Can You Donate Blood if You Use Marijuana
In the unprecedented time of Covid-19, donating blood has never been more than essential. The Earth Wellness Organization (WHO) reported in 2022 that people may be less inclined to donate blood due to social distancing or concerns almost contracting the virus, simply that blood donations are imperative to save the lives of millions of people across the world every twelvemonth.
Dr. Melanie Bone, a board-certified OB-GYN and cannabis specialist who practices in West Palm Beach, Florida, illustrated the importance of donating claret during the pandemic, maxim, "During this fourth dimension of Covid, donating claret and plasma is an splendid, complimentary manner to give back to your community."
Donating plasma, in particular, is a vital way that an individual who has recovered from Covid-19 may be able to help others. The part of the blood that contains antibodies, ambulatory plasma from formerly positive Covid-19 patients may assistance save the lives of people currently battling the novel coronavirus.
Are cannabis users butterfingers from giving blood?
Although some cannabis users may believe they are ineligible to give blood, Dr. Os asserted, "According to the Ruby-red Cross, using marijuana does non immediately disqualify a person as a claret donor."
According to FAQ literature published in September 2022 on the Red Cross website, "The use of cannabis does not disqualify an private from claret donation, but potential donors cannot give if their employ of cannabis impairs their retentiveness or comprehension."
High levels of THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid nowadays in cannabis, could temporarily bear upon these cognitive functions. So, if you've recently smoked a loftier-THC strain like The Toad or Amnesia Haze, then it'southward possible that y'all volition not authorize as a claret donor.
On the other paw, if you have recently smoked a loftier-CBD strain such every bit Ringo's Souvenir or Cannatonic, the comparatively lower levels of THC are less likely to impair cognitive functioning.
Do claret banks test for THC?
Regardless of cannabinoid concentrations in your preferred strains, claret banks exercise not generally exam for THC. As Dr. Os shared, "It goes without saying that you lot cannot be high while you donate. Currently there is no rapid THC exam washed to be certain that you take nothing in your system."
In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require blood donation centers to test for THC, as reported by the Red Cross. And then, as long equally you are not loftier at the time of your blood donation appointment, the presence of THC in your arrangement should not straight disqualify yous. Rather, whatsoever observable psychoactive effects of THC could exist a disqualifying factor.
What can disqualify someone from altruistic blood?
Not everyone is eligible to donate claret, including those who have synthetic marijuana in their system. Dr. Bone elaborated, "If you utilize constructed marijuana, either as K2 or Spice, or as a prescription medication such as Marinol, you cannot donate blood."
Co-ordinate to guidelines ready along by the Red Cross, other restrictions for claret donors include:
- A piercing or tattoo inside the last year
- Pregnancy or recent childbirth
- Steroid utilise
- Weighing less than 110 pounds
- Any illness presenting with fever
- Depression fe levels, which may signify anemia
- Traveling to a malaria-adventure country within the past iii years
- HIV or hepatitis infection
Other requirements for altruistic blood
In addition, whole blood donors must await at to the lowest degree 56 days between claret donations. Whole blood donors must too be at least 16 years of historic period and in good overall health. Convalescent plasma donors must be at least 17 years of age and fully recovered from Covid-19 before signing up to donate.
How you can still help if you lot're disqualified from giving blood
If you tin can't give blood or plasma for any reason, that doesn't mean that you can't make an bear upon during Covid-nineteen. Blood drives are more crucial than ever, so take the opportunity to host a blood drive if y'all take admission to a large open space and the power to recruit qualified claret donors.
Every bit an culling, you can organize a campaign for a virtual blood drive through the SleevesUp programme of the American Red Cantankerous. Channeling the ability of social media, y'all tin can ship blood donation invitations to family and friends across the state. Cull to dedicate your campaign to someone else'south honor, or opt to request blood donations in lieu of birthday or nuptials gifts.
Making a financial donation and volunteering at a blood bulldoze are other valuable means to contribute if you lot are unable to give blood.
Bottom line
Beingness a cannabis user does non automatically disqualify y'all from donating blood, only you should be enlightened of blood donor requirements earlier scheduling an appointment. For questions and specific recommendations, contact your nearest claret donation centre and consult with your physician before making the decision to give blood.
Source: https://weedmaps.com/learn/cannabis-and-your-body/can-you-donate-blood-smoke-weed