Marijuana Use with Prescription Medication: Patient Education

Young, Oliver

Item

Marijuana Use with Prescription Medication: Patient Education

Young, Oliver

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

Marijuana use in Vermont has increased in recent years across all patient populations, but there is little understanding of the effects of marijuana use on medications. Vermont has the highest percentage of marijuana use in the country, and Windham county is among the highest in the state. Marijuana is metabolized by CYP450 enzymes in the liver, which are also responsible for metabolizing many other medications like SSRIs, benzodiazepine, blood thinners, opioids, beta-blockers, statins, and seizure medications. Marijuana can increase side effects and decrease the effectiveness of medications, which may be dangerous. The wide variety of medications, including the most prescribed medication in the US (statin), paired with the common use of marijuana means there is likely overlap in the populations who use both. This project aimed at educating patients at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, VT, about risks of marijuana with prescriptions with the hope that it start conversations between patients and providers. Results of the project have yet to be studied.