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Understanding the risk of Delta-8-THCdrug interactions is crucial.
Delta-8 can interact with certain medications. You should be careful when combining THC products with prescriptions, alcohol, or other substances.
That doesn't mean that it's impossible to enjoy Delta-8, even if you take other medications daily.
So, how does Delta-8 interfere with medications like Tylenol or antidepressants?
For now, we have to rely on what we know about traditional THC to understand Delta-8’s benefits and risks. There is limited research on Delta-8's potential interactions.
Thankfully, the two cannabinoids are pretty similar, so we have an idea of how Delta-8 may interact with other substances.
Here’s what we do and don’t know:
Table of Contents
Delta-9 vs Delta-8 and Metabolic Pathways
THC Drug Interactions
Can You Combine Delta-8 and Delta-9?
Can You Take Delta-8 With Alcohol?
Tips for Using Delta-8 When You Take Medications
Where to Buy Delta-8
Resources
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol can cause side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, or paranoia, especially if taken in excess. In extreme cases, it may impair motor skills or increase sedation. Always consult a healthcare professional before using Delta-8, especially if you are on medication or have underlying health conditions.
We need more research to fully understand Delta-8 drug reactions, but experts believe it reacts similarly to THC.
Many cannabinoids, including THC, use the same metabolic pathways as many prescription drugs.
It still may be safe to take high-quality Delta-8 products if you take a prescription medication, but check with your doctor first.
THC drug interactions are usually small. Still, THC is still known to interact negatively with some prescription medications. Medications that may have interactions with cannabinoids include:
Benzodiazepines
Opioids
Antidepressants
Immunosuppressants
Blood Pressure Medications
Blood Sugar Medications
All of these medications rely on the CYP3A4 enzyme that THC may suppress. This means that the drug may break down more slowly due to a lack of available enzymes.
In some cases, this means that the medication will be less effective. This can be particularly dangerous when taking a necessary life saving medication. In other cases, a drug may break down so slowly that it is not metabolized before your next dose. That means that high levels of the medication can accumulate in the body, which can be dangerous.
Cannabis products may sometimes amplify the effect of certain medications. For instance, THC may increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. That's because THC sometimes has a sedative effect of its own.
But what about Delta-8 drug interactions?
We’re not sure if Delta-8-THC affects medications the same way as regular THC. Still, the effects may be similar. Dleta-8 does interact with these same cannabinoid receptors as Delta-9. This doesn’t mean you can’t take Delta-8 with other medications, but you should take extra care.
Always talk to your doctor before combining Delta-8 with other medications.
Before we can discuss Delta-8's potential drug interactions, we need to discuss what causes drug interactions to begin with.
Substances have either a negative, positive, or neutral reaction when combined. Substance reactions can happen for many reasons. Often, drugs interact inside the body is because they have conflicting metabolic needs.
In other words, they may share the same metabolic pathway. That means they will impact each other's absorption.
For instance, many prescription medications use the CYP3A4 metabolic pathway. This is the reason that you may need to take certain medications separately.
Some medications may even come with a “grapefruit warning.” This further demonstrates the idea of conflicting metabolic pathways.
Grapefruit is known to inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. That means that it can delay or prevent the absorption of drugs that rely on that enzyme. The grapefruit warning means that you shouldn't take that medication with grapefruit juice.
Research has found that both CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) rely on the CYP3A4 metabolic pathway for absorption. Both cannabinoids inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. That means that they have the potential to react with any drug that uses that same metabolic pathway. Unfortunately, most prescription medications use this pathway.
Still, some evidence suggests that the interaction may not be very significant. One study found that "Studies of THC, CBD, and CBN inhibition and induction of major human CYP-450 isoforms generally reflect a low risk of clinically significant drug interactions with most use." The study also noted that human trials are lacking and more information is needed.
Still, the data available is about either CBD or Delta-9-THC. Where do Delta-8 drug interactions come into play?
The answer is we aren't entirely sure, but many experts assume that it uses the same metabolic pathway and has the same drug interactions as traditional THC.
Delta-8 and Delta-9 are incredibly similar in many ways, so it’s not a far fetched assumption. There is one primary difference between the two, however. Delta-8 is known to be far less potent, so it's thought to have an even lower potential for drug interactions.
Many people wonder if it's safe to use Delta-8 and Delta-9 together. In other words, are there any good or bad effects from mixing them?
In short, there's no known adverse reaction caused by combining the two. In fact, some gummies and other hemp products may already contain both cannabinoids.
Still, the benefits of mixing D9 and D8 may be minimal. Delta-9’s potent intoxication may easily overshadow the effects of Delta-8. Of course, the actual effects depend on how much of each cannabinoid you take and your personal THC tolerance.
You can learn more about this and how to adjust your cannabinoid dosage by reading “Can You Take Delta-8 and Delta-9 Together?”
Delta-8 products can contain any amount of Delta-8. Concentrates may contain 90% Delta-8 or higher. Flower generally has a Delta-8 content around 20%. The exact concentration can vary, so it’s important to check the product’s label or lab results for precise information.
Hemp Delta-8 products can only contain up to 0.3% Delta-9-THC according the federal law.
Keep in mind that even small amounts of THC can cause a drug interaction.
Mixing THC with alcohol, called "cross fading," might not cause serious reactions, but it's still not a good idea.
Drinking alcohol before using THC can make your body absorb more THC, leading to an uncomfortable experience. One study even suggests THC might slow alcohol absorption, making you feel less drunk and possibly drink more than you should.
There isn't much research on combining Delta-8-THC with alcohol, so it's safest to stick to one at a time.
Combining delta-8 THC with antidepressants may affect brain chemistry and mental health. Delta-8 THC is psychoactive and antidepressants regulate brain chemicals. Using both could increase sedation, dizziness, and mood shifts.
There is limited research on drug interactions. You should talk to a healthcare provider before using delta-8 if you take antidepressants.
Using delta-8 THC with Tylenol (acetaminophen) may affect the liver. Both can put stress on the liver, especially if Tylenol is used in high doses or for a long time.
Though we don’t know exactly how delta-8 and Tylenol interact, it’s best to check with a doctor, especially if you have liver issues. A healthcare provider can help you manage any risks of using these together.
If you experience adverse effects after using Delta-8 and think it may be a drug interaction, contact your doctor right away. Serious symptoms might include:
Medication that normally works no longer being effective
Severe headaches
Extreme dehydration
Stomach irritation
Signs of an allergic reaction
Mild side effects like headaches or paranoia can often be due to poor product quality or a dose that’s too high, especially for those not on other medications. Ensure that you have a high quality product and understand how to dose Delta-8 before trying Delta-8 products.
If you regularly take medications, don’t fret! You still may be able to enjoy the therapeutic or recreational benefits of Delta-8-THC. Before you add Delta-8 to your dosing routine, however, be sure to consider the following tips:
You should always talk to your doctor when changing your medication routine. This is especially true when adding a natural supplement like hemp-derived cannabinoids. Be sure to ask your doctor about the potential of Delta-8 drug interactions, and make sure that he or she is up to date on current THC research.
If your doctor approves, start with a very small dose of Delta-8. This is key if you’re new to THC and unsure how you’ll react.
Some medications can strengthen Delta-8’s effects, so start low. You can always take more later if needed. Once you know how the small dose feels, how long it takes to work, and how long it lasts, you can adjust from there.
Always follow your doctor's recommendations. He or she may not tell you a specific time to take Delta-8. We recommend taking it at a different time than when you take your prescription medications. Usually a few hours is enough to suffice, and will allow the body's CYP3A4 enzymes to regulate between doses.
When you first start taking Delta-8, keep track of the small details. How much Delta-8 did you take? What time did you take your prescription? What time did you take your Delta-8 dose? How intense were the effects and how long did they last? This type of information will help you and your doctor adjust your dosing routine to better suit you.
It’s best to avoid using other substances when you take Delta-8 with your medications. Only mix Delta-8 with anything else if your doctor says it’s safe. Don’t combine Delta-8 with alcohol or other recreational substances.
One big benefit of Delta-8-THC is that it’s federally legal when made from legal hemp. This means you can buy it online and have it shipped right to your door.
Check out our Elev8 Collection to find the best Delta-8 edibles, flower, and tinctures the market has to offer! All Vida Optima products are 100% Farm Bill compliant and made according to the industry’s highest quality standards.
Yes, prescription drugs can change THC’s effects. Some may make THC stronger or last longer, while others may weaken it. Talk to your healthcare provider before using THC with any prescriptions.
Yes, Delta 8 THC can interact with some medicines. It affects drugs processed by liver enzymes like CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, which could change their effects. Check with a healthcare professional if you’re on any medication.
Avoid Delta 8 THC if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have heart issues, or psychiatric conditions, or take medications that may interact with cannabinoids. Ask your doctor before using Delta 8.
CBD interacts with drugs that are broken down by liver enzymes, like some antidepressants, antipsychotics, blood thinners, and seizure medications. Talk to a healthcare provider before combining CBD with other medications.
Delta 8 THC can impact your heart, causing an increased heart rate or palpitations. If you have heart issues, consult a healthcare provider before using it.
Combining Delta 8 THC with alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and the risk of side effects. It’s best to avoid using them together or proceed carefully if you do.
Delta 8 THC may interact with antidepressants, especially those processed by liver enzymes like CYP3A4 and CYP2C19. This may change how the antidepressants work. Talk to your healthcare provider first.
There is limited research on Delta 8 and Tylenol (acetaminophen). Since both are processed by the liver, using them together could strain the liver. Ask your healthcare provider before combining them.
CBD can interact with medications processed by the liver, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining CBD with other medications.
Yes, Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound, making it a drug. While it’s legal in some areas, it’s still regulated, and its use can affect brain function, similar to Delta-9 THC.
Taking too much Delta-8 can cause dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, or paranoia. In extreme cases, it may lead to impaired motor skills and heightened sedation. Always start with a small dose.
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