Much of what unites us, as cannabis users, is community and sharing. However, as we endure the current coronavirus pandemic, we should all be more aware of our daily practices and how the choices we make affect not only ourselves, but also those we care about.
For centuries sharing cannabis has been a common social practice. But, given what we know about COVID-19 and its transmission, the responsible thing is to refrain from this conduct, for some time.
Coronavirus is transmitted via person-to-person contact, through particles that remain in the air when an infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes. This makes it dangerous to share joints, vaporizers, pipes, bongs, or other devices used to consume cannabis; or even to be too close to someone who coughs after smoking or vaping.
Remember that any object that has been in someone else's mouth is highly contagious, so you should not put one in yours, and that an economical way to remove germs and pathogens from objects is to clean them with isopropyl alcohol with a concentration of at least 90%.
While edibles are a great way to share cannabis and reduce the risk of spreading the disease, there is still some risk involved whenever you put your hand to your mouth. Cannabis dyes and oils, in drop form, are also very popular. By this point, you can probably imagine that sucking the dripper that someone had in their mouth a few seconds ago is a sure-fire way to spread the coronavirus. Thus, you are advised not to share them, but rather to pour drops into separate glasses of any drink.
Is This a Good Time to Quit Smoking?
In addition, because COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, many users can take advantage of this crisis to limit or put an end to their exposure to combustion smoke, which can damage the lungs. Alternative delivery devices, such as vaporisers, can significantly mitigate exposure to combustion smoke, but this is not a risk-free practice either.
When those who smoke or vape are exposed to flu or other infections, their lungs are much more vulnerable, as their upper airways' capacity to remove viruses is impaired.
In fact, the chances of a case of COVID-19 becoming more severe, and even fatal, are 14 times greater among people who have a history of smoking, according to a study published in the ‘Chinese Medical Journal’ reviewed by experts in February.
As far as possible, it is also a good idea to ascertain where your cannabis comes from. That sold on the black-market may contain mould, pesticides, or other adulterants that could harm the immune system. Whenever possible, try to acquire cannabis from a trustworthy source, or consume home grown (a product of the noble art) – although we realise that most people in our country still live in states that impose bans, and this is not a realistic option.
Fake News: Cannabis Does Not Cure Coronavirus
We also encourage everyone to be aware of the misinformation that is being transmitted over the Internet, such as any announcement that cannabis or CBD can help cure or protect against this virus. Beware of potential scammers who spread such information for profit! Cannabis cannot prevent or cure COVID-19, although it can be used to treat symptoms in various ways (provided it is not inhaled, we should underscore) thanks to the plant's enormous therapeutic properties.
The irony is that cannabis could lead us to new antiviral drugs capable of fighting epidemics such as the coronavirus, as there is increasing evidence that components of cannabis could be highly effective in treating persistent viral infections. There are, however, studies indicating otherwise, stating that the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids might actually undermine the immune response in acute viral infections – not a desirable outcome in a coronavirus patient. In fact, health authorities have already warned the public that this could be the effect of some over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen.
Thus, the conclusion is clear: additional cannabinoid studies are needed to pave the way towards new antiviral therapies and antibiotics, which could work in combination with more traditional treatments in patients with diseases as devastating as COVID-19. And, until we find a pharmacological solution, we will need to adapt our consumption habits to the exceptional situation we are in.
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