During the COVID-19 lockdown, medical dispensaries are deemed essential in many states, and are kept open. To ensure the safety of consumers, the government has issued some instructions to the dispensaries. These include limiting consumers in the stores, offering curbside pickup and home delivery services.
Over the past few weeks, marijuana sales have significantly increased. Does that mean that cannabis can help prevent the coronavirus? Well, no! There’s no study available showing the effectiveness of cannabis in treating the COVID-19. However, marijuana can help boost health during the pandemic. Read on to learn more.
Also Read- How Coronavirus Can Impact The Cannabis Industry?
Cannabis Use During The COVID-19 Crisis
During the coronavirus pandemic, marijuana can help people with various health benefits-
It Reduces Stress & Anxiety
The coronavirus outbreak has increased the risks of mental illnesses such as stress and anxiety. People staying in homes are worried about their jobs, future, etc. However, managing the symptoms is quite difficult for those who are already suffering from these conditions.
The Centre for Disease Control & Prevention has classified stress caused by the COVID-19 as-
- Fear and worry about the health of your loved ones and your own
- Worsening of mental illnesses
- Changes in eating and sleep patterns
- Lack of sleep or focus
- Worsening of chronic illnesses
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
Cannabis can help you cope with stress associated with the coronavirus. The herb has over 100 cannabinoids. The cannabinoids have ultimate therapeutic properties, which can help in boosting mood & memory, and regulating various other bodily functions.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders evaluated the effects of cannabis smoking on anxiety, stress, and depression sufferers. Researchers found that marijuana use helped in reducing stress and anxiety levels.
CBD is an important non-psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, which delivers therapeutic benefits without causing high effects. CBD is effective in fighting social anxiety, PTSD, GAD, panic disorder, and OCD.
It Boosts Sleep
Getting enough sleep can help you boost the immune system and improve brain function by managing psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Marijuana is proven helpful in boosting sleep, thus improving the quality of life. The cannabinoids stimulate the endocannabinoid system, thus improving sleep.
In 2008, a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health confirmed that consuming high-THC strains reduces REM sleep. REM sleep is a sleep phase characterized by rapid eye movements and more dreaming.
CBD is effective in boosting sleep and managing other health issues that are linked to grogginess and sleepiness.
However, marijuana’s effects may vary from consumer to consumer. Because everyone has a different condition and metabolism. Before using cannabis, make sure you talk to a licensed doctor and seek professional advice for marijuana strains, dosage, and consumption methods.
It Relieves Pain & Inflammation
Marijuana’s compounds have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. The compounds help in stimulating the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, thus activating the reward system.
Many studies have been conducted to examine the cannabis’ effects in managing pain. The parts of the cannabis plant, such as CBD, provide specific health benefits while consuming the whole plant can provide the endogenous effect.
A review published in 2015 was focused on cannabis consumption for chronic pain management. Several trials showed positive results, and the researchers confirmed that cannabinoids may help manage various types of pain, such as neuropathy pain.
A research paper published in 2016 reported that cannabis use helped a 64 percent reduction in opioid use.
It Boosts Immune System
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world’s attention to boosting the immune system. Medical researchers believe that this can help in reducing the risks of the coronavirus. The immune system is the defense system of the body, and it helps in preventing bacteria, viruses, etc. that can cause health issues.
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can boost your immune system, thus promoting wellness. Making lifestyle changes can support immunity such as eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol use, and practicing relaxation and meditation techniques
Marijuana use can help in strengthening the immune system. Marijuana delivers anti-inflammatory effects, thus reducing the risks of viruses and infections. Research says that cannabinoids can help in managing symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, loss of appetite, etc., thus boosting the immune system of HIV/AIDS patients.
A study published in AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses reported that THC can help in accelerating the production of CD4 and CD8 cells in monkeys. These two types of cells are mainly targeted by the HIV/AIDS virus.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Precautions For Marijuana Use
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you should be careful when using cannabis. Listed below are some health & safety tips for marijuana consumers-
- Buy enough cannabis supplies that last at least 30 days. This will help you avoid multiple trips to the medical marijuana dispensary.
- Personal hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to kill the viruses. If you don’t have soap, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for handwashing.
- No more sharing. While puff-and-pass custom provides great pleasure, but this time, you need to avoid it. Use your own joints, bongs, and blunts, and don’t share or take from anyone.
- Practice social distancing. Stay at home and take care of your family and kids. Many cities and states have already issued stay-at-home orders and safety guidelines. Make sure you follow them. Avoid going to birthday parties, weddings, and social gatherings.
- Prefer the safest cannabis buying options such as curbside pickup, home delivery, and online ordering over dispensary visits.
- Make payments online to avoid close contact
- Use telemedicine. If you need a new medical marijuana card or MMJ renewal, see a doctor online and get your card. Avoid physical visits to cannabis clinics.
Bottom Line
Marijuana is proven beneficial in managing symptoms of various medical conditions. Research says that it contains more than 100 cannabinoids, which stimulates the endocannabinoid system, thus delivering various health benefits such as boosted mood, memory, reduced anxiety, etc.
There’s no scientific evidence that cannabis can help in managing the coronavirus symptoms, but the herb can help improve health during this difficult time. The herb can help those staying at home to ease the coronavirus anxiety, sleep problems, and pain. Additionally, marijuana is effective in boosting the immune system, thus reducing the risks of viruses and infections.
While using cannabis during the COVID-19 crisis, you should follow the health and safety guidelines. Don’t share your blunts, joints, or bongs. Practice social distancing—prefer ordering cannabis products online over dispensary visits. Buy marijuana supplies that could last at least a month. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Are you using cannabis during the COVID-19 pandemic? What’s the most important benefit of using the herb this time? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
