Should You Get Stoned, With COVID-19 Around?

The rapid spread of coronavirus throughout the world has caused us to reevaluate a lot of our practices, including how we get high. Why? Because we’re dealing with a new strain of coronavirus, one that was discovered in 2019 and not previously identified in humans. One that affects the respiratory system which primarily means the lungs, the very organs we use to smoke or vape cannabis.  According to the World Health Organization, “common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.”

March 18, 2020

We don’t have years of research to look to nor do we have years of immunity built up. Instead, we are navigating this uncertain time by doing the best we can to stay safe and prevent the spread of this virus. 

For those who use cannabis regularly, for medical purposes or recreation, you’re probably wondering what this means for your future. Should you still pass the joint? Should you even have a joint at all?

The health and safety of our community members is incredibly important to us. While we’re not medical experts here at Satori, we do want to do our best to share some best practices for using cannabis during this uncertain time. 

Do not pass the joint 

Or the bong, pipe, blunt, vaporizer, or any other device you’d typically share. Now is not the time to be sharing in close contact. Use your own, clean it often, and don’t let others use it.

Here’s the thing: We’re supposed to be practicing social distancing right now. That means, whenever possible, we should be staying six feet away from other people. If you live in a shared home, this may not be possible.

You may be inclined to share smoking devices at home. Just don’t. If you must, roll more than one joint so you don’t have to share with your roommate and do your best to keep a distance at all times. We recommend only rolling your own and allowing whoever you’re smoking with (from a distance) to roll their own as well. 

Before you prepare for a session, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Once you’ve prepped your materials, go ahead and wash your hands again before actually smoking. When you’re done, wash your hands. 

We’re too deep into the spread of this virus to recommend any other germ-reduction options for sharing smoking devices. Right now, the best thing you can do is not share anything. 

Keep hand sanitizer and single-use wipes on you at all time

If you like to vape or roll up on the go, it might get tricky trying to keep everything clean and safe to use. 

Using hand sanitizer is not as effective as washing your hands with soap, but it is better than nothing. If you don’t have the option to wash your hands before you prepare your smoking materials or hit your vape, opt to use hand sanitizer before. 

It’s also a good idea to wipe down your actual devices before using them as well. If you have sanitizer wipes, you can carefully wipe down your vaporizer or pipe before use. 

Consider skipping Smoking or Vaping for the time being 

Asking yourself “is vaping dangerous with Covid-19?” or “is smoking weed dangerous with Covid-19?” The best method for staying healthy during this ordeal is probably to avoid smoking and vaping altogether. We’re not going to spend too much time hashing out the health effects of either, but it’s safe to say keeping any foreign substances out of our lungs is a good idea for the time being.

Smoking anything is going to do more damage to the lungs than not smoking. And with the recent increase in vaping-related lung conditions, it’s a good idea to avoid inhaling anything unnecessary right now. 

While we work to combat this virus that primarily attacks the respiratory system, it may be a good idea to give your lungs a break. 

Opt for edibles, tinctures, and other methods of consumption

The best way to get high without adding any stress to your lungs is to keep cannabis away from your lungs. The best way to do that is to reach for something else.

Cannabis tinctures are a great way to get high quickly. All you do is put a few drops under your tongue, wait a minute, and then swallow what hasn’t already absorbed into your bloodstream. The effects should come on quicker than edibles, somewhere between 10 and 45 minutes after taking.

If you’d rather go for edibles, there are endless options. We’ve even got gluten-free, plant-based edibles for our customers with dietary restrictions! You may feel the effects within 30 minutes to two hours, so be sure to start slow and not eat too many at once. 

Manage your stress and remain curious 

Unfortunately, this isn’t going away anytime soon. As a collective, society will be shifting to prevent the spread, and we all have to do our part. 

Remember, stress weakens the immune system. It’s important to keep your stress levels in check during this uncertain time. That’s easier said than done, though. 

Get some exercise, take regular breaks from the news and focus your attention on lighter matters as often as you can. Keep in touch with your friends and family via social media, phone calls, and safe distancing practices. 

And sure, a little weed can help to destress. If you normally use weed to unwind, it’s normal to not want to change your ways. 

But you have to. At least for now.

So, remain curious. If you’re someone who normally always smokes weed, what is stopping you from using tinctures or edibles? What will change by trying new methods? Try to approach the situation from a curious perspective. 

If you’re still going to smoke, you can approach it with curiosity as well. How will smoking alone change my routine? A good way to approach this is to try new high activities like making art, music, or creative writing. 

Our final thoughts on the corona virus and cannabis

We’re in a state of change right now, and we all have to work together to get it right. Work together from a distance, of course. 

If you’ll still be smoking or vaping, don’t share. Everyone should have their own individual joints, pipes, vaporizers, or other devices to smoke from. 

An even better way to keep your respiratory system in good health during this time is to skip smoking or vaping altogether. Reach for edibles or tinctures to get your high on without compromising your health. 

Look out for your friends and family, keep up to date with current regulations, and wash your hands. A lot. 

Do your best to keep yourself healthy, remain calm, and manage stress. We will get through this. 

Visitng Bellingham? Our Bellingham dispensary is conveniently located in downtown Bellingham. Catch us after a drink at Gruff Brewing or visit during the Saturday Farmer’s Market. 

Piece of Mind Cannabis is a medical marijuana and recreational Cannabis dispensary with locations in North Spokane, South Spokane, Bellingham, and Pullman Washington as well as Anchorage, Alaska!

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