Possible Interaction: Marijuana and Naltrexone

“Notably, chronic dosing of oral naltrexone decreases self-administration of cannabis in human laboratory studies.”

“In summary, we show for the first time that maintenance on naltrexone decreased cannabis self-administration and ratings of ‘good effect’ in nontreatment-seeking daily cannabis smokers.”

“Relative to placebo, maintenance on naltrexone significantly reduced both active cannabis self-administration and its positive subjective effects (‘good effect’).”

“Active marijuana did not affect performance on cognitive tasks relative to inactive marijuana, whereas naltrexone decreased performance when administered alone or in combination with active marijuana.”

“Although naltrexone alone decreased heart rate, it further increased marijuana's cardiovascular effect.”

“This study sought to clarify this interaction by assessing how a range of naltrexone doses altered the subjective, cognitive, and cardiovascular effects of marijuana.”

“ VLNTX addition was also associated with higher rates of negative drug tests for opioids and cannabis and increased engagement in outpatient treatment after one week.”

“The association between moderate cannabis use and improved retention on naltrexone treatment was replicated.”

“This study examined, in an independent sample, a previously observed association between moderate cannabis use and improved retention in naltrexone treatment.”

“To conclude, a low, opioid-selective dose of naltrexone blunted THC intoxication in marijuana smokers , while in nonmarijuana smokers, naltrexone enhanced THC intoxication.”

“Preclinical studies … of naltrexone … cannabis , but not in nonsmokers.7 However, a single 50 mg dose was reported to increase tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reinforcing effects in heavy smokers,… and its subjective effects in daily smokers.10 Naltrexone is approved for maintenance of alcohol abstinence and relapse prevention after opioid detoxification.”