Drug & supplement interaction

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) + Isoniazid, Rifampin

Isoniazid, Rifampin brand name: Rifamate.

Moderate Interaction
The bottom line Moderate

Isoniazid, Rifampin falls into 4 drug categories that Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, CYP3A4 inhibitors might increase the levels and clinical effects of THC.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
Interactions4
EvidenceD
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
Know someone taking this? Share
Interaction report

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) and Isoniazid, Rifampin

These two interact in 4 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.

Why Are There 4 Interactions?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) interacts with whole categories of medication. Isoniazid, Rifampin falls into 4 of those categories, so it can interact with Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) in 4 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).

Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) INHIBITORS

1 of 4

Why this applies to Isoniazid, Rifampin

Isoniazid, Rifampin falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) INHIBITORS — the group Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) interacts with.

Theoretically, CYP3A4 inhibitors might increase the levels and clinical effects of THC.
THC is a substrate of CYP3A4 enzymes.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Interaction 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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the wrinkle with Rifamate (a combo of isoniazid and rifampin). Your THC is partly cleared by a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. Isoniazid tends to block that enzyme, which could let THC build up a little and make its effects feel stronger, more of that 'high,' drowsiness, dizziness, or foggy thinking.

But here's the catch: rifampin does the opposite. It's a strong enzyme booster (inducer) and usually speeds THC clearance, which can make THC feel weaker. Since Rifamate has both, the real-world result is hard to predict and this is only a theoretical concern based on pharmacology, not strong studies. If you use THC, mention it to your pharmacist or doctor so they can keep an eye on how you feel.

References
  1. Product information for Marinol. AbbVie. North Chicago, IL 60064. August 2017. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018651s029lbl.pdf.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) INHIBITORS

2 of 4

Isoniazid, Rifampin also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) INHIBITORS.

Theoretically, drugs that are CYP2C9 inhibitors might increase the levels and adverse effects of THC.
THC is a substrate of CYP2C9 enzymes.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Interaction 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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the thing to know about this combination. Your body uses an enzyme called CYP2C9 to help break down THC. Isoniazid can block that enzyme, so in theory THC could clear from your body more slowly and build up a bit. If that happens, you might feel THC's effects more strongly: more drowsiness, dizziness, a stronger 'high,' a faster heartbeat, or feeling foggy.

I'll be straight with you, though. This is a theoretical concern based on how these drugs work on paper, not from solid studies in real people. Rifampin actually does the opposite (it speeds enzymes up), so the picture is mixed. If you use cannabis while on this medicine, just mention it to your pharmacist or doctor so they can keep an eye on you.

References
  1. Product information for Marinol. AbbVie. North Chicago, IL 60064. August 2017. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018651s029lbl.pdf.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) INDUCERS

3 of 4

Isoniazid, Rifampin also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) INDUCERS.

Theoretically, CYP3A4 inducers might reduce the levels and clinical effects of THC.
THC is a substrate of CYP3A4 enzymes.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Interaction 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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the gist for this combo. Rifampin (and to a lesser degree isoniazid) is a strong inducer, meaning it speeds up the liver enzyme called CYP3A4. THC happens to be broken down by that same enzyme. So in theory, taking Rifamate could make your body clear THC faster, which would leave less of it around. The practical result would be a weaker, shorter THC effect, so you might notice less of the high or less symptom relief than usual.

I want to be honest that this is a theoretical concern based on how these drugs work, not on solid human studies, so don't be alarmed. The bigger issue is that finishing your full TB treatment matters a lot. Please loop in your pharmacist or doctor before mixing the two.

References
  1. Product information for Marinol. AbbVie. North Chicago, IL 60064. August 2017. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018651s029lbl.pdf.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) INDUCERS

4 of 4

Isoniazid, Rifampin also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) INDUCERS.

Theoretically, drugs that are CYP2C9 inducers might decrease the levels and clinical effects of THC.
THC is a substrate of CYP2C9 enzymes.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Interaction 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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the gist for this combo: Rifampin is a strong booster (inducer) of liver enzymes, including CYP2C9, which is one of the enzymes that helps break down THC. When you speed up that breakdown, your body clears THC faster. So in plain terms, taking Rifampin (and the isoniazid/rifampin combo found in Rifamate) could leave you with less THC in your system than expected. You might notice a weaker effect, less of the relief or 'high' you're used to.

I want to be honest, though: this is a theoretical concern based on how these drugs work, not something proven in real-world studies. It's not dangerous, just possibly less effective on the THC side. The bigger priority is sticking with your TB treatment exactly as prescribed. Chat with your pharmacist or doctor about your cannabis use so they can keep an eye on things.

References
  1. Product information for Marinol. AbbVie. North Chicago, IL 60064. August 2017. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018651s029lbl.pdf.

What These Ratings Mean

Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.

Severity how clinically significant the interaction is
Major

Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.

Moderate

Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.

Minor

Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.

Likelihood how strong the evidence is that the interaction actually happens in people
  • LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
  • ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • 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.
  • UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Evidence the quality of the studies behind the rating (graded A–D)
  • AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
  • BCase-control study.
  • CConsensus.
  • DAnecdotal evidence.

These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.

Keep it in perspective

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) Also Interacts With Other Medications

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) has 762 moderate, 336 minor known drug interactions in our database — the Isoniazid, Rifampin one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc)

Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc). Pick one to open its full report.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Isoniazid, Rifampin

This page covers Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Isoniazid, Rifampin page lists 145 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Apple (major), Asarabacca (major), Beer (major) and Grapefruit (major).

By severity: 8 major · 117 moderate · 20 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Isoniazid, Rifampin page

“Rifamate combines isoniazid and rifampin, the backbone of tuberculosis treatment, and both drugs are hard on the liver, which is why this list of 145 supplement and herbal interactions deserves genuine respect. Eight entries rate major, and the largest cluster, 38 ingredients, adds to that same liver strain, with alcohol in beer or win…”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Isoniazid, Rifampin interaction page

How much people look this up

Where Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) and Isoniazid, Rifampin Sit Against Everything Else

Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.

Supplement Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc)
Top half

#538 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today
Medication Isoniazid, Rifampin
Top 25%

#301 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.

Supplement

About Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc)

What is Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc)?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc)
  • Chronic or nerve pain
  • Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
  • Appetite loss and weight loss
  • Muscle spasticity
  • Sleep problems
  • Anxiety and stress

THC is the main mind-altering compound in cannabis and is best known for causing a 'high.' A prescription form (dronabinol) is approved for chemotherapy-related nausea and appetite loss, but for most other uses the evidence is mixed or limited, and THC can impair thinking and driving. It should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding and used only with medical guidance.

Read the full Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) monograph & all interactions
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc)

Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.

0Major
762Moderate
336Minor
1,731No known interaction
Moderate

762 interactions

Showing 60 of 762 moderate interactions — see all 762 on the Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) page.

Minor

336 interactions

Showing 60 of 336 minor interactions — see all 336 on the Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) page.

No interaction 1,731 drugs checked — show the list

We also checked Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.

Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,731 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

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

Keep exploring
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) and Isoniazid, Rifampin Together: Common Questions

Can you take Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) with Isoniazid, Rifampin?
There is a moderate interaction, so it may be acceptable with monitoring or timing changes — but check with your pharmacist first. Read the full details on this page and confirm with your pharmacist before combining them.
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) and Isoniazid, Rifampin?
Isoniazid, Rifampin belongs to more than one drug category, and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) interacts with each of those categories a little differently. We list every one so nothing is missed — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them.
How serious is the Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) and Isoniazid, Rifampin interaction?
We rate it Moderate. This combination may require monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one. Consult your pharmacist before using them together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Still Have a Question About Isoniazid, Rifampin and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc)?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.