Everywhere you look, you’ll find news about the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Many people are taking the appropriate measures to help prevent the spread and hopefully keep themselves from catching this virus. For those who use cannabis, this can create a number of new challenges. The following are tips to help cannabis users safe during this time of uncertainty and illness.
Don’t Share
It’s customary to smoke or otherwise intake cannabis with a group of friends. However, now is not the time to take part in the “puff, puff pass” mentality so widely known among the cannabis community. Instead of sharing joints or other paraphernalia with your friends, stick to your own stash, even if you are brave enough to spend time with your friends, to help keep everyone healthy.
Wash Your Hands
You’ve heard it a million times from the media and other sources, but it bears repeating for emphasis, wash your hands often. It may not seem like the most effective way to keep yourself from getting sick, but it can go a long way toward stopping the fast spread of this virus, as well as other sicknesses. It’s important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and make sure you cover every inch.
Practice Social Distancing
Even if you aren’t in a location that has implemented a shelter in place order, social distancing is an absolute must to reduce the risks of spreading the virus in your community. Because the Coronavirus often doesn’t show symptoms for up to 14 days, you may be able to infect those around you before you even know you’re a carrier. This can put the vulnerable people in your life at risk. Work from home if you can, avoid public gatherings, keep six feet between you and others when you are out, only go out for necessities, cancel any events you plan to hold and help those who are particularly at risk.
Avoid Physical Contact with Others
It’s commonly accepted to shake someone’s hand when you’re meeting them for the first time or even getting together after a long time apart. While humans often crave physical contact with their peers or loved ones, now is a time to take a step back and change the way you interact with others. Waving or offering a friendly verbal greeting are the safer alternative at this time. You don’t necessarily have to avoid interacting with people entirely; you only need to exercise precaution and keep your distance.
Don’t Believe the Misinformation
As always, there is misinformation that circulates regarding the effects of cannabis. This includes how it could impact an individual relating to Coronavirus. In short, don’t buy into the false clams that are getting around social media that claim the use of cannabis can increase your risk of catching this illness. There are no studies that back up these claims.
Be Cautious If You Have Coronavirus
Just as with any sickness, it’s best to avoid smoking cannabis while you are battling through the symptoms. Because it is a respiratory illness, it’s essential to keep your lungs as clear as possible while your body fights the illness. While cannabis is often used to treat insomnia, pain and inflammation, it isn’t recommended as a cold or flu treatment of any kind. This includes COVID-19.
Today’s world has changed a bit with the danger of the Coronavirus looming over all of us. While this doesn’t mean you have to give up the social aspect of using cannabis, especially now that it is being legalized in more states, it does mean you need to change the way you do things, at least for the time being.
