Amid a pandemic, many cannabis users are relying on the potential health benefits from cannabis more than ever. What ways can consumers prioritize self-care while continuing to safely utilize marijuana?
There is no denying that the latest pandemic is making an impact around the world. The suggested trends of social distancing, quarantining, or staying away from large groups can be devastating to those who rely on social interaction for emotional and mental support. In this time of change, it’s important to remember self-care is an act of health.
While something as trivial as a cough can now set off an alarm for those concerned about the pandemic, how can cannabis consumers stay healthy?
In an effort to support those who rely on marijuana for its myriad of health and wellness qualities, we have compiled a list of some information to keep in mind as we move through this changing landscape together.
Cannabis and the Pandemic
Let’s address the number one question being asked right now– Can marijuana serve as a cure?
Let’s be clear, there is no cure for the current pandemic at this time, and while marijuana can be beneficial in many ways, there is no evidence that it is a cure for the most recent virus either.
Many medical marijuana patients do rely on cannabis for all types of health issues. Some 3.7 million Americans use marijuana for health purposes, and recreational marijuana users also look to cannabis to improve their quality of life.
Many people regularly use cannabis in an effort to promote and maintain overall health, regardless of the presence of a pandemic. Cannabis contains more than 100 cannabinoids, which stimulate and support the body’s endocannabinoid system. A healthy endocannabinoid system, also known as the EC system, has the potential to significantly impact the way our bodies maintain wellness. It’s responsible for regulating balance in our bodies, ensuring that many of our functions are operating optimally.
It’s not surprising that many people are stocking up to make sure they have the cannabis products they have come to rely on for health.
Tips for Cannabis Safety to Keep You Healthy
Is puff, puff, pass, a thing of the past? According to a report on U.S. government tests from the New York Post, the new virus has the potential to live in the air for several hours and on some surfaces for as long as two to three days.
With the timeless tradition of communal cannabis activities being called into question, how can cannabis use be done in a safer way, right now?
Stop Sharing Joints and Vape Pens
While cleaning pipes, bongs, and vapes may be helpful, the best way to ensure no germs are being spread during social smoking or inhaling cannabis is to stop sharing joints or vape pens. It’s okay to be “stingy” with your cannabis when it comes to health. During these times, sharing is not caring.
It’s important to note here that if vaping is an option you are considering, picking a quality vape oil is just as important as ever. The recent vape health crisis that led to lung injuries has been linked to synthetic or counterfeit products. Get some tips on the best vape pens for beginners and how to find the right vaporizer for you.
Regularly Wash Your Hardware
Help ensure that your vaporizers, bongs, bowls, and pipes are sterile by cleaning them frequently. The most recent virus can survive for up to four hours on copper surfaces and up to a few days on plastic and stainless steel. Use a cleaning solution with a high percentage of isopropyl alcohol and be sure to wipe thoroughly the entirety of your vaping or smoking accessory, not just the mouthpiece. The Higher Standards Supreme Clean Kit offers everything you need for a proper cleaning ritual.
Consider Non-Inhalation Consumption Methods
While smoking is a favorite and timeless way of consuming cannabis, experts suggest not smoking while feeling under the weather, even when it’s just a normal cold or flu. Not to mention, one study found that smoking history increases the severity of respiratory symptoms related to COVID-19.
There are amazing options other than vaping or inhaling when it comes to consuming cannabis. Non-traditional forms of consuming cannabis are available right now and come in all sorts of shapes and potency options. Use this time to try something new like marijuana edibles, cannabis oils, or get wild and craft your own CBD quarantine mocktail.
Use Cannabis While Facetiming or Skyping With Friends
The need for social distancing is real. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends keeping at least six feet apart from others to reduce the risk of transmission. Shutdowns and shelter-in-place orders are happening all across the country, which means sharing cannabis with friends and loved ones will have to wait.
Still, a sense of community has long been at the center of cannabis use, so to still partake in the group-oriented practice but safely, try Facetiming or Skyping with those who you usually enjoy your cannabis with.
Only Buy Cannabis From Trusted Sources
With longer lines and consumers stockpiling products, you may be tempted to turn to the illegal market. It’s always important to only buy from trusted cannabis sources and to choose products that have been independently tested by a laboratory to ensure they’re free of molds and pesticides, which can adversely affect your immune system.
Wash Your Hands, and Then Do It Again
Handwashing is self-care at its finest. The Center For Disease Control is pleading for more Americans to practice better handwashing to help prevent transmission of pathogens, as well as other ailments. If all that handwashing leaves your skin dry, keep a jar of CBD oil salve nearby to nourish and hydrate troubled areas.
And while your hands may be clean, due to your awesome, updated handwashing skills, others may have not been practicing with the same commitment. For now, it’s best to stop shaking hands. Try new ways to show love and acknowledge your neighbors or friends. Try a new wave, a friendly verbal greeting, or bring out that show-stopping eye wink you’ve been practicing.
Pursue Curbside Service and Delivery Options
Americans are responding to the spread of the pandemic by stocking up on cannabis, boosting cannabis sales and forcing cannabis businesses to figure out new ways to get their product to consumers.
Thankfully, cannabis dispensaries are continuing to adjust accommodate safety precautions like extra cleaning regimens and social distancing. Look into whether your dispensary offers services like curbside transactions or delivery.
In states like Colorado where cannabis delivery is not yet legal, stores are offering customers the chance to order online and pick up at express windows. In Washington, some dispensaries have implemented a mandatory pre-order system and are limiting the number of customers in the store at one time.
You may also live in a state where leaders have responded by allowing cannabis dispensaries to adjust to curbside cannabis pickup. In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed off on allowing licensed cannabis retailers to set up delivery services, and curbside pickups, to adapt sales in reaction to the call for social distancing. Illinois is following suit with curbside pickups.
Leafly has put out a list of cannabis dispensaries in each legal state. Find out if your local cannabis dispensary is open and if they provide delivery or curbside pickup, here.
More Cannabis 101 Education
Follow along with us as we track the latest cannabis news on the impacts of the COVID-19 on cannabis.
Meanwhile, we are here for you. Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s online hemp CBD store is now open with no delays in CBD product fulfillment. In addition to doubling sanitation efforts in response to COVID-19, our online CBD shop is continuing to deliver its high-quality hemp-derived products to your door.
During this time of social distancing, find a treasure trove of cannabis educational articles to keep you entertained and informed.
