As the COVID-19 pandemic knocks on our nation’s doorstep, public health officials warn that older adults, as well as those who are/have been immunocompromised, and people suffering from underlying medical conditions, are at ‘high risk’ if they contract the disease. [1]

There are other demographics that could end up particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, as the pathogen spreads. Among them are people who smoke or vape (either tobacco or cannabis) – as well as folks with substance use disorders. [1]

In comparison to the sick and the elderly, other at-risk demographics haven’t received nearly as much attention in mainstream information sources… but that doesn’t mean you have no cause for concern, as a cannabis smoker.

Drug Users Vulnerable to COVID-19

Dr. Nora Volkow – director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse – wrote in a blog post published last week:

“[T]he research community should be alert to the possibility that [COVID-19] could hit some populations with substance use disorders particularly hard,”

COVID-19 attacks the lungs – which is why Volkow says those who smoke (or vape) tobacco or marijuana may be especially threatened. [1]

“When someone’s lungs are exposed to flu or other infections, the adverse effects [among those] smoking or vaping are much more serious than among people who do not smoke or vape,”

Be Aware of the Potential Risks of Your Inhalation

“Some of my pulmonary [colleagues] have noted people under 30 [with COVID-19] ending up in hospitals – and a couple were [vape users],” Glantz said. However, he said, there hasn’t been enough research or evidence to support whether there’s a link. Recommended For You 'Whole Plant Extracts': The Most Reliable Aussie Sources For High Quality CBD Oil Professionals Also Voicing Concerns Over Other Drugs Besides smoking and e-cigarettes, Volkow wrote that people who take MDMA, opioids and methamphetamine may be at risk for serious complications if they fall ill with COVID-19, due to the effects these drugs have on respiratory and pulmonary systems. [1] MDMA suppresses your immune system for several weeks. Opioids slow breathing, and have already shown to increase mortality in people with respiratory diseases. Methamphetamine can produce significant pulmonary damage, since it binds heavily to pulmonary tissue. [1] People with substance use disorders also rely on medical treatment that traditionally involves human interaction – which will prove challenging in the setting of wide-spread social distancing, and in the midst of a health system collapse. [1] One thing people can do now to reduce the risk of serious illness is to reduce your intake, or quit smoking altogether. “At a time when people are looking to reduce risk, it’s very sensible to stop insulting your lungs,” Professor Glantz said. Recommended For You 5 Unique Applications for 'Already Vaped Bud'

The Best Ways to Get Stoned Safely In Self-Isolation

In the midst of a global pandemic, it’s important for medicinal and recreational cannabis users to reflect on suggestions from health professionals. [3]

It may serve some people to temporarily move away from smoking (and even vaping) cannabis as part of a daily routine. Wellbeing is a priority; it’s important for people to safeguard their health. [3] At the end of the day, it is up to individuals (with advice from their doctors) to make such decisions for themselves.

“Individuals should consider that consuming hot smoke from combusted plant material can be an irritant to the respiratory system, especially for those currently showing symptoms,” – NORML Director Erik Altieri

Don’t fret, though – you can still use all that bud you have, even if smoking seems like a bad idea for you, right now. The best part is – you’re in “self-isolation”… which means technically, you could do nothing but get stoned as heck inside your house for weeks, and would still be doing everyone a solid. How good!

Why yes, of course – no need to inhale! Edibles are here to save the day – and our lungs. If you’ve never tried to make some bomb-ass, dank-ass tasty treats, now is certainly the time – we especially recommend this, if you’re a recreational user!

Easy Edibles: A Chocolate and Raspberry Brownie Recipe by Chris Ingredients 200 g quality (I use Lindt) dark chocolate (70%)

(70%) 250 g cannabutter, unsalted

(read our guides on AVB and Cannabutter for more info!)

unsalted (read our guides on and Cannabutter for more info!) 75 g fresh raspberries – optional

– optional 80 g sweet shredded coconut

80 g quality (I use Cadbury) cocoa powder

65 g plain flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

360 g caster sugar

4 large free-range eggs Method Preheat the oven to 180° Celsius. Line a 24cm square baking tin with greaseproof paper. Snap the chocolate into a large bowl. Add butter, place over a pan of simmering water, and stir regularly until melted. When it’s all melted, add a teaspoon of salt, and stir. Sift the cocoa powder and flour in a separate bowl. Add the baking powder, sugar and coconut – then, mix together. Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate and coconut mixture. Stir together well. Beat the eggs, then add to your mixture. Stir until you have a silky consistency. Pour the brownie mix into the baking tin, and pop the raspberries evenly on top of the mixture. Place in the oven for around 25 minutes. You don’t want to overcook them – so, unlike cakes, you don’t necessarily want a skewer to come out clean – the brownies should be slightly springy on the outside, but still gooey in the middle. Allow your brownies to cool in a tray. Carefully transfer them to a large chopping board, and cut into chunky squares. These Brownies are delicious served with a dollop of crème fraîche, or Ice Cream! Recommended For You The FAB Guide to Edibles

Cannabis is available in concentrated oral form. If you rely upon precise dosage of cannabis for medicinal purposes, we recommend you explore your options in relation to tinctures, oils and other concentrates.

Seeking further information on how to source out orally-available cannabis products? Check out our guides to Oils, Whole Plant Extracts, and Concentrates!

Tips to Help You Avert Contamination

Apart from following the guidelines presented by the World Health Organisation – that is, maintain social distancing, don’t touch your face, wash your hands regularly, etc. – there are some other habitual actions relating to cannabis that you may want to think twice about. [4]

Avoid ‘Seshing’

Yes, this technically does fall under ‘social distancing’ – but we thought this was worthy of reiteration. [4] You probably don’t need to show up to your mate’s house for a smoking session. Many people show up as asymptomatic, or otherwise are carriers for the virus, before they have shown any symptoms. [4]

Sharing a vape, joint or bong at this time could be all it takes for you to contract COVID-19 – and even if you’re likely to survive, there may be people in close contact with you that you would be putting at risk. It’s not always so simple – many people struggle to fend off this disease.

We know cannabis can feel like a highly communal activity… so if you’re itching for some interaction, and absolutely feel the pressing need to ‘sesh’ with others, try setting up a ZOOM or Skype call with your friends! [4]

Frequently Clean Your Piece With Isopropyl Alcohol

A bottle of this stuff is all you need to make sure that your bong remains disinfected.

Don’t Share Your Stash

It may not be the best idea to share your stash right now, either. Scientists have discovered that coronavirus can survive on certain surfaces for over 24 hours. The US Food and Drug Administration says coronavirus is not food-borne.

But – if a person who is sick sneezes or coughs on anything – from bud to a pipe, the virus can be spread. Social distancing should apply to anyone who has access to your product. [4]

Exercise Caution With Your Dealer/s

Encourage your cannabis dealer to practice hygiene when handling your product. Perhaps you can even nag them to establish contactless forms of delivery for customers who request it. This is another point of contact – and like any other, you want to minimise the risk of transmission as much as possible, so we can FLATTEN DAT CURVE.

Sources Cited

[1] https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/20/health/coronavirus-vaping-drugs/index.html

[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2020/03/23/coronavirus-crisis-shows-marijuana-is-essential-and-mainstream/#34a593e74db2

[3] https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-smoking-vaping-marijuana-risk-death-covid-20200320.html

[4] https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/pot-weed-corona-covid-19-high-safe-norml-969654/