Valium (diazepam) is a prescription medication frequently used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Cannabis may cause effects like euphoria, relaxation, or altered perception depending on the dose and individual response.
If you’re considering using cannabis while taking Valium, it’s important to talk to your doctor about potential interactions and risks.
What is Valium?
Valium, also known by its generic name diazepam, is a medication in the benzodiazepine class. Other brand names for diazepam include Diastat, Diazemuls, and Valrelease.
Valium is prescribed to relieve anxiety and may cause feelings of sedation or relaxation. It achieves this by binding to specific sites on GABA receptors, increasing the inhibitory effect of GABA on the central nervous system.
Because of its ability to produce sedation and relaxation, Valium is often used to treat various medical conditions, including anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Physicians can also use it as a sedative for some medical procedures.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, approximately 12.6% of adults in the U.S. use benzodiazepines annually, which translates to around 30.6 million people. This makes drugs like Valium one of the most common prescription drugs in the country.1
Combining Cannabis and Valium: What the Latest Research Says
One of the primary concerns with combining Valium and cannabis is the potential for increased sedation and cognitive impairment.2 Both substances can cause drowsiness and slowed reaction times, increasing the risk of falls, accidents, and injuries.3
Another potential concern is the effect on respiratory function. Some research suggests that combining cannabis and Valium may increase the risk of slowed breathing, which could be especially concerning for individuals with respiratory conditions.4,5
It’s also worth noting that the effects of cannabis on anxiety can be unpredictable. Some individuals report that cannabis helps ease their anxiety symptoms, while others may experience the opposite.6 Combining diazepam and cannabis may exacerbate these symptoms, increasing feelings of anxiety and impairing cognitive function.
Cannabis, particularly CBD, may interfere with how the body metabolizes Valium, potentially increasing its levels in the bloodstream. CBD is known to be a potent inhibitor of the CYP3A4 enzyme. According to the Penn State College of Medicine, CBD’s role as a CYP3A4 inhibitor specifically affects levels of diazepam in the body.
Are You Considering Using Cannabis and Valium?
Combining cannabis with any substance or medication carries its own risks. Cannabis research is still in its earliest stages, and there is a lot that researchers still don't know. That leaves the door open for unexpected interactions with other substances. If you are considering combining cannabis with any other substance or medication, speak to your doctor for proper medical guidance.
Likewise, stopping the use of a prescribed medication can lead to unintended consequences. Many medications take time to build up in the body. Stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant and potentially serious or even fatal side effects. If you'd like to stop using or replace a medication, you need to follow the guidance of your medical provider to make any approved adjustments safely.
References
- Waldron I. Increased Prescribing of Valium, Librium, and other Drugs—An Example of the Influence of Economic and Social Factors on the Practice of Medicine. International Journal of Health Services. 1977;7(1):37-62. doi:https://doi.org/10.2190/ ↩︎
- Resstel LBM, Joca SRL, Moreira FA, Corrêa FMA, Guimarães FS. Effects of cannabidiol and diazepam on behavioral and cardiovascular responses induced by contextual conditioned fear in rats. Behavioural Brain Research. 2006;172(2):294-298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2006.05.016 ↩︎
- Kroon E, Kuhns L, Cousijn J. The short-term and long-term effects of cannabis on cognition: recent advances in the field. Current Opinion in Psychology. 2021;38:49-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.07.005 ↩︎
- Forster A, Gardaz JP, Suter PM, Gemperle M. Respiratory Depression by Midazolam and Diazepam. Anesthesiology. 1980;53(6):494-497. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/00000542-198012000-00010 ↩︎
- Ghasemiesfe M, Ravi D, Vali M, et al. Marijuana Use, Respiratory Symptoms, and Pulmonary Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(2):106-115. doi:10.7326/M18-0522 ↩︎
- Sharpe L, Sinclair J, Kramer A, de Manincor M, Sarris J. Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2020;18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2 ↩︎
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.
