Cannabis - Lynparza (Olaparib) Interaction
Herbal: Cannabis
Also Known As: Cannabis sativa, Anashca, Banji, Bhang, Blunt, Bud, Cannabis, Charas, Dope, Esrar, Gaga, Ganga, Grass, Haschisch, Hash, Hashish, Herbe, Huo Ma Ren, Joint, Kif, Marie-Jeanne, Mariguana, Marihuana, Marijuana, Mary Jane, Pot, Weed, Devil's Lettuce
Drug: Olaparib
Brand names:
Lynparza
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Olaparib is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, cannabis may increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that cannabis can inhibit the activity of CYP3A4 enzymes, which might decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates. In vitro research also shows that cannabis extracts modestly inhibit the CYP3A4 metabolism of testosterone; extracts providing the specific cannabinoids CBD and cannabigerol (CBG) had stronger inhibitory effects than extracts containing THC and CBD.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Pellinen, P., Honkakoski, P., Stenback, F., Niemitz, M., Alhava, E., Pelkonen, O., Lang, M. A., and Pasanen, M. Cocaine N-demethylation and the metabolism-related hepatotoxicity can be prevented by cytochrome P450 3A inhibitors. Eur.J Pharmacol 1-3-1994;2
- Treyer A, Reinhardt JK, Eigenmann DE, Oufir M, Hamburger M. Phytochemical comparison of medicinal cannabis extracts and study of their CYP-mediated interactions with coumarinic oral anticoagulants. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2023;6(1):21-31.
Cannabis Overview
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant that contains more than 100 compounds known as cannabinoids. Some of these compounds can have psychoactive effects when consumed, which is why cannabis is often used for recreational purposes. However, cannabis has also been used for medicinal purposes and specific compounds found in cannabis (e.g., THC, CBD, CBN) are thought to have different effects and work on different receptors in the body. The two main cannabinoids in cannabis that are used medicinally are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis, while CBD is not psychoactive. Cannabidiol (CBD) is also found in the prescription drug Epidiolex and is used to treat certain types of seizures.
Olaparib Overview
-
Olaparib is used alone or in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin) to help maintain the response of certain types of ovarian (female reproductive organs where eggs are formed), fallopian tube (tube that transports eggs released by the ovaries to the uterus), and peritoneal (layer of tissue that lines the abdomen) cancer in people who have completely responded or partially responded to their first or later chemotherapy treatments. Olaparib is also used to treat certain types of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has not improved or has worsened after treatment with other therapies. It is also used to treat certain types of early breast cancer in people who have already been treated with other chemotherapy treatments. Olaparib is also used to treat a certain type of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, no longer responds to medical or surgical treatments to lower testosterone levels, and has progressed after treatment with enzalutamide (Xtandi) or abiraterone (Yonsa, Zytiga). Olaparib is also used to treat ovarian cancer that has not improved or has worsened after treatment with at least three other therapies. Olaparib is also used to help maintain the response of a certain type of pancreatic cancer that has not spread or progressed after the first chemotherapy treatment. Olaparib is a polyadenosine 5'-diphosphoribose polymerase (PARP) enzyme inhibitor. It works by killing cancer cells.
Cannabis - More Interactions
Cannabis interacts with 1096 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
Return to the main supplement interaction checker page
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
Ask A Pharmacist