Coming down with a cold or the flu is uncomfortable and inconvenient, at the least. In some cases, it can be more severe, leading to further health complications. Both the common cold and the flu have a long history with humans and other animals but stem from different viruses.
A form of influenza virus causes the flu, while over 200 viruses can trigger a cold.1 These viruses can mutate and develop into new strains each year, which is why the medical community has yet to find a cure. Treatment can include prescription and over-the-counter medication mixed with self-care remedies.
The cold and the flu are respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms like fatigue, sore throat, and stuffy nose, but the flu tends to feel more intense. There are a few habits doctors suggest avoiding, like drinking alcohol or smoking, but does that include cannabis as well?
Can I Smoke Weed While Sick?
There is currently no research that examines the relationship between smoking cannabis while experiencing a cold or the flu. However, there is reason to believe that cannabis use could make some symptoms better and others worse.
Both illnesses and cannabis affect the respiratory system. Catching a virus like influenza (the flu) or rhinovirus (the common cold) can cause coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, and sore throat. Since symptoms are typically related to the nose, throat, or lungs, doctors recommend avoiding habits like smoking if you have these symptoms. While cannabis smoke still contains carcinogens, research regarding weed’s effect on the lungs is mixed.2 Some research suggests that cannabis use may cause harm to the lungs; others imply there may be some benefits to cannabis inhalation.3
Other symptoms that cannabis may exacerbate are dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.4 On top of making symptoms worse, there is potential for cannabis to interact with some medications that may be taken to ease symptoms of the cold or flu.
It’s important to note that although similar, the cold and the flu can differ dramatically in severity, and the types of medications and remedies used to treat them differ.
Effects of Smoking Weed with a Cold
A cold is an upper respiratory infection (URI) and the most common cause of human illness. Over 200 viruses can cause a cold, but over 50% of colds are caused by variations of the rhinovirus. These viruses spread from person to person through airborne droplets. Once the virus has infected the lungs, within 2-3 days, symptoms like low fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, and sore throat will appear.
Since there is no test to diagnose a cold, doctors rely on the patient’s symptoms to help them diagnose and determine the best treatment. Cold symptoms can last several days, and patients typically treat them with over-the-counter medications for pain, cough, and congestion. These medications can be prescribed and are usually accompanied by recommendations for lots of rest, intake of fluids, and other at-home remedies.
Although the results of different studies are mixed, cannabis does have medicinal properties that may affect colds and their symptoms in both direct and indirect ways.
Cannabis is also well-known to help with sleep and pain issues, so it may be helpful for some patients who need help resting due to aches and pains while having a cold.
The plant's natural cannabinoids have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which one review of studies notes may be why these molecules and their receptors play a significant role in viral infections – although exactly how that happens remains unclear. These researchers also mentioned that activating CB receptors increases the progression of the virus, which may indicate it is helpful in recovery from the illness.
Terpenes found in the cannabis plant also have antiviral properties that may help aid in the progression of infections like limonene and pinene. Studies done on terpenes found in nature, like myrcene, linalool, terpinene, and borneol, uncovered that these compounds also have anti-inflammatory effects that can positively affect areas like the skin and lungs.
Although researchers acknowledge the potential for cannabis smoke to harm the lungs, especially chronic cannabis use, the risk appears minimal.3 In situations where long-term cannabis consumers were studied, symptoms of chronic cough and phlegm production were the most significant risks.
Whether or not smoking cannabis helps with a cold may depend on a few factors, including the symptoms the individual is experiencing, the dosage, the mode of consumption, and other personal or health elements. Since smoke inhalation may exaggerate some cold symptoms, avoiding methods involving smoke, like joints or bowls, may be best.
There are a few other modes of cannabis consumption for patients wishing to avoid the potentially harmful effects of smoking, like tinctures, edibles, or capsules. Although vaping has been deemed a healthier alternative to smoking, the method can still introduce some harmful components into the lungs.
Effects of Smoking Weed with the Flu
Although the flu has similar symptoms to the cold, it is different in a few ways. Like a cold, the flu is also an upper respiratory infection; however, it is caused by the influenza virus. Humans can transfer this virus to one another via tiny droplets produced when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes.
The onset of flu symptoms can range from 2 to 4 days once a person is infected. Symptoms last for 3 to 4 days, but an infected person may be able to infect others before showing any symptoms of their own. Some flu patients require prescription antiviral medication, but it can also be treated with over-the-counter drugs, rest, and adequate hydration.
Flu symptoms are typically more severe than cold symptoms. These symptoms may include a fever, but this isn’t always the case. Other symptoms may include chills, headache, nausea, and lack of energy. While these symptoms usually evolve and fade within two to four days, coughing, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat may linger for up to several days.
The cannabis plant may offer several different beneficial medicinal effects that may directly or indirectly affect the symptoms of the flu. Cannabinoids and terpenes have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that may help the infection's progression and ease symptoms.
It’s important to note that inhaling smoke, even from cannabis, can irritate and exacerbate symptoms relating to the throat and lungs, especially in high-dosage situations. For this reason, it may be best to avoid smoking cannabis and choose an alternative, like edibles.
Exactly how smoking weed when infected with the flu may affect you depends on several aspects, including the symptoms present, the method and dosage, and other personal and health factors.
Can You Take Weed with Cold Medication?
Some patients choose to treat their colds with over-the-counter medications. Depending on which one you choose, it may be best to exercise caution when also consuming cannabis.
The type of medication a patient uses to treat their cold may depend on the symptoms they’re experiencing. Popular options typically include pain relievers, nasal decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants. Cannabis has the potential to amplify the effects of these medications through interactions with their main ingredients.
Nyquil is a typical all-in-one, over-the-counter cold medication. The top ingredients are acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine, which can cause stomach pains, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness. Although the risk is considered moderate, cannabis may increase the risk of intensifying these feelings, causing uncomfortable and more severe reactions – this is true for both CBD and THC.
If you have a cold and are taking cold medication, it may be best to refrain from cannabis use to avoid making an uncomfortable situation any worse.
Can You Smoke Weed While Taking Flu Medicine?
Depending on the severity of the flu, some patients require antiviral medication to help reduce any fever and speed up recovery. Both cannabinoids and terpenes have potential antiviral properties, so many patients wonder if combining them with their flu medication is safe or beneficial.
There isn’t any evidence to support whether or not cannabis directly interacts with the main ingredients in prescription antivirals. Side effects of antivirals include nausea and joint pain, which cannabis may help alleviate. Other side effects include dry mouth and cough, which cannabis use may make worse.
Mild flu cases may be treated with at-home remedies and over-the-counter medication. The ingredients in these may cause increased drowsiness, which can be intensified when mixed with cannabis.
How cannabis and flu medication interact depends on the individual, the severity of the flu infection and its symptoms, the type of treatment used, and the method and dosage of cannabis consumed.
Although the risk is considered low to moderate, It may be best to refrain from cannabis use if you are taking any flu medication to avoid any adverse or uncomfortable effects.
Weed Alternatives to Avoid Smoking While Sick
There are two main concerns regarding the cold, flu, and cannabis use. One is inhaling smoke since both illnesses infect the upper respiratory system, causing symptoms like coughing and congestion. Doctors recommend avoiding methods of smoking like joints, bowls, or vapes.
The other concern is cannabis’ interaction with cold and flu medications. Combining the two may intensify the effects of drowsiness and nausea. Patients taking medication should be cautious and consult a doctor before adding cannabis to their cold or flu treatment regime.
Medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, is not always necessary when treating the cold or flu. Plenty of at-home remedies can be combined with rest and hydration that can adequately aid in recovery.
Studies show cannabinoids and terpenes can benefit these URIs with their anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. If a patient chooses a holistic route, mild cases of the cold and flu may benefit from small doses of cannabis from other methods besides smoking.
Cannabis can be consumed in various other ways, like edibles, capsules, topicals, and tinctures. There are endless possibilities for edibles; a cold or flu may be best accompanied by infused teas or honey. Tinctures can also easily be added to hydrating beverages or nourishing soups.
Patients aren’t limited to isolated cannabinoids either. The whole plant is rich in potentially beneficial medicinal properties that may help mitigate symptoms of certain illnesses.
References
- Chow EJ, Doyle JD, Uyeki TM. Influenza virus-related critical illness: prevention, diagnosis, treatment. Crit Care. 2019;23(1):214. Published 2019 Jun 12. doi:10.1186/s13054-019-2491-9
↩︎ - Jett JR, Stone E, Warren G, K. Michael Cummings. Cannabis Use, Lung Cancer, and Related Issues. Journal of Thoracic Oncology. 2018;13(4):480-487. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtho.2017.12.013
↩︎ - Ribeiro L, Ind PW. Effect of cannabis smoking on lung function and respiratory symptoms: a structured literature review. npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. 2016;26(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/npjpcrm.2016.71
↩︎ - Chu, Frederick, and Marco Cascella. 2021. “Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome.” PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549915/.
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
