The COVID-19 pandemic (https://miraridoctor.com/blog/the-evolution-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/) has raised many questions around health and safety precautions. One common query is: can you smoke weed if you have COVID-19? With cannabis use rising worldwide, understanding the risks and benefits of lighting up during a coronavirus infection is crucial. This comprehensive guide examines the latest scientific data to empower readers with fact-based insights on weed, vaping, edibles and more for COVID patients.
Why the Concern Around Smoking with COVID-19?
Before analyzing cannabis specifically, it’s vital to grasp why health organizations strongly advise against smoking tobacco or vaping while battling any respiratory illness. The reasons are multifaceted but essentially boil down to these core issues:
Smoking/Vaping HarmsExtra Risks with COVIDIrritates lung tissueCOVID attacks the lungsImpairs immune functioningStrong immunity fights COVIDCuts oxygen intakeLow oxygen worsens COVID outcomes
As shown, smoking can severely inflame lung tissue, restrict oxygen flow in the bloodstream and inhibit immune response. With COVID targeting the respiratory system (https://miraridoctor.com/respiratory/cold-plasma-for-pain-respiratory-system/) for infection, these compounded damages can quicken deterioration.
While much remains unknown about coronavirus risk factors, studies show (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7459912/) smokers generally experience more severe COVID cases leading to heightened hospitalization rates and death counts versus non-smokers.
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Breaking Down Cannabis Consumption and COVID-19
Applying existing cannabis science amid an unprecedented pandemic muddies the data pool even further. However, researchers globally are investigating the unique properties of weed to deepen public understanding.
Smoking and Vaping Cannabis
Thus far, experts unequivocally agree all patients―including cannabis enthusiasts―should refrain from smoking and vaping when battling COVID-19 or trying to prevent infection.
Chief rationale behind the consensus stems from cannabis and tobacco smoke eliciting similar lung-harming effects. Naturally, the best line of defense against a respiratory virus is optimizing lung health and function.
However, abstaining from inhaled administration methods doesnʼt inherently preclude cannabis consumption for coronavirus patients. Other options like edibles, capsules, tinctures and topicals avoid lung-tissue contact.
Digesting Cannabinoids: Edibles and More
Pivoting focus onto alternative dosing methods unearthed some encouraging findings on cannabinoids combatting COVID-19 symptoms (https://miraridoctor.com/blog/the-evolution-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/) .
Phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD appear beneficial for alleviating these common coronavirus ailments:
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Appetite Loss
The virusʼ pathology also sparks overactive immune functioning damaging organs throughout as cytokine storms. Data proposes cannabinoids regulate immunity without suppressing it altogether.
This multimedia piece perfectly encapsulates the science around cannabis for COVID:
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CBD additionally demonstrates antiviral and anti-inflammatory attributes as a potent medicinal therapy.
Curious researchers conducted an anonymous survey on medicinal cannabis patients following COVID-19 contraction. Positive feedback highlighted cannabis lessening discomfort from a laundry list of associated health issues.
Clearly, more concrete research on marijuanaʼs efficacy treating COVID-19 must continue before formalizing recommendations. But substantial corroborating evidence spotlights promising potential ahead.
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Marijuana Legalization Effects on COVID-19
Another recent revelation uncovered legally-accessible medical cannabis corresponding with fewer COVID-19 cases (https://miraridoctor.com/blog/the-evolution-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/) .
Authors of the trailblazing study explained that “states allowing medical dispensaries did have lower rates of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests per 1,000 people.” The same relationship was not exhibited in states lacking dispensaries.
Theorists propose easier patient access and educational resources promote greater adherence to social distancing guidelines.
Harvard Medical School recently made headlines (https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabis-use-is-associated-lower-covid-19-rates-2021040925046) confirming the original studyʼs findings. Their report cemented that “rates of COVID-19 were lower in states permitting medical cannabis dispensaries.”
Therefore, supporters anticipate infected medical marijuana patients faring better with state-l…
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