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Review
. 2025 Feb;13(1):e70047.
doi: 10.1002/prp2.70047.

Part 2: Drug Interactions Involving Cannabis Products in Persons Aged 18 and Over: A Summary of Published Case Reports and Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

Affiliations
Review

Part 2: Drug Interactions Involving Cannabis Products in Persons Aged 18 and Over: A Summary of Published Case Reports and Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

Maryann R Chapin et al. Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2025 Feb.

Abstract

The increasing utilization of cannabis products combined with lack of data regarding potential cannabis-prescription drug interactions is concerning. This study aimed to review published case reports and FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) spontaneous reports to assess cannabis-drug interactions in persons aged 18 and over. A literature search identified 20 case reports that were each assessed for drug interaction causality using the Drug Interaction Probability Scale. Data collected from the FAERS revealed a greater proportion of reports mentioning serious outcomes, including death, when cannabis was used concomitantly with controlled substances compared to noncontrolled substances. Fisher's exact test showed a statistically significant difference between the controlled and noncontrolled groups (p = 0.043). Overall, these findings emphasize the need for additional research and vigilant monitoring of cannabis use when combined with other medications.

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Conflict of interest statement

M.R.C., X.L., K.A., S.B.T., R.D.B., S.E.: has no conflict of interest or disclosures to report. S.L.K‐G. receives grant funding from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases R01DK121730 and U01DK130010, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health U54AT008909, and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation. M.F.P. receives grant funding from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and Office of Dietary Supplements (U54AT008909), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01HD081299), and National Institute of General Medical Sciences (R16GM146679), and MFP is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Simcyp, Certara UK Limited.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Comparative description of the top 5% adverse drug reactions mentioned in spontaneous reports involving cannabis and either controlled or noncontrolled substances. Percentages do not sum up to 100% as each report may have multiple adverse drug reactions reported.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
The top 5% of adverse drug reactions present in spontaneous reports that mention a noncontrolled substance and a cannabis product compared to their frequency in reports mentioning a controlled substance and a cannabis product. Percentages do not sum up to 100% as each report may have multiple adverse drug reactions reported.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
The top 5% of adverse drug reactions present in spontaneous reports that mention a controlled substance and a cannabis product compared to their frequency in reports mentioning a noncontrolled substance and a cannabis product.

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