Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) + Warfarin Sodium
Warfarin Sodium brand names: Coumadin, Panwarfin, Sofarin.
Warfarin Sodium falls into 4 drug categories that Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, THC might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full interaction reportDelta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) and Warfarin Sodium
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. Warfarin Sodium 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).
ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS
1 of 4Why this applies to Warfarin Sodium
Warfarin Sodium falls under ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS — the group Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) interacts with.
In vitro research shows that THC inhibits platelet aggregation.
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.
Here's the gist of it: warfarin already lowers your blood's ability to clot, and lab research suggests THC may make platelets (the cells that help form clots) a little less sticky. Put those two together and the theoretical concern is a slightly higher chance of bleeding. With warfarin, that could show up as easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, pink or red urine, or cuts that take longer to stop.
I want to be honest about how strong this evidence is. It comes from test-tube studies, not from real patients, so it's more of a caution than a proven problem. Still, warfarin is a narrow-window drug where small shifts matter, so please loop in your doctor or pharmacist before mixing the two, and keep up with your regular INR checks.
- Levy, R., Schurr, A., Nathan, I., Dvilanski, A., and Livne, A. Impairment of ADP-induced platelet aggregation by hashish components. Thromb.Haemost. 12-31-1976;36(3):634-640. DOI
- Formukong, E. A., Evans, A. T., and Evans, F. J. The inhibitory effects of cannabinoids, the active constituents of Cannabis sativa L. on human and rabbit platelet aggregation. J.Pharm.Pharmacol. 1989;41(10):705-709.
WARFARIN (Coumadin)
2 of 4In vitro research shows that the cannabinoids THC, cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol inhibit the cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9)-mediated 7-hydroxylation of S-warfarin in a concentration-dependent manner. There are also three case reports of patients chronically taking warfarin that developed a spike in international normalized ratio (INR) after smoking cannabis or taking medical cannabis orally. Although the dose of THC consumed in all cases is unknown, one of the patients doubled the amount of THC consumed from 7.5 mg to 14.7 mg daily for one week.
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.
Here's the gist: warfarin is a tricky medication where the dose has to be just right, and THC may tip that balance. THC appears to slow down an enzyme in your liver (CYP2C9) that normally breaks warfarin down. When that enzyme is blocked, warfarin can build up and thin your blood more than intended. In real life, that could mean a higher INR and a greater chance of easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or more serious bleeding.
I'll be honest about the evidence here. This comes mostly from lab studies and just a few patient reports, so it's not rock-solid. But because warfarin has such a narrow safe range, I'd treat it seriously. If you use THC in any form, please loop in your doctor or pharmacist before changing anything so they can keep an eye on your INR.
- Yamreudeewong W, Wong HK, Brausch LM, Pulley KR. Probable interaction between warfarin and marijuana smoking. Ann Pharmacother 2009;43:1347-53. PubMed
- Damkier P, Lassen D, Christensen MMH, Madsen KG, Hellfritzsch M, Pottegård A. Interaction between warfarin and cannabis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2019;124(1):28-31. PubMed
- Brown GW, Bellnier TJ, Janda M, Miskowitz K. ?-9-tetrahydrocannabinol dose increase leads to warfarin drug interaction and elevated INR. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2021;61(1):e57-e60. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES
3 of 4Warfarin Sodium also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that THC moderately inhibits the CYP2C9-mediated 7-hydroxylation of S-warfarin in a concentration-dependent manner. In vitro research also shows that cannabis extracts containing THC modestly inhibit the CYP2C9 metabolism of tolbutamide; extracts providing the specific cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG) alone had stronger inhibitory effects than extracts containing both THC and CBD. Theoretically, THC may inhibit the metabolism of other CYP2C9 substrates. Conversely, a crossover clinical study in healthy adults shows that oral THC does not inhibit CYP2C9.
Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans..
Here's the gist with warfarin and THC. Your liver uses an enzyme called CYP2C9 to break down warfarin and clear it out. In a test tube, THC has been shown to slow that enzyme down a bit. In theory, that could let warfarin build up slightly, which might make your blood a little thinner than intended and raise your risk of bruising, nosebleeds, or harder-to-stop bleeding.
The reassuring part: this concern comes from lab studies, not real patients, and one human study found oral THC did not actually block CYP2C9. So this is rated minor and unlikely. Still, warfarin has a narrow safety window, so before adding any cannabis or THC product, please check with your pharmacist or doctor and keep up with your regular INR blood tests.
- Damkier P, Lassen D, Christensen MMH, Madsen KG, Hellfritzsch M, Pottegård A. Interaction between warfarin and cannabis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2019;124(1):28-31. PubMed
- 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. PubMed
- Bansal S, Zamarripa CA, Spindle TR, et al. Evaluation of Cytochrome P450-Mediated Cannabinoid-Drug Interactions in Healthy Adult Participants. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023.
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
4 of 4Warfarin Sodium also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that cannabis containing THC might modestly inhibit the activity of CYP3A4 enzymes, which might decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates. It is unclear if this effect is due to THC, other constituents, or the combination. In vitro research also shows that cannabis extracts containing THC modestly inhibit the CYP3A4 metabolism of testosterone; extracts providing the specific cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG) alone had stronger inhibitory effects than extracts containing both THC and CBD. Conversely, a crossover clinical study in healthy adults shows that oral THC does not inhibit CYP3A4.
Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans..
Here's the gist for warfarin: in theory, THC might slightly slow down one of the liver enzymes (CYP3A4) that helps clear warfarin. If that happened, a bit more warfarin could hang around, which could thin your blood a touch more than intended. With warfarin, even small shifts matter because it has a narrow safety window, so the worry would be easier bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding that's harder to stop.
That said, this is mostly lab-dish theory. One human study actually found oral THC did not block this enzyme, and warfarin leans more on CYP2C9 anyway. So a real-world problem is unlikely. Still, since warfarin is touchy, please loop in your pharmacist or doctor before adding THC, and keep up with your INR checks.
- 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 PubMed
- 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. PubMed
- Bansal S, Zamarripa CA, Spindle TR, et al. Evaluation of Cytochrome P450-Mediated Cannabinoid-Drug Interactions in Healthy Adult Participants. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023.
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- 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.
- 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.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) Also Interacts With Other Medications
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) has 761 moderate, 336 minor known drug interactions in our database — the Warfarin Sodium one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc)
We haven’t checked that one against Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc). Pick one to open its full report.
Questions About Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) or Warfarin Sodium
These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) or Warfarin Sodium, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:
- Does Ginger Water Interfere With Amoxicillin-Clavulanate? ›
- Can You Take Nattokinase With a 40 mg Statin? ›
- Is Krill Oil Safe To Take With Losartan? ›
Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Warfarin Sodium
This page covers Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Warfarin Sodium page lists 361 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Alfalfa (major), American Ginseng (major), Beer (major) and Cannabis (major).
Where Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) and Warfarin Sodium 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.
#447 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#21 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
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.
About Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc)
What is 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.
About Warfarin
What Is Warfarin Used For?
Brand names: Coumadin, Panwarfin, Sofarin
Warfarin sodium tablets and Jantoven tablets are both used to prevent and treat venous thrombosis (blood clots in the veins) and pulmonary embolism (a clot in the lungs). They are also used to prevent clot-related complications in people with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm) or who have had a heart valve replaced.
In people who have had a heart attack, warfarin is used to reduce the risk of death, another heart attack, stroke, or other clotting events. It does not dissolve an existing clot, but it helps prevent the clot from growing and stops new dangerous clots from forming.
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.
No drugs match “”.
761 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Theophylline ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Metronidazole ›
- Diphenhydramine ›
- Aspirin ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Naproxen ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Minocycline ›
- Tetracycline ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Ranitidine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Fenofibrate ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Flurazepam ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Temazepam ›
- Triamcinolone ›
- Apomorphine ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Dipyridamole ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Nitrazepam ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Everolimus ›
- Griseofulvin ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Ketoprofen ›
- Lofepramine ›
- Mepivacaine ›
- Meprobamate ›
- Oxymorphone ›
- Propoxyphene ›
- Rifampin ›
- Topiramate ›
- Aripiprazole ›
- Betamethasone ›
Showing 60 of 761 moderate interactions — see all 761 on the Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) page.
336 interactions
- Testosterone ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Glyburide ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Budesonide ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Ivabradine ›
- Medroxyprogesterone ›
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ›
- Meloxicam ›
- Testosterone Undecanoate ›
- Caffeine (otc Drug) ›
- Ciclesonide ›
- Cyclobenzaprine ›
- Dapsone ›
- Fluticasone Propionate ›
- Hydroxyzine ›
- Pantoprazole ›
- Progesterone (prescription Drug) ›
- Abiraterone Acetate ›
- Almotriptan ›
- Budenoside ›
- Busulfan ›
- Cabazitaxel ›
- Caffeine (prescription Drug) ›
- Carvedilol ›
- Celecoxib ›
- Chlorpheniramine ›
- Clomipramine ›
- Cocaine Hydrochloride (prescription Drug) ›
- Cyclophosphamide ›
- Dasatinib ›
- Dexchlorpheniramine ›
- Dihydroergotamine ›
- Disopyramide Phosphate ›
- Dronabinol ›
- Ergotamine Tartrate (prescription Drug) ›
- Esterified Estrogens ›
- Felodipine ›
- Finasteride ›
- Flutamide ›
- Fluticasone Furoate ›
- Galantamine ›
- Glipizide ›
- Imipramine ›
- Irbesartan ›
- Irinotecan ›
- Lacosamide ›
- Maraviroc ›
- Mometasone ›
- Mometasone Furoate ›
- Nimodipine ›
- Norgestrel ›
Showing 60 of 336 minor interactions — see all 336 on the Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) page.
No interaction 1,732 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.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Metoprolol ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Docusate ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Methamphetamine ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lisdexamfetamine ›
- Metformin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Bupropion ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Dextroamphetamine ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Duloxetine ›
- Bisoprolol ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Mannitol ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Levodopa ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Lenvatinib ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Venlafaxine ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Nortriptyline ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Ribavirin Aerosol ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,732 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
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
Taking Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) and Warfarin Sodium Together: Common Questions
Can you take Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) with Warfarin Sodium?
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) and Warfarin Sodium?
How serious is the Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) and Warfarin Sodium interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Still Have a Question About Warfarin Sodium and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc)?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.