What Happens When You Mix Xanax and Weed?

Mixing Xanax with weed is usually a safe combination in low doses, but it does come with some noticeable side effects and potential pitfalls. Everyone reacts to drugs and cannabis differently, so the possible effects can become a little unpredictable when they mix and interact with each other within your system. Here’s some information on what happens when you mix Xanax and weed and some tips to stay safe.

What is Xanax?

Xanax (pronounced zan-ax) is a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed to patients who struggle with acute anxiety and panic attacks. It is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by acting on the brain and central nervous system to make you feel more calm and relaxed. It enhances the effects of a natural calming chemical in the body known as GABA.

It works by enhancing the effects of this natural chemical in the body (GABA), so it can also help with a few other mental health conditions. If you’ve already mixed Xanax and weed, there’s no need to panic. This combination is very rarely life-threatening, though you may feel a little drowsy and experience short-term side effects.

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What Happens When You Mix Weed and Xanax?

THC, a primary cannabinoid in the cannabis plant known for causing an intoxicating high, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, just like Xanax. Both substances slow the signaling between nerves in your CNS. They can both help lower anxiety and make you feel euphoric and relaxed when they’re taken on their own, in low doses.

However, in high doses, Xanax is a sedative while THC can heighten anxiety and increase feelings of paranoia. Both of these substances can also increase your heart rate and, when they’re taken together, can come with a few dangerous side effects. Combining the two may make both substances feel less effective, making it easier to overdose on Xanax or lead to dependency and addiction.

With that said, Xanax is safest when it’s taken on its own for helping those suffering from anxiety with their anxiety disorders. It typically doesn’t cause too much trouble in the short term, but prolonged use can be dangerous.

Interactions and Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Weed

At the end of the day, you can usually mix low doses of THC and Xanax with few side effects. Some possible side effects of mixing Xanax and weed include

• Drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Impaired judgment
• Slowed motor coordination
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Sedation
• Increased heart rate

Anxiety treatment options that include Xanax typically don’t work as well with cannabis in the mix. In low doses, cannabis may help decrease anxiety, but high doses of THC have been shown to increase anxiety and even lead to paranoid thoughts. This combination can backfire if you take too much of one or the other. Be sure to talk to your doctor before self-medicating with Xanax and weed.

What About Mixing Alcohol with Xanax and Weed?

You should never mix alcohol with cannabis and Xanax. Alcohol has an intensifying effect with Xanax and causes severe drowsiness and sedation. It can also increase your risk of experiencing dangerous side effects, like respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing, and irregular heartbeat.

Alcohol intensifies the effects of cannabis too, which can lead to similar side effects, increased anxiety and paranoia, or make you pass out. At the end of the day, keep alcohol out of the mix so you can stay safe. Alcohol has a negative interaction with both substances.

What to Avoid When Taking Xanax

Xanax interacts with a lot of other drugs, including medicines found over the counter. You should avoid taking the following medications when taking Xanax:

• Antidepressants
• Antifungals
• Antibiotics
• Oral contraceptives
• Opioids
• Heartburn medications
• Sedatives

These substances can cause a toxic buildup of Xanax in your system since they make it harder for your body to process and remove them from your body. This can lead to long-term health consequences and possible dangers.

Safety Tips for Mixing Xanax and Weed

You should always tread lightly when it comes to substances that are frequently at the root cause of increased drowsiness, including cannabis. While the interaction is relatively safe, your chances of overdosing are higher when you mix Xanax and weed. However, you can make things safer for yourself if you’ve already mixed them by following these safety tips.

1. Only take low doses of each. This helps reduce side effects.
2. Remain seated instead of lying down. Depressants are sedative and can cause nausea and vomiting, so stay seated to avoid choking in case you throw up.
3. Only take the two in a safe setting. These drugs make you sleepy and can leave you in a vulnerable state.
4. Have someone around to keep an eye on you in case you need help.
5. Drink plenty of water
6. Avoid dependency by only using this combination sporadically.
7. Don’t mix weed or Xanax with other substances, especially alcohol.

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When to Get Help After Mixing Xanax and Weed

Call 911 if you begin experiencing any of these dangerous side effects and wait for help to arrive by laying on your side to keep your airways clear.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Irregular heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Slow breathing
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Aggression
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech

Xanax and Weed: Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, mixing weed and Xanax isn’t too dangerous, but you should still be aware of possible side effects and recognize the warning signs of an emergency.

Please keep in mind that the contents of this article should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your doctor when managing your medicines and when mixing your prescriptions with cannabis. We don’t endorse the misuse of prescription medications, but we think it’s important to provide accurate information to help prevent misuse.