The world changed in 2019 when the COVID-19 virus first appeared. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic upended the way we live. The next several years brought immense struggles and pains, both physical and mental, across the world.
Throughout the past several years, transmission rates have varied throughout the pandemic. January 2022 is considered the peak of COVID-19 transmission, with roughly 800,000 new cases being identified each day worldwide. By August 2023, more than 103.4 million cases had been reported in the United States, with over 1.1 million people reported to have died from the virus.
As of June 2023, at least 267 million Americans have received one dose of a COVID vaccine, totaling 81% of the country's population. Over 227 million Americans, or about 70% of the population, are considered fully vaccinated.
The pandemic has thankfully lessened as of late. However, the virus is still being transmitted across the world. In the US alone, more than 88,000 cases were confirmed during the final week of April 2023.
Like much of the world, cannabis consumers probably will get COVID-19 at some point if they haven't already. For those who may contract the virus in the future, you may want to consider the risks associated with smoking weed while ill.
Is smoking weed while sick with COVID a good idea? While there may not be a definitive answer, expert opinions provide clear guidance.
Keep in mind that this article is not a substitute medical advice, instead it's presenting the latest evidence so you and your medical professionals can decide what's best.
Can I Smoke Weed If I Have COVID?
We would love to give you a definitive answer regarding the risks and benefits of smoking weed with COVID-19 symptoms. But unfortunately, that would be unwise at this time.
While some research and hypotheses have been put forward, results remain limited and conclusions vary to the point that it's impossible to definitively say if it's safe to smoke weed with COVID.
Smoking while sick with respiratory illnesses is often a risky move that could worsen symptoms. That said, there are some promising (and some conflicting) results.
In early 2022, a study conducted by two Oregon universities identified two cannabinoid acids as preventative against COVID-19 infection in cell lines. Researchers noted that the compounds could block the virus from penetrating the body's cells. This effect was caused by the acidic cannabinoids binding to the virus spike proteins, leading researchers to suggest that acidic cannabinoids, like CBDA and THCA could serve as a potential treatment or preventative to COVID-19 transmission.1
Later in 2022, a study from Chinese and Hong Kong-based universities identified the possible risks of using cannabis with COVID-19.2 In the study of over 13,000 individuals who smoked cannabis, researchers found that consumers were more likely to contract the virus, despite also noting that cannabis use was a protective factor regarding COVID infections. The researchers concluded that people who consumed more than once per month had poorer survival rates after adjusting for known factors, including age, gender, smoking history and comorbidity.
These studies illustrate the current – and very much contradictory – state of research regarding cannabis and COVID-19.
Long before COVID-19 arrived, researchers were analyzing the impact of smoking cannabis on the lungs. A 2013 study concluded that regular cannabis smoking could lead to visible and microscopic injuries to the large airways, leading to an increased chance of symptoms like chronic bronchitis.3 Still, researchers noted that the potential effects of cannabis paled compared to those of heavy tobacco use.
What Are the Risks of Smoking Weed with COVID?
Research varies on the potential risks of smoking cannabis while sick with COVID, leaving many to speculate – which is never good during a global pandemic.
One potential way to determine risk of smoking while sick is to consider symptoms and side effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the following symptoms as possible COVID signs:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Breathing and other lung-related side effects are noted in cannabis use as well, with possible adverse effects including:
- Lung irritation
- Frequent coughing
- Increased phlegm production
Concerns about the effect of cannabis on health also include heart disease and high blood pressure, though researchers are still debating if these risks are the result of cannabis or the act of smoking (which would not be specific to cannabis inhalation).
The similar symptoms do not verify any concerns about smoking weed with COVID, but they are cause for concern, with researchers often stating that cannabis users have a chance of encountering higher COVID-19 risks while noting that additional research is needed.4
What About Vaping Cannabis with COVID?
It's unclear if vaping is riskier than smoking cannabis while having COVID. Regardless, research suggests that vaping isn't helpful in treating COVID or its symptoms. A 2022 study of 289 patients who vaped found that COVID-19 symptoms were present in higher frequency among vape smokers compared to patients who did not use e-cigarette products.5
While interesting, the study did not specify the type of vaping products studied and instead focused on e-cigarette users at large. However, the study did note the deadly EVALI lung crisis in 2019 and early 2020. The event, primarily believed to be caused by vitamin E acetate used in unlicensed cannabis vape cartridges, caused over 2,800 lung injuries and 68 deaths in the United States.
The potential risks of COVID-19 forced many vapers to rethink their ways. As one study noted, a small number of vape consumers quit the practice during the pandemic's height, but nearly half are considering returning to vaping.6
Can I Take Edibles with COVID?
Clearly, there's a lack of definitive answers related to cannabis consumption and COVID-19. However, many of the concerns arise from the inhalation of cannabis, due to the fact that COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. Edibles may be a way to avoid many of the possible drawbacks related to smoking and vaping.
In addition to avoiding lung and throat irritation, many consumers have reported additional benefits from switching to edibles while sick with COVID. With more pronounced and more prolonged effects, many have self-reported that edibles help them relax and sleep while dealing with physical and mental COVID-19 pains.
Still, setbacks can occur. Most notably, overconsuming is much more likely when using edibles. While an edible or two could provide relief for some consumers, newcomers and those with higher potency products could end up overdoing it, leading to adverse reactions including:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Impaired motor ability
- Changes in heart rate
How About CBD and COVID?
A lack of in-depth research and consistent results clouds any definitive conclusions on CBD on COVID.
In some studies, researchers note that CBD could prevent or treat COVID-19 infections by blocking the virus from entering the body's cells. However, additional research and expert opinions have pushed back on that potential.
In other studies, clinical experts have said that while cannabis may possess some antiviral capabilities, they do not recommend using any cannabis products to prevent or treat COVID-19. Analysts did not note any adverse reactions, but they did note that daily higher-dose CBD consumption (300 mg) over a two-week period did not alter the evolution of the virus.
While CBD may not help prevent or treat COVID-19 infection, it may – like edibles – provide some symptom relief by avoiding lung and throat irritation, as long as you choose an option that isn't smoked or vaped.
Safety Precautions for COVID-Positive Cannabis Users
Researchers may never reach sweeping conclusions on the cannabis-COVID, especially if the pandemic continues to decline or plateau as it has.
As uncertainty lingers, advice and opinions online vary widely. Rather than parsing through a myriad of information, it's best to link up with your preferred medical professional to discuss the issue further. Do some research yourself, and be prepared to talk with your doctor.
If you’re able to take these steps before contracting COVID-19, you may be able to establish a possible plan for preventative steps and early treatment of symptoms and discomfort. If you are already sick, don’t hesitate to contact a primary care physician or another trusted medical professional to get advice.
With a handful of vocal consumers claiming that smoking in vaping with COVID-19 symptoms is just fine, you may be inclined to keep your regular consumption practices up. However, some smokers and vapors have turned to edibles, CBD oil, tinctures, and other products to avoid possible lung and throat irritation.
Since the jury remains out, it's best to listen to your body and stick to the advice of trusted medical professionals. Remember that every person reacts to cannabis differently, even when healthy. What works for some may not work for you.
References
1. van Breemen RB, Muchiri RN, Bates TA, et al. Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants. Journal of Natural Products. Published online January 10, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00946
2. Huang D, Xu R, Na R. Cannabis Use Is Associated With Lower COVID-19 Susceptibility but Poorer Survival. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022;10. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.829715
3. Tashkin DP. Effects of Marijuana Smoking on the Lung. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. 2013;10(3):239-247. doi:https://doi.org/10.1513/annalsats.201212-127fr
4. Borgonhi EM, Volpatto VL, Ornell F, Rabelo-da-Ponte FD, Kessler FHP. Multiple clinical risks for cannabis users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice. 2021;16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-021-00214-0
5. McFadden DD, Bornstein SL, Vassallo R, et al. Symptoms COVID 19 Positive Vapers Compared to COVID 19 Positive Non-vapers. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. 2022;13:215013192110626. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319211062672
6. Kale D, Herbec A, Perski O, Jackson SE, Brown J, Shahab L. Associations between vaping and Covid-19: Cross-sectional findings from the HEBECO study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2021;221:108590. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108590
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.
