We have all been trying to navigate the new normal of COVID-19 and cannabis is no different this 4/20. News stories suggest that if we consume cannabis medically or recreationally, we could be more at risk for contracting COVID-19. Aurelius Data is here to answer your questions and keep you safe as you enjoy your 4/20 celebrations this year. Happy 4/20!
Will cannabis use increase my risk of contracting COVID-19?
We believe cannabis use BEFORE your exposure to the COVID-19 virus does not increase your risk for contracting the virus, nor do we believe it increases the severity of the disease.
However, we believe that cannabis use, specifically the ingestion of THC AFTER contracting the virus, can increase the viral load of coronavirus during the disease course.
If I test positive for COVID-19, can I still consume cannabis?
Patients should abstain from all inhalation methods of ingestion after being diagnosed with COVID-19, to reduce insult to the fragile lung tissue.
If I am recovering from COVID-19, can I start consuming again?
We would recommend only resuming cannabis use after 7 days being symptom free from COVID-19, and to start slowly with high CBD ratio products.
When should I go to the doctor if I suspect I might have COVID-19?
According to the CDC, BEFORE you go to the doctor’s office or hospital, or other care provider, please follow these guidelines:
You should immediately call 911 if you have any of the following and you are OVER 64 years of age:
- Severe, constant chest pain or pressure
- Extreme difficulty breathing
- Severe, constant lightheadedness
- Serious disorientation or unresponsiveness.
If you are between 18 and 64 and you have no pre-existing medical conditions from the list below, monitor your health closely and journal any worsening changes in the following symptoms:
- Fever, chills, or sweating
- Difficulty breathing (not severe)
- New or worsening cough
- Sore throat
- Aching throughout the body
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
Does my doctor need to know if I consume cannabis?
Inform your doctor of your cannabis use, and of all supplements and other medications as well, so they can decide on the best way to modulate your immune response. The immune modulatory response of cannabis and its compound constituents is very powerful. We cannot state it more firmly, that the tipping point of “enough or too much” is critical when fighting this virus.
Aurelius Data knows the best way to combat concerns about COVID-19 and to prepare for the future is with science and data. Below is a brief survey to better inform patients on how cannabis consumption affects viral infections. The questionnaire will ask a patient’s symptoms, if they are concerned about contracting COVID-19, what conditions they are currently treating with medical cannabis or other pharmaceuticals and what they feel is the effectiveness of the treatment.
Please take our survey here: https://research.aureliusdata.com/COVID-19 And this 4/20 contribute to being part of the solution and help the cannabis community battle this disease.
