{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","path":"/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","title":"Cannabis and Antidepressants","family":"Library detail","description":"Using cannabis while taking antidepressants carries many risks, including reducing the effects of the medication and increasing the likelihood of side effects.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","wordpressId":"396","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jill-sensenig#person","name":"Jill Sensenig","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jill-sensenig"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2023-02-23T09:05:25Z","dateModified":"2025-08-22T18:14:12Z","lastReviewed":"2023-02-23"},"content":{"html":"

Cannabis and Antidepressants

Written by \"\"Jill SensenigMedically reviewed by \"\"Morgan Blair

Published on · Updated on

Millions of Americans take antidepressants, regarded as the first-line treatment for depression and other mental health conditions such as anxiety [1], and millions of Americans also use cannabis.

The CDC estimated that 48.2 million Americans used cannabis in 2019⁠[2]. With so many Americans using antidepressants or cannabis, it is important to consider and understand the potential side effects and risks of cannabis use while taking anti-depressants.

Cannabis affects almost every system in the body, and the main effect for most people who use it is to feel high. However, some unwanted experience effects like severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis can also occur[3].

\"One

Key takeaways

  • Cannabis can produce anxiety, panic, paranoia, and other unwanted effects as well as intoxication.
  • Cannabis can interact with antidepressants by affecting drug metabolism and increasing exposure to some medications.
  • Interaction risks differ across antidepressant classes and can include serious cognitive and cardiovascular effects.

Physical effects of cannabis use

\nCannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, contains over 400 chemicals, including 60 cannabinoids. The plant, flowers, seeds, and stalks all contain cannabinoids[3]. 

THC amounts vary depending on how cannabis products are created with different plant strains and oils[3]. The most potent compound and the most well-known and studied is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)[3]. Cannabinol and cannabidiol are two other compounds commonly studied[3].\n

Cannabis products are typically smoked and inhaled or eaten when combined with food products.

When cannabis is smoked, around 50% of the THC is inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. Within minutes, THC reaches the bloodstream and the brain[3]. THCs effects are felt between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingesting a cannabis product because it takes longer to enter the bloodstream after being processed by the liver and by slow absorption in the gut[3].

Cannabis consumption affects almost every system in the body. The main effect of recreational use is a euphoric feeling described as a \"high.\" [3] Some people can experience adverse effects, such as severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis[3]. People using cannabis may experience things differently; colors may appear brighter and more intense; they may have altered spatial awareness and impaired perception of time[3].

\nHeavy, consistent, and long-term use of cannabis may impair people who use it even though they are not high, according to research on their long-term and chronic use of the drug. Long term, heavy use, such as in those with a marijuana use disorder, impairs attention, memory, and the ability to process complex information[3].\n

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Peggy Ferguson Ph.D.

Addiction counseling and recovery

How do antidepressants affect the brain?

\nThere are five main types of antidepressant medication: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), and atypical antidepressants[1]. Each one affects the brain differently by targeting different neurotransmitters[4].\n

The three neurotransmitters most prescribed antidepressants target are serotonin levels, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and they each serve different functions in the brain and body[4].

Dopamine plays important roles in executive functioning (e.g., working memory, self-control, organizing, prioritizing, and problem-solving), learning, motor control, and emotion[4]. Serotonin regulates several brain processes, such as regulating mood, perception, anger, and appetite, [5] and body functions, such as cardiovascular, bladder, and bowel functioning and control[4].

Norepinephrine plays two roles; one is a neurotransmitter involved in bodily processes such as sleep, stress, focus, and attention. The other essential function is forcing the contraction and rate of the heart and is involved in the flight or fight response[4].

SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression and anxiety, but SNRIs are also commonly prescribed. The main difference between the two is that SSRIs increase serotonin in the brain, and SNRIs increase serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain[1].

Atypical antidepressant medication, like other antidepressants, change the levels of serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine in the brain. However, they work differently and, in some people, are more likely to cause adverse effects.

TCAs interact with five different neurotransmitters; they block alpha cholinergic, muscarinic, and histaminergic receptors, as well as the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Each drug within the TCA category of antidepressants can affect specific neurotransmitters differently. The way TCAs combine with different chemical structures in the body makes them more likely to produce more significant side effects[6].

\nMAOIs are a different class of antidepressants. Like other prescription medications, they have several dietary restrictions and are known to cause serious side effects and safety concerns, so they are only considered as a treatment option after exhausting other medication treatment options[7].\n

What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?

\nCYP1A2 is an enzyme that helps the body break down and eliminate chemicals, hormones, and drugs from the body[8]. Smoking marijuana may affect how medications are metabolized by this enzyme and cleared from the body, which results in lower amounts of the antidepressant in your body.

This may result in antidepressants not working as well to control the symptoms for which they were prescribed[8].\nIt is often thought that weed is harmless, but when mixed with certain medications, you may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects or more adverse reactions.

\n

There are known drug-to-drug interactions that can occur between weed and antidepressants. These can vary depending on the type of antidepressant you are taking. Here are some of the potential interactions an antidepressant drug with cannabis:\n

SSRIs

\nA growing body of evidence indicates that SSRIs like sertraline and citalopram, metabolized by the enzyme CYP2C19, are impacted by concentrations of CBD and THC[9]. 

Because cannabis prevents the body from metabolizing and eliminating SSRIs from the body as it usually would, cannabis can raise the levels of SSRIs in your bloodstream. When SSRI levels are excessively high, it may lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal[10].\n

SNRIs

\nSome SNRIs, like duloxetine, is metabolized through the liver and eliminated from the body through different enzymes (CYP1A2). Cannabinoids can interfere with the enzyme, increasing the amount of duloxetine in the blood and a higher likelihood of side effects[8]. Severe and potentially fatal side effects are possible, including serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, hemorrhagic events, and QT interval prolongation, just to name a few[8].\n

TCAs

\nCannabis blocks the enzyme CYP2D6, which can increase the concentrations of SSRIs, TCAs, and other drugs in the blood. Amitriptyline is one TCA that is likely to create significant side effects when combined with cannabis and may lead to life-threatening interactions.

Amitriptyline combined with cannabis has caused cognitive changes, delirium, and life-threatening interactions such as sustained supraventricular tachycardia (a dangerous and possibly fatally high heart rate)[11].\n

MAOIs

\nCannabis can also interact with MAOIs. MAOI medications such as tranylcypromine, phenelzine, and isocarboxazid can cause these medications to stay in the circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, blood) longer than they should, which means it can cause unpleasant side effects[12].

References

  1. Sheffler ZM, Patel P, Abdijadid S. (2022, November 24). Antidepressants. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed October 11 2022.
  2. Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Use and Expenses in the United States Between 2013 and 2018. (2022). Content last reviewed March 2022. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. ahrq.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. Ashton, C. (2001). Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: A brief review. British Journal of Psychiatry,178(2), 101-106. doi:10.1192/bjp.178.2.101.
  4. Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarisetty LS. (2022, May 8). Physiology, Neurotransmitters. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.
  5. Berger, M., Gray, J. A., & Roth, B. L. (2009). The expanded biology of serotonin. Annual review of medicine, 60, 355–366. annualreviews.org. Accessed October 10 2026.
  6. Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. (2022, November 21). Tricyclic Antidepressants. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.
  7. Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A. (2022, July 19). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed August 9 2023.
  8. Vázquez, M., Guevara, N., Maldonado, C., Guido, P. C., & Schaiquevich, P. (2020). Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used for Chronic Pain. BioMed research international, 2020, 3902740. Wiley.
  9. Vaughn, S. E., Strawn, J. R., Poweleit, E. A., Sarangdhar, M., & Ramsey, L. B. (2021). The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents: Clinical and Pharmacologic Considerations. Journal of personalized medicine, 11(7), 615. MDPI. Accessed October 10 2026.
  10. Medical Cannabis Adverse Effects & Drug Interactions[PowerPoint Slides]. (n.d.). Department of Health. docs.google.com.
  11. Mannion V. (1999). Case report: adverse effects of taking tricyclic antidepressants and smoking marijuana. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 45, 2683–2684.
  12. Balachandran, P., Elsohly, M., & Hill, K. P. (2021). Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol: a Comprehensive Review. Journal of general internal medicine, 36(7), 2074–2084. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Jill Sensenig, M.B.A.

MBA

Jill Sensenig is a medical writer with 16+ years experience in the healthcare industry as a writer, editor, and author.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Morgan Blair, M.A.

MA, LPCC

Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.

Reviewed
\"\"

Related community

Medications

Explore questions and perspectives about psychiatric medications and the treatment experience.

","text":"Home Library Substance Use Disorders Cannabis and Antidepressants Cannabis and Antidepressants Written by Jill SensenigMedically reviewed by Morgan Blair Published on February 23, 2023 · Updated on August 22, 2025 Millions of Americans take antidepressants, regarded as the first-line treatment for depression and other mental health conditions such as anxiety [1], and millions of Americans also use cannabis. The CDC estimated that 48.2 million Americans used cannabis in 2019⁠[2]. With so many Americans using antidepressants or cannabis, it is important to consider and understand the potential side effects and risks of cannabis use while taking anti-depressants. Cannabis affects almost every system in the body, and the main effect for most people who use it is to feel high. However, some unwanted experience effects like severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis can also occur[3]. Key takeaways Cannabis can produce anxiety, panic, paranoia, and other unwanted effects as well as intoxication. Cannabis can interact with antidepressants by affecting drug metabolism and increasing exposure to some medications. Interaction risks differ across antidepressant classes and can include serious cognitive and cardiovascular effects. Physical effects of cannabis use Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, contains over 400 chemicals, including 60 cannabinoids. The plant, flowers, seeds, and stalks all contain cannabinoids[3]. THC amounts vary depending on how cannabis products are created with different plant strains and oils[3]. The most potent compound and the most well-known and studied is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)[3]. Cannabinol and cannabidiol are two other compounds commonly studied[3]. Cannabis products are typically smoked and inhaled or eaten when combined with food products. When cannabis is smoked, around 50% of the THC is inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. Within minutes, THC reaches the bloodstream and the brain[3]. THCs effects are felt between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingesting a cannabis product because it takes longer to enter the bloodstream after being processed by the liver and by slow absorption in the gut[3]. Cannabis consumption affects almost every system in the body. The main effect of recreational use is a euphoric feeling described as a \"high.\" [3] Some people can experience adverse effects, such as severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis[3]. People using cannabis may experience things differently; colors may appear brighter and more intense; they may have altered spatial awareness and impaired perception of time[3]. Heavy, consistent, and long-term use of cannabis may impair people who use it even though they are not high, according to research on their long-term and chronic use of the drug. Long term, heavy use, such as in those with a marijuana use disorder, impairs attention, memory, and the ability to process complex information[3]. Subject matter expert Peggy Ferguson Ph.D. Addiction counseling and recovery How do antidepressants affect the brain? There are five main types of antidepressant medication: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), and atypical antidepressants[1]. Each one affects the brain differently by targeting different neurotransmitters[4]. The three neurotransmitters most prescribed antidepressants target are serotonin levels, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and they each serve different functions in the brain and body[4]. Dopamine plays important roles in executive functioning (e.g., working memory, self-control, organizing, prioritizing, and problem-solving), learning, motor control, and emotion[4]. Serotonin regulates several brain processes, such as regulating mood, perception, anger, and appetite, [5] and body functions, such as cardiovascular, bladder, and bowel functioning and control[4]. Norepinephrine plays two roles; one is a neurotransmitter involved in bodily processes such as sleep, stress, focus, and attention. The other essential function is forcing the contraction and rate of the heart and is involved in the flight or fight response[4]. SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression and anxiety, but SNRIs are also commonly prescribed. The main difference between the two is that SSRIs increase serotonin in the brain, and SNRIs increase serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain[1]. Atypical antidepressant medication, like other antidepressants, change the levels of serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine in the brain. However, they work differently and, in some people, are more likely to cause adverse effects. TCAs interact with five different neurotransmitters; they block alpha cholinergic, muscarinic, and histaminergic receptors, as well as the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Each drug within the TCA category of antidepressants can affect specific neurotransmitters differently. The way TCAs combine with different chemical structures in the body makes them more likely to produce more significant side effects[6]. MAOIs are a different class of antidepressants. Like other prescription medications, they have several dietary restrictions and are known to cause serious side effects and safety concerns, so they are only considered as a treatment option after exhausting other medication treatment options[7]. What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants? CYP1A2 is an enzyme that helps the body break down and eliminate chemicals, hormones, and drugs from the body[8]. Smoking marijuana may affect how medications are metabolized by this enzyme and cleared from the body, which results in lower amounts of the antidepressant in your body. This may result in antidepressants not working as well to control the symptoms for which they were prescribed[8]. It is often thought that weed is harmless, but when mixed with certain medications, you may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects or more adverse reactions. There are known drug-to-drug interactions that can occur between weed and antidepressants. These can vary depending on the type of antidepressant you are taking. Here are some of the potential interactions an antidepressant drug with cannabis: SSRIs A growing body of evidence indicates that SSRIs like sertraline and citalopram, metabolized by the enzyme CYP2C19, are impacted by concentrations of CBD and THC[9]. Because cannabis prevents the body from metabolizing and eliminating SSRIs from the body as it usually would, cannabis can raise the levels of SSRIs in your bloodstream. When SSRI levels are excessively high, it may lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal[10]. SNRIs Some SNRIs, like duloxetine, is metabolized through the liver and eliminated from the body through different enzymes (CYP1A2). Cannabinoids can interfere with the enzyme, increasing the amount of duloxetine in the blood and a higher likelihood of side effects[8]. Severe and potentially fatal side effects are possible, including serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, hemorrhagic events, and QT interval prolongation, just to name a few[8]. TCAs Cannabis blocks the enzyme CYP2D6, which can increase the concentrations of SSRIs, TCAs, and other drugs in the blood. Amitriptyline is one TCA that is likely to create significant side effects when combined with cannabis and may lead to life-threatening interactions. Amitriptyline combined with cannabis has caused cognitive changes, delirium, and life-threatening interactions such as sustained supraventricular tachycardia (a dangerous and possibly fatally high heart rate)[11]. MAOIs Cannabis can also interact with MAOIs. MAOI medications such as tranylcypromine, phenelzine, and isocarboxazid can cause these medications to stay in the circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, blood) longer than they should, which means it can cause unpleasant side effects[12]. References Sheffler ZM, Patel P, Abdijadid S. (2022, November 24). Antidepressants. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed October 11 2022. Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Use and Expenses in the United States Between 2013 and 2018. (2022). Content last reviewed March 2022. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. ahrq.gov. Accessed October 10 2026. Ashton, C. (2001). Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: A brief review. British Journal of Psychiatry,178(2), 101-106. doi:10.1192/bjp.178.2.101. Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarisetty LS. (2022, May 8). Physiology, Neurotransmitters. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Berger, M., Gray, J. A., & Roth, B. L. (2009). The expanded biology of serotonin. Annual review of medicine, 60, 355–366. annualreviews.org. Accessed October 10 2026. Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. (2022, November 21). Tricyclic Antidepressants. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A. (2022, July 19). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed August 9 2023. Vázquez, M., Guevara, N., Maldonado, C., Guido, P. C., & Schaiquevich, P. (2020). Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used for Chronic Pain. BioMed research international, 2020, 3902740. Wiley. Vaughn, S. E., Strawn, J. R., Poweleit, E. A., Sarangdhar, M., & Ramsey, L. B. (2021). The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents: Clinical and Pharmacologic Considerations. Journal of personalized medicine, 11(7), 615. MDPI. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Cannabis Adverse Effects & Drug Interactions[PowerPoint Slides]. (n.d.). Department of Health. docs.google.com. Mannion V. (1999). Case report: adverse effects of taking tricyclic antidepressants and smoking marijuana. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 45, 2683–2684. Balachandran, P., Elsohly, M., & Hill, K. P. (2021). Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol: a Comprehensive Review. Journal of general internal medicine, 36(7), 2074–2084. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Jill Sensenig, M.B.A. MBA Jill Sensenig is a medical writer with 16+ years experience in the healthcare industry as a writer, editor, and author. Published February 23, 2023 Updated August 22, 2025 Medical Reviewer Morgan Blair, M.A. MA, LPCC Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. Reviewed February 23, 2023 Related community Medications Explore questions and perspectives about psychiatric medications and the treatment experience. Table of contentsChoose a section Physical effects of cannabis use How do antidepressants affect the brain? What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants? View more","wordCount":1671},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Substance Use Disorders","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/substance-use-disorders"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Cannabis and Antidepressants","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/393dd8888995ef4d451a5192.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/393dd8888995ef4d451a5192.webp","width":1200,"height":675,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"One person gently holds another person's clasped hands."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jill-sensenig#person","name":"Jill Sensenig","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jill-sensenig","jobTitle":"MBA","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/a31666132215697b750001da.webp","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillsensenig/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair","jobTitle":"MA, LPCC","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/9f1be5c5cc2b412cfab5f6cc.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-blair-5627aa88/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs#department"}]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#article","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","headline":"Cannabis and Antidepressants","description":"Using cannabis while taking antidepressants carries many risks, including reducing the effects of the medication and increasing the likelihood of side effects.","wordCount":1111,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"},"articleSection":"Substance Use Disorders","citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Sheffler ZM, Patel P, Abdijadid S. (2022, November 24). Antidepressants. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed October 11 2022.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Use and Expenses in the United States Between 2013 and 2018. (2022). Content last reviewed March 2022. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. ahrq.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.ahrq.gov/data/visualizations/prescription-antidepressants.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Ashton, C. (2001). Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: A brief review. British Journal of Psychiatry,178(2), 101-106. doi:10.1192/bjp.178.2.101."},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarisetty LS. (2022, May 8). Physiology, Neurotransmitters. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Berger, M., Gray, J. A., & Roth, B. L. (2009). The expanded biology of serotonin. Annual review of medicine, 60, 355–366. annualreviews.org. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. (2022, November 21). Tricyclic Antidepressants. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A. (2022, July 19). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed August 9 2023.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Vázquez, M., Guevara, N., Maldonado, C., Guido, P. C., & Schaiquevich, P. (2020). Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used for Chronic Pain. BioMed research international, 2020, 3902740. Wiley.","url":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/3902740?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Vaughn, S. E., Strawn, J. R., Poweleit, E. A., Sarangdhar, M., & Ramsey, L. B. (2021). The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents: Clinical and Pharmacologic Considerations. Journal of personalized medicine, 11(7), 615. MDPI. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/11/7/615?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Medical Cannabis Adverse Effects & Drug Interactions[PowerPoint Slides]. (n.d.). Department of Health. docs.google.com.","url":"https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoh.dc.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdc%2Fsites%2Fdoh%2Fpublication%2Fattachments%2FMedical%2520Cannabis%2520Adverse%2520Effects%2520and%2520Drug%2520Interactions_0.pdf&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Mannion V. (1999). Case report: adverse effects of taking tricyclic antidepressants and smoking marijuana. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 45, 2683–2684."},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Balachandran, P., Elsohly, M., & Hill, K. P. (2021). Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol: a Comprehensive Review. Journal of general internal medicine, 36(7), 2074–2084. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-020-06504-8?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","author":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jill-sensenig#person"}],"image":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#primaryimage"},"about":{"@type":"Thing","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/substance-use-disorders#topic","name":"Substance Use Disorders"},"datePublished":"2023-02-23T09:05:25Z","dateModified":"2025-08-22T18:14:12Z"},{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#webpage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","name":"Cannabis and Antidepressants","description":"Using cannabis while taking antidepressants carries many risks, including reducing the effects of the medication and increasing the likelihood of side effects.","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/substance-use-disorders#webpage"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#article"},"relatedLink":["https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/antidepressants","https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/can-antidepressants-change-your-personality","https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/atypical-antidepressants","https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/can-antidepressants-cause-mania","https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/can-ecstasy-cause-depression","https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/roger-watts"],"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"},"medicalAudience":{"@type":"MedicalAudience","audienceType":"General public"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#primaryimage"},"reviewedBy":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair#person"},"about":{"@type":"Thing","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/substance-use-disorders#topic","name":"Substance Use Disorders"},"citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Sheffler ZM, Patel P, Abdijadid S. (2022, November 24). Antidepressants. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed October 11 2022.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Use and Expenses in the United States Between 2013 and 2018. (2022). Content last reviewed March 2022. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. ahrq.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.ahrq.gov/data/visualizations/prescription-antidepressants.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Ashton, C. (2001). Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: A brief review. British Journal of Psychiatry,178(2), 101-106. doi:10.1192/bjp.178.2.101."},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarisetty LS. (2022, May 8). Physiology, Neurotransmitters. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Berger, M., Gray, J. A., & Roth, B. L. (2009). The expanded biology of serotonin. Annual review of medicine, 60, 355–366. annualreviews.org. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. (2022, November 21). Tricyclic Antidepressants. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A. (2022, July 19). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed August 9 2023.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Vázquez, M., Guevara, N., Maldonado, C., Guido, P. C., & Schaiquevich, P. (2020). Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used for Chronic Pain. BioMed research international, 2020, 3902740. Wiley.","url":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/3902740?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Vaughn, S. E., Strawn, J. R., Poweleit, E. A., Sarangdhar, M., & Ramsey, L. B. (2021). The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents: Clinical and Pharmacologic Considerations. Journal of personalized medicine, 11(7), 615. MDPI. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/11/7/615?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Medical Cannabis Adverse Effects & Drug Interactions[PowerPoint Slides]. (n.d.). Department of Health. docs.google.com.","url":"https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoh.dc.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdc%2Fsites%2Fdoh%2Fpublication%2Fattachments%2FMedical%2520Cannabis%2520Adverse%2520Effects%2520and%2520Drug%2520Interactions_0.pdf&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Mannion V. (1999). Case report: adverse effects of taking tricyclic antidepressants and smoking marijuana. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 45, 2683–2684."},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Balachandran, P., Elsohly, M., & Hill, K. P. (2021). Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol: a Comprehensive Review. Journal of general internal medicine, 36(7), 2074–2084. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-020-06504-8?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"}],"datePublished":"2023-02-23T09:05:25Z","dateModified":"2025-08-22T18:14:12Z","lastReviewed":"2023-02-23"}]},"representations":{"html":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","json":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants.json","jsonLd":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants.ld.json"},"$schema":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/page.schema.json","images":[{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/a31666132215697b750001da.webp","alt":"","width":22,"height":22},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/9f1be5c5cc2b412cfab5f6cc.jpg","alt":"","width":22,"height":22},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/393dd8888995ef4d451a5192.webp","alt":"One person gently holds another person's clasped hands.","width":1200,"height":675},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/2b7c0f84b1f18e263d570863.jpg","alt":"","width":64,"height":64},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/f5e91a4297495afdb6431ec9.webp","alt":"","width":1199,"height":675}],"sections":[{"id":"key-takeaways","title":"Key takeaways","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#key-takeaways"},{"id":"physical-effects-of-cannabis-use","title":"Physical effects of cannabis use","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#physical-effects-of-cannabis-use"},{"id":"how-do-antidepressants-affect-the-brain","title":"How do antidepressants affect the brain?","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#how-do-antidepressants-affect-the-brain"},{"id":"what-are-the-risks-of-mixing-cannabis-and-antidepressants","title":"What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#what-are-the-risks-of-mixing-cannabis-and-antidepressants"},{"id":"ssris-a-growing-body-of-evidence-indicates-that-ssris-like-sertraline-and-citalopram-metabolized-by-the-enzyme-cyp2c19-are-impacted-by-concentrations-of-cbd-and-thc","title":"SSRIs","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#ssris-a-growing-body-of-evidence-indicates-that-ssris-like-sertraline-and-citalopram-metabolized-by-the-enzyme-cyp2c19-are-impacted-by-concentrations-of-cbd-and-thc"},{"id":"snris-some-snris-like-duloxetine-is-metabolized-through-the-liver-and-eliminated-from-the-body-through-different-enzymes-cyp1a2-cannabinoids-can-interfere-with-the-enzyme-increasing-the-amount-of-duloxetine-in-the-blood-and-a-higher-likelihood-of-side-effects","title":"SNRIs","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#snris-some-snris-like-duloxetine-is-metabolized-through-the-liver-and-eliminated-from-the-body-through-different-enzymes-cyp1a2-cannabinoids-can-interfere-with-the-enzyme-increasing-the-amount-of-duloxetine-in-the-blood-and-a-higher-likelihood-of-side-effects"},{"id":"tcas-cannabis-blocks-the-enzyme-cyp2d6-which-can-increase-the-concentrations-of-ssris-tcas-and-other-drugs-in-the-blood-amitriptyline-is-one-tca-that-is-likely-to-create-significant-side-effects-when-combined-with-cannabis-and-may-lead-to-life-threatening-interactions-amitriptyline-combined-with-cannabis-has-caused-cognitive-changes-delirium-and-life-threatening-interactions-such-as-sustained-supraventricular-tachycardia-a-dangerous-and-possibly-fatally-high-heart-rate","title":"TCAs","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#tcas-cannabis-blocks-the-enzyme-cyp2d6-which-can-increase-the-concentrations-of-ssris-tcas-and-other-drugs-in-the-blood-amitriptyline-is-one-tca-that-is-likely-to-create-significant-side-effects-when-combined-with-cannabis-and-may-lead-to-life-threatening-interactions-amitriptyline-combined-with-cannabis-has-caused-cognitive-changes-delirium-and-life-threatening-interactions-such-as-sustained-supraventricular-tachycardia-a-dangerous-and-possibly-fatally-high-heart-rate"},{"id":"maois-cannabis-can-also-interact-with-maois-maoi-medications-such-as-tranylcypromine-phenelzine-and-isocarboxazid-can-cause-these-medications-to-stay-in-the-circulatory-system-heart-blood-vessels-blood-longer-than-they-should-which-means-it-can-cause-unpleasant-side-effects","title":"MAOIs","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#maois-cannabis-can-also-interact-with-maois-maoi-medications-such-as-tranylcypromine-phenelzine-and-isocarboxazid-can-cause-these-medications-to-stay-in-the-circulatory-system-heart-blood-vessels-blood-longer-than-they-should-which-means-it-can-cause-unpleasant-side-effects"}],"references":[{"number":1,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","text":"Sheffler ZM, Patel P, Abdijadid S. (2022, November 24). Antidepressants. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed October 11 2022.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":2,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#antipsychotic-antidepressant-use-expenses-united-states-between-2013-2018","text":"Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Use and Expenses in the United States Between 2013 and 2018. (2022). Content last reviewed March 2022. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. ahrq.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ahrq.gov/data/visualizations/prescription-antidepressants.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"ahrq.gov"}],"url":"https://www.ahrq.gov/data/visualizations/prescription-antidepressants.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":3,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","text":"Ashton, C. (2001). Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: A brief review. British Journal of Psychiatry,178(2), 101-106. doi:10.1192/bjp.178.2.101.","links":[]},{"number":4,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-source","text":"Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarisetty LS. (2022, May 8). Physiology, Neurotransmitters. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":5,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#expanded-biology-serotonin","text":"Berger, M., Gray, J. A., & Roth, B. L. (2009). The expanded biology of serotonin. Annual review of medicine, 60, 355–366. annualreviews.org. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"annualreviews.org"}],"url":"https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":6,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-2","text":"Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. (2022, November 21). Tricyclic Antidepressants. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":7,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maoi-updated-2022-jul-19","text":"Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A. (2022, July 19). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed August 9 2023.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":8,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#potential-pharmacokinetic-drug-drug-interactions-between-cannabinoids-drugs-used","text":"Vázquez, M., Guevara, N., Maldonado, C., Guido, P. C., & Schaiquevich, P. (2020). Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used for Chronic Pain. BioMed research international, 2020, 3902740. Wiley.","links":[{"url":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/3902740?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"Wiley"}],"url":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/3902740?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":9,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#impact-marijuana-antidepressant-treatment-adolescents-clinical-pharmacologic-considerati","text":"Vaughn, S. E., Strawn, J. R., Poweleit, E. A., Sarangdhar, M., & Ramsey, L. B. (2021). The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents: Clinical and Pharmacologic Considerations. Journal of personalized medicine, 11(7), 615. MDPI. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/11/7/615?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"MDPI"}],"url":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/11/7/615?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":10,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#medical-cannabis-adverse-effects-drug-interactions-powerpoint-slides","text":"Medical Cannabis Adverse Effects & Drug Interactions[PowerPoint Slides]. (n.d.). Department of Health. docs.google.com.","links":[{"url":"https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoh.dc.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdc%2Fsites%2Fdoh%2Fpublication%2Fattachments%2FMedical%2520Cannabis%2520Adverse%2520Effects%2520and%2520Drug%2520Interactions_0.pdf&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"docs.google.com"}],"url":"https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoh.dc.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdc%2Fsites%2Fdoh%2Fpublication%2Fattachments%2FMedical%2520Cannabis%2520Adverse%2520Effects%2520and%2520Drug%2520Interactions_0.pdf&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":11,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#case-report-adverse-effects-taking-tricyclic-antidepressants-smoking-marijuana","text":"Mannion V. (1999). Case report: adverse effects of taking tricyclic antidepressants and smoking marijuana. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 45, 2683–2684.","links":[]},{"number":12,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#cannabidiol-interactions-medications-illicit-substances-alcohol-comprehensive-review","text":"Balachandran, P., Elsohly, M., & Hill, K. P. (2021). Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol: a Comprehensive Review. Journal of general internal medicine, 36(7), 2074–2084. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-020-06504-8?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"Springer"}],"url":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-020-06504-8?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"}],"relatedReading":[],"links":[{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","label":"Home"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library","label":"Library"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/substance-use-disorders","label":"Substance Use Disorders"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jill-sensenig","label":"Jill Sensenig"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair","label":"Morgan Blair"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/depression","label":"depression"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[1]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#antipsychotic-antidepressant-use-expenses-united-states-between-2013-2018","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/anxiety","label":"anxiety"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/peggy-ferguson","label":""},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/peggy-ferguson","label":"Peggy Ferguson Ph.D."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/antidepressants","label":"antidepressant medication"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[1]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-source","label":"[4]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-source","label":"[4]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-source","label":"[4]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/anger","label":"anger"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#expanded-biology-serotonin","label":"[5]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-source","label":"[4]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-source","label":"[4]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[1]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-2","label":"[6]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maoi-updated-2022-jul-19","label":"[7]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#potential-pharmacokinetic-drug-drug-interactions-between-cannabinoids-drugs-used","label":"[8]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#potential-pharmacokinetic-drug-drug-interactions-between-cannabinoids-drugs-used","label":"[8]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/citalopram-uses-dosage-side-effects","label":"citalopram"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#impact-marijuana-antidepressant-treatment-adolescents-clinical-pharmacologic-considerati","label":"[9]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#medical-cannabis-adverse-effects-drug-interactions-powerpoint-slides","label":"[10]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/duloxetine-uses-dosage-side-effects","label":"duloxetine"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#potential-pharmacokinetic-drug-drug-interactions-between-cannabinoids-drugs-used","label":"[8]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#potential-pharmacokinetic-drug-drug-interactions-between-cannabinoids-drugs-used","label":"[8]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#case-report-adverse-effects-taking-tricyclic-antidepressants-smoking-marijuana","label":"[11]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#cannabidiol-interactions-medications-illicit-substances-alcohol-comprehensive-review","label":"[12]"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://www.ahrq.gov/data/visualizations/prescription-antidepressants.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"ahrq.gov"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"annualreviews.org"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/3902740?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"Wiley"},{"url":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/11/7/615?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"MDPI"},{"url":"https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoh.dc.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdc%2Fsites%2Fdoh%2Fpublication%2Fattachments%2FMedical%2520Cannabis%2520Adverse%2520Effects%2520and%2520Drug%2520Interactions_0.pdf&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"docs.google.com"},{"url":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-020-06504-8?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-cannabis-and-antidepressants&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"Springer"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs","label":"The Clinical Affairs Team"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy","label":"Editorial Policy"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jill-sensenig","label":""},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jill-sensenig","label":"Jill Sensenig, M.B.A."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair","label":""},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/morgan-blair","label":"Morgan Blair, M.A."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/medications","label":""},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/medications","label":"Medications"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#physical-effects-of-cannabis-use","label":"Physical effects of cannabis use"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#how-do-antidepressants-affect-the-brain","label":"How do antidepressants affect the brain?"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#what-are-the-risks-of-mixing-cannabis-and-antidepressants","label":"What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?"}],"seo":{"title":"Cannabis and Antidepressants: Interactions and Risks","description":"Using cannabis while taking antidepressants carries many risks, including reducing the effects of the medication and increasing the likelihood of side effects.","canonical":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/ec9b0cb47c0207d45e88634d.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Library","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"library"}},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"name":"Library","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"name":"Substance Use Disorders","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/substance-use-disorders"},{"name":"Cannabis and Antidepressants","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants"}],"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Peggy Ferguson, Ph.D.","url":"/people/peggy-ferguson","profileId":"6432","topic":"addiction","focus":"Addiction counseling and recovery","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"keyTakeaways":["Cannabis can produce anxiety, panic, paranoia, and other unwanted effects as well as intoxication.","Cannabis can interact with antidepressants by affecting drug metabolism and increasing exposure to some medications.","Interaction risks differ across antidepressant classes and can include serious cognitive and cardiovascular effects."],"introduction":{"html":"Millions of Americans take antidepressants, regarded as the first-line treatment for depression and other mental health conditions such as anxiety [1], and millions of Americans also use cannabis. The CDC estimated that 48.2 million Americans used cannabis in 2019. [2] With so many Americans using antidepressants or cannabis, it is important to consider and understand the potential side effects and risks of cannabis use while taking anti-depressants.\n\nCannabis affects almost every system in the body, and the main effect for most people who use it is to feel high. However, some unwanted experience effects like severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis can also occur. [3]","text":"Millions of Americans take antidepressants, regarded as the first-line treatment for depression and other mental health conditions such as anxiety [1], and millions of Americans also use cannabis. The CDC estimated that 48.2 million Americans used cannabis in 2019. [2] With so many Americans using antidepressants or cannabis, it is important to consider and understand the potential side effects and risks of cannabis use while taking anti-depressants. Cannabis affects almost every system in the body, and the main effect for most people who use it is to feel high. However, some unwanted experience effects like severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis can also occur. [3]","sourceField":"hero"},"navigation":[{"label":"Physical effects of cannabis use","href":"#physical-effects-of-cannabis-use","heading":"Physical effects of cannabis use"},{"label":"How do antidepressants affect the brain?","href":"#how-do-antidepressants-affect-the-brain","heading":"How do antidepressants affect the brain?"},{"label":"What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?","href":"#what-are-the-risks-of-mixing-cannabis-and-antidepressants","heading":"What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?"}],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/medications","basis":"topic match"},"referencePresentation":"Numbered author–date references with italic work titles, publication details, linked source names, and documented access dates. Missing publication dates use n.d.","collections":[]}