The government and health officials have issued guidelines to help us slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. There are some changes we must do to keep ourselves from being infected, but what does it mean for marijuana users?
As social gatherings become a health risk, users have to start thinking differently about sharing. The good news is, you can take a few extra steps so you can continue to partake with your friends and life partner, safely.
There are many reasons why there are people who are so keen on enjoying weed despite the pandemic. Not all those who consume marijuana are recreational users, and others need it for its medicinal benefits like:
- Treating Chronic Pain – In a report released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, shows that ten thousand studies prove the effectiveness of marijuana in relieving chronic pain. Most marijuana users who use it for this purpose are in middle age, ranging from 45 to 65 years old, suffering from trauma, post-surgery, cancer, and other types of chronic pain.
- Reducing Seizures – Studies have proven that with CBD, there is a 39% decrease in seizures for specific types of epilepsy. In an article issued by The New England Journal of Medicine, children and teenagers with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, upon receiving CBD solution, experienced less or no seizures.
- Help Alleviate Side-effects of Chemotherapy – Some cancer patients find that oral cannabinoids ease nausea and vomiting that are caused by chemotherapy.
- Improve Mental Health – According to a Clinical Psychology Review, the use of marijuana relieves symptoms of PTSD and depression. People as young as 18, use marijuana to relieve stress and anxiety from work and everyday life.
- Relieve Muscle Stiffness and Spasms – Patients 18 years and over, with multiple sclerosis that uses marijuana, observed that it significantly helps alleviate symptoms.
I. Facts About COVID-19 And Marijuana
Many have raised their concerns about the risk of marijuana consumption during today’s global pandemic. As the number of infected rises each day, people are taking all the precautions they can do to avoid contracting the infection.
- People who have underlying health issues are much more vulnerable to the disease, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Information about COVID-19 being a more severe threat to marijuana users is not accurate, as there is little study about this.
- Many have drawn to this conclusion due to the virus’s effects on the respiratory tract. What is known for sure is that the majority of severe illness and death from COVID-19 are those who have health issues such as diabetes, respiratory conditions, or cancer. It does not weaken your lungs:
- Cannabis can’t fight COVID-19, according to experts. Some cannabis and CBD advocates have been buzzing in social media about their outlandish claims on the plant’s ability to increase their immunity against all viruses.
- Although CBD and medical cannabis have many positive effects and health advantages, it can’t cure COVID-19. The best way to enhance your immune system is to eat healthy foods, stay active, and get enough rest.
- Purchase products only from trusted sources. For everyone’s safety, it is advisable to buy from licensed cannabis dispensaries at all times. There has been no known research, study, or any claims published pertaining to weed being contaminated with COVID-19.
Business operators are working hard to improve their sanitation measures, which include frequent hand-washing, wearing masks and gloves, physical distancing, and disinfecting.
II. Are There Risks In Using Bongs and Joints?
Sharing is the core of the marijuana culture. With the ongoing public health crisis, sharing is just one of the social norms that we had to divest ourselves to keep everyone safe. These are the risks of sharing bongs and joints during a pandemic:
- Spreading The Virus – Experts have warned us that COVID-19 spreads through human contact. Tiny droplets from the mouth and nose released when sneezing, coughing, or exhaling of those infected contain the virus. Sharing smoking tools like bong, pipes, or vaping pens helps in the spreading of germs and the illness.
- Irritating Respiratory Tract – Smoking weed when feeling sick or having flu-like symptoms can worsen your symptoms. While marijuana helps deal with the pain, smoking will irritate your already sore and itchy throat.
With that being said, there are no evidences found that people getting Coronavirus just by sharing bongs or joints. For further information, you can visit credible marijuana site here for more information.
By observing distancing and marijuana etiquette, you can still enjoy weed with everyone and not risk contracting the virus. There are fun stoner games to play while avoiding close contact with other people. It takes just a bit of creativity, but you too can have fun with games while getting high and social distancing.
- Never Have I Ever – It is one of the most classic group games that everyone can play. Teens and those in their twenties have a very clear memory of playing this game. Partners or parents love playing this to reminisce about their past or get to know each other. And the plus side is, you can play it while staying 1 meter apart from each other.
- Medusa – This one is the most straightforward game that you can play with your friends or anyone in your family. All you need to do is sit in a circle. Put your heads down. Then, on a count of three, everyone looks up and stares at anyone in the group. If that person is staring back, shout “Medusa!” and take a hit.
- Video Games – People of different ages and generations at some point would have loved playing video games. All you need to do is pick any video games that you like. For every round, the winner takes the most puffs while the losing side gets only one. You can also play this game alternatively with playing cards or board games. Moreover, there are a variety of online board games.
- Wacky Categories – This competitive game is fun to play with your friends or your family. Sit together in a circle and pick who goes first. That person would need to call out a category, like food, animal, person, movie, band, etc. and a letter. The next player would then have to give a name from the category, starting with that letter. If he or she fails, the player must take two puffs.
III. Guidelines in sharing marijuana with your roommates, family, and partner
According to WHO, COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets, which is why people are encouraged to practice social distancing. You can still enjoy sharing marijuana with everyone without any fears of the virus if you can do some of these extra steps.
Here are a few safety practices every one of your roommates, friends, family, and partner, can apply to make sure you remain free of COVID-19 while enjoying weed:
- Use a bong condom or mouthpiece – It is a personal hygienic device that fits over the mouth of a dab rig, pipe, or bong. It takes a bit of getting used to, but if you must share a bong with your friends, family, or partner, you should at least apply a bit of precaution. Check out the top choice of strains for smoking with your groups.
The mouthpiece will help you make sure that you don’t share germs from the mouth when using the bong. One way to prevent passing or getting infected by the virus is to watch where your mouth goes. The bong condom will help you make sure that you could still have fun sharing a bong with your family, your roommates, or even your partner safely.
- Disinfect your glassware – This rule applies to all the devices, equipment, or tools that you use or touch. Sanitize your tools before and after using it, with anyone in your roommates, friends, or your partner. Everyone should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer before starting, as well as after your session.
Another thing you have to make sure is to wash your glassware to get rid of a virus and other germs left on the surface. Washing keeps your tools clean and safe from the virus, especially when it is left exposed when not in use. Some droplets might have adhered to the glass when someone sneezes or coughs near it. It will help you keep your family, friends, and partner safe from the virus while still enjoying weed together.
- Don’t smoke if you’re sick – It is best for you and your companions if you refrain from smoking or vaping while you’re feeling under the weather. Smoking and vaping may exacerbate your condition, especially for those who are elderly. Also, wear a mask while you are sick so you won’t spread it.
Weed users of any age, your friends, family, or your partner, should avoid smoking if they have a cough or cold. Edibles, tinctures, oils, and other non-smoking options are better alternatives so everyone can still have fun with weed while being safe and healthy. - Stay home – Observe social distancing. Start a video conference to connect with your friends or your family while you are stuck at home.
It is the safest way anyone can get high together at a more reliable distance. If you want to purchase weed, check with your local dispensaries via phone or the internet if they can deliver for you. It is better to stay home and minimize your contact with other people. Keep yourself busy. Pick up a new hobby you can do at home, like growing your weed, for example. Here’s a list of the highest yielding strains for indoor growing.
If you or your family, roommates, or partner are showing symptoms of the virus-like coughing or sneezing, chances are, you can still catch them when you go outside. If this happens, you may bring the virus with you in your home and spread it. Avoiding unnecessary exposure will prevent this. So, it is better to stay at home to bring out your weed and share it with them. It is also recommended to smoke different pipes.
- Use non-smoking methods – Smoking is putting stress into your lungs, you might want to switch to edibles, tinctures, or oils. These alternatives minimize the possibility of close contact, even with your partner, roommates, or family, compared to smoking.
Sharing edibles with your roommates, family, and your partner can be as fun as smoking weed. It is the safest method to avoid sharing the virus or spreading it to someone else. Your sick friend might also thank you for not leaving them out of the fun and keeping them healthy.
IV. What To Do If Something Goes Wrong
The novel coronavirus has infected thousands all around the world. Based on WHO’s examination:
- Between 1% to 2% of cases have died from the infection.
- 6% became critically ill with either lung failure, organ failure, or septic shock.
- 14% of cases developed severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- 80% had mild symptoms ranging from cough, fever, to pneumonia.
In any case, panic would only make matters worse, which is why we have these guidelines from the CDC on the correct actions to do if someone does get sick.
- If You Have Mild Symptoms – If you have a continuous cough or a fever of 37.8 C or 100 F, stay at home and self-isolate for over seven days. Monitor your symptoms. Avoid going to public areas or using public transportation.
- Before leaving to seek medical care, call your doctor ahead before your visit. Here is to help you differentiate if your coughing is a result of smoking marijuana and not the virus:
- Emergency Warning Signs – Call 911 during an emergency. Make sure to inform them that you think you might have COVID-19. Get immediate medical attention when you have:
- Trouble with breathing
- Feel pressure or persistent pain in the chest
- Experience confusion or difficulty in moving
- Lips or face are turning blue
- Other severe or concerning symptoms
V. Announcements And Recommendations
Government officials are issuing an order for people to stay home and for non-essential businesses to a temporary close. Many marijuana users feared the worst and started stockpiling shown here
Dispensaries are working hard to adhere to the standards. They are also implementing the rules of social distancing by offering deliveries and other practices to serve their customers.
The novel coronavirus has been spreading swiftly in many countries around the world. While we don’t have a cure, following all the precautions and safety guidelines given to us can decelerate its spread. We might struggle to get some form of normalcy in our daily lives; everyone’s safety should be our priority.
Keep yourself informed and updated on the latest news. Stay in touch with your loved ones. And most importantly, stay at home, fire up a joint, and stay safe.
