naltrexone + marijuana

Naltrexone + marijuana refers to the concurrent use or co-administration of naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, and marijuana (cannabis), which contains psychoactive cannabinoids such as THC. Naltrexone is primarily used for the treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorders by blocking mu-opioid receptors in the brain. Marijuana acts mainly through cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). The interaction between these two substances has been studied in both clinical and laboratory settings. Acute administration of naltrexone can enhance certain subjective effects of THC in heavy cannabis users, increasing ratings such as "Good Drug Effect" and "Capsule Liking." However, chronic or maintenance dosing with naltrexone has been shown to reduce cannabis self-administration and decrease positive subjective effects associated with cannabis use. These findings suggest a complex pharmacological interaction that may depend on dosing regimen, user history, and context. Naltrexone is being investigated as a potential pharmacotherapy for cannabis use disorder.