Xanax and Weed: Is It a Good Idea to Mix?
Everything from herbal supplements, illegal drugs, and over-the-counter medications comes with possible side effects, especially when mixed. Xanax and weed are substances used to calm anxiety and panic attacks. But what happens when weed and Xanax cross paths?
Are there any dangers associated with mixing these two anti-anxiety treatments? Will you be sick or become the next greatest SoundCloud rapper from combining these two substances?
Keep reading as we explain everything to expect if you take Xanax with weed. We detail the side effects plus other common drug interactions. We also recommend three cannabis strains that make an excellent natural alternative to Xanax.
What happens when you mix Xanax and weed?
The interactions between weed and Xanax aren't well-documented. We know this combination isn't typically harmful if used in low doses. Since studies are limited and everyone reacts differently to both substances, proceed cautiously.
Both Xanax and marijuana get used to treat anxiety. In lower doses, they can make you feel relaxed, calm, and euphoric. When taken in high doses, you may experience increased anxiety or paranoia from Xanax and dry mouth or drowsiness from weed.
So far, there's no evidence proving a dangerous link between marijuana and Xanax. If you've already mixed these two substances, don't panic, as this could worsen anxiety and cause a panic attack.
What about Xanax and edibles?
To understand the possible interactions of ingesting substances like Xanax and marijuana, we must look at three factors:
- How they're metabolized
- The amount of time it takes to reach peak plasma levels (when it kicks in)
- How long the effects typically last
When you eat a cannabis edible, it enters your digestive tract, where it takes between 15–45 minutes to metabolize into active THC. This potent form is known as 11-Hydroxy THC, and it's different from the 9 delta THC you get from smoking. It's more reactive, intense, and long-lasting.
Consumables have a 35% absorption rate, and the buzz lingers for 8–12 hours. Puffing a joint creates effects that only last between 2–6 hours, depending on the THC range of the strain. Using Xanax and edibles creates longer-lasting reactions than you'd experience with smoking.
Xanax is metabolized via a cytochrome known as CYP3A4, which increases the blood plasma levels of sedatives, including CBD. The effects peak at around 1 hour after consumption and last for around 11 hours.
Edibles are known for having a much stronger buzz compared to smoking weed. So, combining Xanax and weed consumables may give you a more intense range of side effects.
The possible side effects of mixing Xanax and marijuana
The effects of combining Xanax and THC depend on the quantity you consume. Generally, lower amounts lead to little to no negative reactions, whereas high doses may cause more severe manifestations. Here are some possible side effects:
Side effects from a low dose of Xanax and weed
Using Xanax and weed causes few negative reactions in low doses, especially if you're a seasoned smoker. Users who combine the two report it makes them feel relaxed and euphoric, and cannabis helps the soothing effects last longer.
Xanax and marijuana create a similar reaction in the brain when taken in small amounts. They increase the effects of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces communication between nerves.
GABA is basically a ‘shut-up’ button for panic attacks. By hindering communication between nerves and neurons, your brain is forced to relax. Cannabis causes a similar reaction, activating CB1 receptors on GABA-ergix neurons and calming the nerves in your mind.
Here are some effects you can expect from Xanax and weed in low doses:
- Easing of muscle tension or tightness
- Quick and long-lasting relief from anxiety or panic attacks
- No more sleeplessness from insomnia
- Reduction of racing thoughts
- Uplifted mood
- Low excitability
Side effects from higher doses of Xanax and marijuana
The way you react to higher doses of Xanax and THC depends on your tolerance to both substances. If you typically take larger amounts of anti-anxiety pills and have been a smoker for a while, the effects may be mild and manageable.
Side effects also depend on the cannabis strain. Indicas and Xanax create more sedative effects, and sativas may stimulate irritability and paranoia.
Here are some effects you can expect if you have moderate to above-average amounts of Xanax with weed:
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Impaired judgment
- Poor motor coordination
Serious side effects of weed and Xanax
Both Xanax and cannabis create calming effects, and in copious amounts, this relaxing buzz can turn into an extreme sedative.
Although the effects of combining Xanax and weed are typically mild or cause no reactions, if you overdo it, they could be serious. If a person is showing severe symptoms, immediately call 911. Here are some signs of a medical emergency:
- Slowed breathing or trouble breathing
- Blurred vision
- Irregular or racing heartbeat
- Extremely slurred speech or trouble forming words
- Aggression
- Excessive vomiting and/or with blood
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Loss of consciousness
Xanax vs. weed
Xanax isn't a long-term solution to anxiety. It's not supposed to be prescribed for longer than six weeks. However, many physicians renew prescriptions for longer than is recommended. This excessive consumption resulted in an extreme increase in benzo addictions over the past few years.
Some people experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop taking Xanax. It's an addictive drug that can lead to misuse and substance abuse in vulnerable groups. One of the key differences between Xanax and pot is an overdose or abuse of Xanax can be fatal.
Comparing Xanax vs. weed, cannabis has no known life-threatening dangers, even in high amounts. Nobody has died directly from a marijuana overdose.
Xanax belongs to a group of drugs known as respiratory depressants, which affect your breathing. When abused in high doses, it stops your breathing, causing a deadly overdose. If you smoke too much pot, you just have a deep sleep, making it a typically safer alternative.
Xanax-like weed strains
If you're looking to try cannabis as a safer and natural alternative for treating anxiety, we've handpicked these strains for you. These cultivars give you a similar soothing effect without the potential for a fatal overdose or life-altering side effects. Here are our top 3 picks:
CBD Harlequin
Feels like: A valium and a glass of bubbly
Growers created this multi-award-winning high-CBD cultivar with the sole purpose of calming psychological and physical ailments.
CBD Harlequin feminized seeds produce a generous harvest of smokeables packed with anti-inflammatory properties to potentially ease muscle tension—common with anxiety.
Try this high CBD toke instead of mixing Xanax and THC and risking nasty side effects. Thanks to its sativa nature, it won't sedate you. After a few puffs, a mild cerebral buzz replaces racing thoughts, de-stresses you, and leaves you with a clear and calm mind.
Shishkaberry Kush
Feels like: A more uplifting Xanax
The effects of this indica dominant toke kick in almost immediately. Within the first few minutes, you're smiling from ear to ear with an uplifted mental state. All stress leaves your mind, and the giggles aren't far behind.
The positive mental euphoria fades into a state of pure tranquility. Your body feels light as a feather, and all tension ceases to exist. Xanax and marijuana create a sedative effect, but the buds from Shishkaberry Kush feminized seeds have you sleeping like a baby too.
Blue Haze
Feels like: A shot of tequila and a fat blunt.
Instead of mixing Xanax and THC, try a balanced indica cultivar like Blue Haze that relaxes your socks off without draining you. Experience the mind-soaring euphoric yet relaxing buzz when you smoke the buds from Blue Haze feminized seeds.
The euphoria sets in first, energizing you and focusing your mind. It also stimulates creativity and chattiness. Blue Haze is perfect for enjoying the company of friends and may be especially beneficial for those with social anxiety.
What else you should know about the weed and Xanax interaction
If you're planning on mixing Xanax and weed, you should avoid adding other substances, especially alcohol. This combination creates a cocktail increasing the less desirable effects like drowsiness and sleepiness.
Does weed interact with any medications? Yes. Although the effects of Xanax and marijuana are typically mild, they could be more severe when combined with other substances. Here are some common drugs, including OTC medications, that react with one or both negatively:
- Antidepressants
- Opioids
- Adderall and weed
- Antibiotics
- Heartburn medicine
- Antifungals
- Sedatives
- Oral contraceptives
Xanax and cannabis may increase drowsiness and other undesired effects, but the blend doesn't cause a buildup. Studies found when mixed with other medications, like taking lexapro and cannabis or weed or alcohol, you create a toxic collection of Xanax in your bloodstream.
Xanax and cannabis may be safe, but it’s not effective
Health care workers don't recommend mixing Xanax and weed because it can cause unpleasant side effects like dizziness or sedation. This combination isn't typically dangerous if used in small doses.
Instead of combining Xanax and weed, people are going green and report finding the same relief from marijuana alone.
If you're looking for the best quality cannabis to calm down, control stress, or unwind after a long day, cultivate it in your backyard. When you grow marijuana seeds, you can ensure your smokables are clean and free from dangerous pesticides.
Check out the Homegrown Cannabis Co. store for top-shelf marijuana seeds to grow the juiciest, stickiest stress-busting buds ever.
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