Does Cannabis Interact With Klonopin?

M Reeves Asked

I am currently taking Klonopin 1mg for panic attacks, on the rare occasion I have to take one, would taking cannabis 8 hours after my Klonopin have any negative side effects?

Answer

Thanks for the question! Cannabis may interact with Klonopin in a couple of different ways. Let's discuss more about the details of this potential interaction below. 

What is Klonopin (clonazepam)?

Klonopin (clonazepam) belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. Klonopin is used to treat conditions such as anxiety, panic disorders, and certain types of seizures. In 2020 alone, there were almost 15 million prescriptions written for clonazepam in the US.

Clonazepam’s mechanism is not well understood, but it is thought to work by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. GABA is the same neurotransmitter that alcohol acts on. 

Does Klonopin interact with cannabis?

Both Klonopin and cannabis can have depressant effects on the central nervous system (CNS), which means they can both cause sedation, drowsiness and impair cognitive and motor function. 

So when cannabis and clonazepam are used together, the effects of each substance may be enhanced, potentially leading to increased sedation and impairment. Not only that, Klonopin has a moderate interaction with cannabis via the CYP450 system in the liver.

Clonazepam is metabolized by an enzyme called CYP3A4. THC and CBD are also metabolized by CYP3A4, so there is a possibility of an interaction via this enzyme. The compounds in the cannabis plant might interfere with the metabolism of Klonopin, increasing the levels of Klonopin in the body, and potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.

With that said, separating cannabis from Klonopin can reduce your chances of having an adverse effect, and 8 hours is a substantial amount of time. However, the half-life of clonazepam is typically 30-40 hours so there will still be plenty of clonazepam left in your system at this time!

What To Look Out For?

Again, the main thing we'd expect to see when combining these two drugs is increased drowsiness and sedation. The following side effects of clonazepam might also be more pronounced. 

• Drowsiness.
• Dizziness
• Unsteadiness
• Problems with coordination
• Difficulty thinking or remembering
• Muscle or joint pain

Less worrisome side effects to look out for include increased appetite, frequent urination, and increased salivation. 

In Conclusion

Combining cannabis and clonazepam can potentially have interactions and side effects. Both substances can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. Taking them together may intensify these effects and increase the risk of accidents or other adverse reactions.

Always consult a healthcare professional about your specific situation, as individual factors like tolerance, dosage, and medical history can certainly influence how these substances work and whether they interact. Please feel free to reach back out if you have any more questions!