We hope that by now all of this information is understood by most people, but continuing to spread awareness is very important for the health and safety of our communities. Smoking cannabis is, for many, a social event, and that can be a huge problem.

Weed smokers can minimize the spread of the virus among friends and family.

Sharing is a bad idea.

The Corona Virus, aka COVID-19, spreads from person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. When these droplets land in the mouth or are inhaled by another person the virus can easily be transmitted. Germs are also spread when an infected person touches a surface which is touched by many people. So, when cannabis smokers share a blunt, joint, bowl or bong, they are dramatically increasing the risk of transmission. This is like picking up the virus and placing it directly in your mouth.

Even sharing accessories can be dangerous.

Even if you are not sharing your blunt or bowl with your friends and each person is smoking their own, sharing your accessories can also increase the risk of infection. The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 72 hours or 3 days. This means that sharing a grinder, rolling tray or lighter is a bad idea. IF YOU MUST smoke with your friends, each person needs their own accessories, but we must remember that social distancing is crucial in these dangerous times.

None of us are infected, is it safe?

You have to be 100% sure that at the time of sharing your weed that nobody is infected. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), it can take 2-14 days after exposure to show symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. But, it is important to realize that you can still spread the COVID-19 virus without having any symptoms. Taking this into consideration, it’s best not to take the risk and practice social distancing now.

Smoking can be dangerous around any virus.

While THC and CBD have health benefits such as pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties, inhaling smoke in the face of a virus which primarily affects the lungs is going to cause more damage and discomfort. If you are having any respiratory issues, look in to edibles or oils and avoid inhaling any type of smoke.

Will 420 events carry on or be canceled?

Looking at the current trajectory of the virus in North America, it seems that we will see an increase in confirmed cases over the next few months. With April 20th (420) coming up, this means that most, if not all, events will be canceled this year. This is for the better, and, as fun as 420 events are, we should just accept this and continue to practice social distancing until further notice.

What if I keep my pipe clean or use a bong condom?

Personally, I wouldn’t risk this. With a bong, a product designed to inhale smoke directly to your lungs, this is too big of a risk. These products were not designed to stop lethal viruses such as COVID-19. Even if there is a very small probability of transferring the virus, it’s too much to risk. It’s not a matter of minimizing how much of the virus is transmitted. It’s all about halting the spread completely.

Take-aways

Do not share your blunt, joint, bowl or bong with anybody.

Do not share your smoking accessories with anybody.

Wash your hands and pipes regularly.

Practice social distancing as much as you can.

Do not make any 420 event plans. Let it go this year.

Assume that you and everybody else is already infected, and adjust your behavior as to minimize the spread of the virus. This is the best mentality to have in the current situation.

If you have any doubts that you may be infected, get tested now.

Here are some very insightful statistics about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) so far.