different, so what works for one person might not work for someone else.

Certain cannabis strains or products might be better at relieving pain than others. For pain caused by inflammation, experts often suggest strains with mostly CBD because it's less likely to cause adverse effects that may come with too high a dose of THC. On the other hand, for nerve-related pain, a mix of THC and CBD in cannabis oil might be more helpful.⁵ Some patients also prefer the non-intoxicating localized relief of CBD creams for pain.

Safety Tips for Combining Hydrocodone and Weed

If you're thinking about using hydrocodone and weed together, you'll want to be careful to reduce any possible risks and make sure everything goes smoothly. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

1. Start Low & Go Slow: When you're using weed and hydrocodone together, it's important to begin with small amounts and then slowly increase the dose if you need to. This way, you can see how your body reacts and make sure you don't have any harmful effects. Many cannabis physicians recommend starting with a low dose of THC or CBD, like 2.5mg to 5mg, and then slowly adding more, maybe by 2.5mg to 5mg at a time, as long as you feel okay.⁶
2. Consult Your Physician: Before you mix any substances, talk to your doctor first. They can give you advice specific to your medical history, what other medicines you're taking, and whether using them together could cause problems.
3. Stay Hydrated: Always drink enough water throughout the day to help reduce the risk of dehydration if combining hydrocodone with cannabis.
4. Avoid Driving: Mixing weed and hydrocodone can affect your mental cognition and movement, which means it's not safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when you're using the substances together. Always steer clear of driving or doing anything that needs you to be mentally sharp while you're using these substances.
5. Monitor Symptoms: Watch for strange symptoms or side effects, like feeling more tired than usual, dizzy, confused, nauseous, or having trouble breathing. If you notice any worrying signs, get medical help right away.
6. Prepare Beforehand: Before mixing substances, prepare ahead of time and make sure everything is safe and comfortable where you are. Make sure there aren't any dangers around, and think about having someone you trust nearby who can help you if you need it.

References

1. Cofano S, Yellon R. Hydrocodone. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537288/ ↩︎
2. Bindler RJ, Watson CJW, Lyons AJ, et al. Drug-Drug Interaction Between Orally Administered Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen and Inhalation of Cannabis Smoke: A Case Report. Hosp Pharm. 2022;57(4):518-525. doi:10.1177/00185787211061374 ↩︎
3. MacCallum CA, Eadie L, Barr AM, Boivin M, Lu S. Practical Strategies Using Medical Cannabis to Reduce Harms Associated With Long Term Opioid Use in Chronic Pain. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.633168 ↩︎
4. Lucas P, Boyd S, Milloy MJ, Walsh Z. Cannabis Significantly Reduces the Use of Prescription Opioids and Improves Quality of Life in Authorized Patients: Results of a Large Prospective Study. Pain Medicine. 2020;22(3):727-739. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaa396 ↩︎
5. MacCallum CA, Eadie L, Barr AM, Boivin M, Lu S. Practical Strategies Using Medical Cannabis to Reduce Harms Associated With Long Term Opioid Use in Chronic Pain. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.633168 ↩︎
6. MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004 ↩︎

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.