According to the WHO, smoking can increase the risks of the COVID-19. It can impair lung function, thus making it harder for the body to fight off the virus & other illnesses. Moreover, the sharing of mouthpieces can lead to the transmission of the coronavirus.
As most of the people use the herb for medical purposes, it’s hard for them to stop smoking marijuana. So, what’s the solution? Choose the safest alternatives to smoking cannabis.
Also, Read- Is it Right That Cannabis Can Help in Treating the Coronavirus?
In this post, we are going to discuss the best methods of marijuana consumption, which provide you medical benefits while keeping you safe from the COVID-19.
Edibles
These are foods & beverages that contain marijuana, such as cookies, gummies, brownies, etc. You might have heard about bhang. It’s a popular cannabis-infused drink in India, and it’s distributed during the festival of Holi. It’s usually sold as bhang lassi and bhang thandai.
Unlike smoking, edibles take longer to deliver the medicinal effects. They are effective in managing pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, depression, etc. Since edibles’ effects last longer than smoking, vaping, etc., medical experts recommend them to patients experiencing sleep problems.
However, for patients with underlying health conditions such as asthma, COPD, hypertension, diabetes, etc., it’s necessary to switch to edibles amid the coronavirus pandemic.
If you want to receive the medicinal benefits of cannabis without experiencing high effects, you can go for CBD edibles. You can choose from a variety of CBD gummies, chocolates, cake pops, shots, etc.
Also, Read- The Best CBD Gummies For Pain You Can Buy Online
However, you should try different edibles. For instance, you can eat both 5 & 10 mg chocolate bars and see what works for you.
Vaping
Vaping is another smokeless method of cannabis consumption. Although it involves inhaling the substance into the lungs, it’s safe. There’s no study showing that vaping causes the same risks of the COVID-19 as smoking.
Vaping involves heating the substance to extract the essential compounds for health benefits. This is done using a special device known as a vaporizer. For vaping, the ideal temperature is between 180-200°C. You can set the device to achieve the desired results.
It delivers quick effects, about 2-5 minutes after inhalation. Vapors generated through vaporizing don’t contain tar and carcinogens, which are harmful to the lungs.
According to a Cal NORML/MAPS study published in the Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, vaping can reduce toxins in cannabis smoke. Researchers compared vapors produced by a herbal vaporizer Volcano® and smoke produced by combusted cannabis. The study suggests that people can avoid respiratory issues associated with smoking by choosing vaping.
Tinctures
Tinctures are marijuana concentrates, which are created usually with alcohol. However, other solvents such as glycerin are also used.
Since these cannabis products contain high concentrations of cannabinoids, they provide intense, fast-acting effects.
How to use tinctures? Well, there are three methods-
Sublingually
Place a few drops under the tongue, keep for 1-3 minutes. Cannabinoids will be absorbed in the bloodstream. You will feel the effects within 30 minutes and can last for about 3 hours.
Orally
You can swallow tinctures to receive its medicinal effects. However, this method takes longer to work. Effects can be felt within 1-2 hours and can last for 5-6 hours.
Adding to Foods/Liquids
Adding tinctures helps in changing the flavor of the foods or liquids. Consumers usually add them to tea, coffee, pudding, and yogurt.
When using tinctures, you can easily control the dosage using the marked droppers. However, this is impossible in the case of smoking or vaping.
The high levels of cannabinoids in tinctures may lead to issues such as substance abuse. So, you should take care of the dosage, especially if you are using it for the first time.
Topicals
These are lotions, creams, and balms that contain marijuana extracts. Topicals are applied directly to the skin and are commonly used for reducing pain and inflammation. So, they are quite popular among athletes.
Generally, topicals contain THC, CBD, and several terpenes. However, they may also have essential oils, aloe vera, lavender, etc. Cannabinoids in topicals bind with the CB2 receptors, thus providing localized relief.
Since topicals aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream, they don’t provide psychoactive effects. However, they may produce high effects, when they contain high levels of THC.
CBD topicals are effective in healing wounds faster and preventing the dryness of the skin. They help in boosting the skin’s natural defense system, thus treating various skin ailments and conditions.
Also, Read- 2020 Buyer’s Guide For Best CBD Topicals
However, some topicals may contain additives to increase the effectiveness of the products. So, you should carefully read the label when buying.
The Takeaway
Smoking is a common cannabis consumption method, which delivers quick effects. But, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not safe to smoke marijuana. The WHO says that it may increase the risks of the coronavirus.
However, consumers can opt for smokeless methods such as edibles, topicals, tinctures, and vaping. Each method works differently and has different benefits. Edibles take longer to kick in. Their effects last longer, thus it’s suitable for patients suffering from insomnia. It may not be good for patients who need immediate effects such as pain management. For an instant, localized relief, topicals work well.
Talk to a licensed doctor to discuss your condition, and seek professional help for choosing the right cannabis consumption method for managing your symptoms.
The COVID-19 Alert!
There’s no medicine or vaccine found for the coronavirus yet. Social distancing can help prevent coronavirus transmission. So, we advise you to stay home and don’t go out until it’s necessary. Wear a safety mask and gloves before leaving your home. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly.
Moreover, you should use telemedicine technology to get medical marijuana recs or MMJ renewals. For buying cannabis products, choose a reputed store. Many dispensaries are offering delivery services, helping patients to get products while practicing social distancing. Additionally, you can opt for curbside pickup services. Stay safe!
