"I use 24mg of Prednisolone daily. Will marijuana interact with my medications and can it help me manage my condition?"
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) is a condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, also known as Wegener’s. Basically, its a widespread systemic type of inflammation. Cannabinoids, specifically Cannabinol (CBD) is known to have great anti-inflammatory effects. According to a study on Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs:
"The cannabinoid system has been shown both in vivo and in vitro to be involved in regulating the immune system through its immunomodulatory properties. Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory response and subsequently attenuate disease symptoms. This property of cannabinoids is mediated through multiple pathways such as induction of apoptosis in activated immune cells, suppression of cytokines and chemokines at inflammatory sites and upregulation of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells.
Cannabinoids have been tested in several experimental models of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis and hepatitis and have been shown to protect the host from the pathogenesis through induction of multiple anti-inflammatory pathways."
In regards to the interactions between medical marijuana and Prednisolone, marijuana has shown very few side effects and drug interactions. However, both interact with the P450 system which may case an increase of circulating Prednisolone. I would recommend you consult with your provider in order to monitor your condition while on medical marijuana as an extra safety precaution.
Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S. A., Hegde, V. L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry, 1(7), 1333–1349. https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc.09.93
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