In previous studies, cannabis derivatives have been shown to inhibit P450 enzymes, but the extent of this interference has been unstudied.
The study, published in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, analyzed in detail the interactions between cannabinoid metabolites and hepatic P450 enzymes.
Competitive inhibition of P450 enzymes can lead to a build-up of drugs to a toxic level, especially anti-cancer drugs that are metabolized by P450 enzymes.
THC competitively inhibited the enzymes CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, reducing their activity by approximately 50% when 10 micromolar of THC was added compared to when no cannabinoids were added.