Cannabis Health Insider

COVID-19 becoming a global concern, has left the population with trying to increase their odds of being healthy and safe. All of us have been repeatedly informed about the precautionary measures that need to be taken in order to stop the spread of the pandemic, such as social distancing, sanitization etc.

However, specialists in the scientific and medical community have pointed out another precautionary measure that may be necessary to take – regarding the preferred use of cannabis during Pandemic.

There is indeed heavy association with community and sharing when we talk about the culture of pot in America. Yet, it is still advised even by the most prominent cannabis lobbying group, to not pass the joints or even hit them in the first place. With the recommendation of the CDC regarding social distancing, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws has suggested to use cannabis without putting yourself or others, at any risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s wrong with smoking?

The SARS-CoV-2 typically attacks the lung cells of the infected person – preferably the lower respiratory tract. . Consequently, people with underlying respiratory problems – such as asthma, are advised to be more careful.

However, the main concern is cilia (parts of cells that are present in our lungs and respiratory tract, that aid in keeping our airways clear of any irritants such as dirt or mucus) since the COVID-19 attacks the lungs primarily. Chances of serious complications like secondary bacterial infections, would be increased if a person infected with COVID-19 has supposedly already burned all their cilia.

Hence, lungs with fewer cilia would hold less capability of being able to move irritants, viral particles, and bacteria up and out of the longs. Absence or decreased functionality of cilia will allow mucus to pool in the airways, as the cilia will be unable to move it up the lungs, allowing SARS-CoV-2 to make contact with and infect pulmonary epithelial cells. Any additional stress on the pulmonary system would only increase the person’s susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2

Hence, it is understandable that the importance of this function should be taken seriously, when a severe respiratory virus is circulating. According to the Chinese Medical Journal, more severe symptoms of COVID-19 were experienced by people with a history of smoking. Hence, smoke inhalation could possibly contribute to more severe COVID-19 infection.

Hence, specialists are encouraging the use of edible cannabis during the spread of this global pandemic, especially if underlying health conditions are present such as – respiratory problems (asthma, COPD),heart problems (hypertension, diabetes), or immune deficiencies. They suggest that smoking is not advisable under the dangers of being infected with a severe respiratory virus. Additionally, with the availability of edibles, tinctures, cannabis can safely be used without causing any unnecessary irritation to the lungs.

Protecting your lungs from any sort of unwanted danger or irritant is important right now, such as combustive smoke, tobacco smoke, coal burning, stove burning, or any type of air pollution. Although, eliminating smoke exposure altogether is highly recommended, to give your lungs a much needed break.

However, while saving your respiratory organs from a respiratory virus is important, it is also necessary to not forget the other repeated precautionary measures that we are expected to take. Social distancing and self isolation are also incredibly important as directed by the CDC. Like any other item, sharing joints or even the favored edible cannabis, is highly discouraged, in order to stop the transmission of the COVID-19. Use of the various tools to smoke cannabis – including bongs, water pipes or vaping pens, are discouraged as well, and expected to be cleaned with disinfectant gel.