Cannabis and coronavirus: Here’s what you need to know – Leafly

Leafly StaffMarch 30, 2020

Masks are for patients and healthcare workers. If you're not sick, wash your hands. And don't pass that joint around. (Belkin & Co/AdobeStock)

This story was updated at 8am on March 30, 2020.

The global concern over the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 has many people taking precautions against contracting the virus. Its also raising a lot of questions about weed, smoking, edibles, THC, CBD, and your health during this difficult time.

Well continue to update this page as we learn more information. Heres what we know about cannabis and COVID-19.

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The coronavirus has disrupted cannabis commerce across North America, triggering runs on stores, closures, and the adoption of curbside pickup, and delivery ordering. SARS-CoV-2 is canceling most 420 events, and changing personal behavior away from sharing joints and pipes.

How are we doing so far?

Bad. America has tens of thousands of infections, and several hundred deathswith many more to come. The first wave is expected to peak in April, May, or June, depending on local conditions. Check out the United States trajectory on the latest graph:

The National Governors Association has a roundup of actions taken in each state, updated daily. The most reliable information sources right now are state health agencies in Washington, New York, and California, which are on the leading edge of the outbreak and mitigation strategies.

No. Just flat-out no.

Given the general hype around CBD, were already hearing outlandish claims about its effect on coronavirus, most likely spread via social media. These claims are not true. There is no solid research on CBD and coronavirus. Or cannabis and coronavirus.

Most states have designated medical marijuana dispensaries as essential parts of the health care system, and so have remained open. Some states have shut down adult-use sales while allowing medical sales. Others allow only delivery, or curbside pickup.

In general, yes.

During this period of social isolation and stay-at-home orders, its critically important to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy. If your wellness regimen includes cannabis, and you show no COVID-19 symptoms, keep on keeping on.

Here are some answers to questions were hearing a lot right now:

Are bong condoms really a thing?

Absolutely! Get yourself one of these fun devices. One of our in-house experts suggests this $9.99 silicone MouthPeace from Mooselabs, which uses activated carbon filters. Jay the Cannabis Explorer reviews it in the video below:

Another suggestion: Pax Era mouthpiece covers can be had for $4.30 a pop from Delta 3D Studios. Use an X-Acto knife to cut a hole in the closed end and youve got yourself a personal lip caddy.

Note: Most viral transmission happens via the hands, so while youre being so clever with your lips you should watch your fingers, which are holding a bong or vape that many others have just recently held as well. Just saying.

Be aware of COVID-19 symptoms

What to do if you suspect you have COVID-19: Consult this Washington State DOH advisory, which contains action items.

Dont jam up the emergency room if its just a common cold, but get yourself tested if you fit the criteria for COVID-19 symptoms. Those include:

Note: The definition of area with ongoing spread changes practically by the hour, and this item on the symptom list is becoming less important as the virus is recognized as extant in local communities.

Check yourself with this flow chart

Illustrator Wendy MacNaughton teamed up with UCSD infectious disease expert Eliah Aranoff-Spencer to create this updated guide, published on Medium.

Have a self-quarantine plan

At this point were talking about a spectrum, from choosing a work-at-home option (if youre fortunate enough to have that choice) to a full-on home quarantine. The CDC has a page of recommendations for those who stay home with a suspected case of COVID-19.

What if youve been in close contact with someone with COVID-19? Stay inside and closely monitor yourself for 14 days.

Someone in my house has it. What now? Viral load matters. That means the fewer viral droplets that enter your system, the milder the severity of your case may be. So if a member of your household contracts the virus, its imperative that they separate from others in a quarantine room.

Cannabis business operators must consult their county public health guidance, as well as state, federal and World Health Organization guidance to ensure sanitary operations.

Sanitation measures include paid sick leave for ill workers, staying home with a fever, use of gloves, hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, physical distancing of staff and patrons, heightened cleaning and disinfecting, separate money handlers, and much more.

The point isnt to seal up the virus in a jar, or halt it at our borders. That moment has passed. What were all working to do now is make sure the infections dont all hit at once and overwhelm our limited medical supplies and hospital capacity.

If 100 people require a hospitals Intensive Care Unit, and the ICU can only handle 15 at a time, 85 people may die needlessly. If the infections in those 100 people are spread out over many weeks and months, though, we can get most of them through this alive.

The Washington Post has one of the best visual explanations of why were all working to flatten the curve:

Because all legal cannabis products are produced within the state in which theyre sold, industry experts arent expecting a shortage of actual cannabis due to import slowdowns.

Thats not to say there wont be shortages or supply interruptions in certain products. Most vape batteries and wholesale vape cartridges are manufactured in China. Those supply chains have already seen slowdowns and interruptions due to quarantines impacting the Chinese manufacturing sector.

The US imports about 30 million Chinese vape pens and cartridges every month. Most shipments stopped due to the annual Chinese New Year shutdown in mid-January and havent fully resumed due to the coronavirus.

The answer is yes. Organizers of 4/20 celebrations, which are now less than five weeks away, are already considering how a wider outbreak of COVID-19 could impact their events. Some have begun postponements or cancellations. Were tracking major events and cancelations at The best 4/20 events of North America 2020.

One cannabis store manager told Leafly he was putting a food truck ordered for 4/20 on hold because of health concerns. 4/20 festivals were already changing and evolving due to the expansion of legalization. The coronavirus outbreak may further accelerate that change in ways that are hard to predict right now.

What about legalization campaigns?

Depending on how long the COVID-19 social distancing era lasts, we may see more cancellations of larger events, gatherings, and festivals moving into summer. Larger-scale shopping malls and commercial districts may see a downturn in pedestrian traffic. That may affect the ability of signature gatherers to bank enough names to qualify legalization initiatives by a given deadline.

Leaflys Election 2020 page has a full rundown of all the state legalization campaigns currently aiming at the November 2020 ballot.

Start do it yourself projects, as well as enjoy some stoner entertainment to improve your mood.

Here is 5 reasons why its the perfect time to start growing cannabis. Heres how to germinate seeds and start an indoor garden.

Also, whip up some cannabutter to turn smokeables into edibles.

Youre inside, youre bored, we get it. Try these on for size:

And dont forget to use Leafly Pickup, and Delivery to get the most out of your chill time.

Leafly is the worlds largest cannabis information resource, empowering people in legal cannabis markets to learn about the right products for their lifestyle and wellness needs. Our team of cannabis professionals collectively share years of experience in all corners of the market, from growing and retail, to science and medicine, to data and technology.

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Cannabis and coronavirus: Here's what you need to know - Leafly