Cannabis and the Coronavirus: What you need to know

The global concern over the coronavirus known as COVID-19 has many people taking precautions against contracting the virus. Here’s what we know about cannabis and this novel coronavirus.

Cannabis and the Coronavirus: Stay Healthy

Stop sharing joints, blunts, and bongs while coronavirus is spreading

The puff-and-pass customs surrounding cannabis are among the greatest pleasures of the plant. But passing around a joint is is a good way to spread any virus, including COVID-19. For now, stick to your own supply and offer a friendly elbow bump.

Wash your hands frequently

We can’t emphasize this enough. Thorough handwashing really, really, really does help prevent transmission of coronavirus, as well as other ailments. Before you sit down for a session or dig into some munchies, make sure to wash your hands for a count of 20 seconds. That’s as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday to You”—or the first chorus of Sublime’s “Smoke Two Joints.” Just saying.

Don’t buy into unproven coronavirus remedies

Given the general hype around CBD, expect to hear outlandish claims about its effect on coronavirus, most likely spread via social media. These claims are not true. There is no solid research on CBD and coronavirus.

Be cautious with cannabis around COVID-19

Smoking weed when you’re down with a virus: Not such a great idea. Here’s what the experts say has a lot of helpful advice about integrating cannabis (or not) into the treatment and recovery from a normal flu. Yes, THC and CBD have pain-relieving, sleep-inducing, and anti-inflammatory properties. But inhaling hot smoke is the last thing your lungs need when fighting a cold or flu. Do your research before medicating.

Take precautions about physical contact with others

Stop shaking hands. A wave or friendly verbal greeting helps everyone. You don’t need to lock yourself in a panic room, but do consider your interactions with other people and with public surfaces when out and about.

Leave the face masks for ill patients and healthcare providers

The CDC and other health agencies are clear on this: Masks are meant to prevent already infected patients from spreading the virus, and to protect healthcare professionals working in high-risk environments. Frequent handwashing is far more effective than wearing a mask.

Be aware of COVID-19 symptoms

Don’t jam up the emergency room if it’s just a common cold, but get yourself tested if you fit the criteria for COVID-19 symptoms. Those include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Have been in contact with a COVID-19 patient, or traveled recently to an area with ongoing spread.

Note: The definition of “area with ongoing spread” changes practically by the hour, and this item on the symptom list is becoming less important as the virus is recognized as extant in local communities.

Have a self-quarantine plan

At this point we’re talking about a spectrum, from choosing a work-at-home option (if you’re fortunate enough to have that choice) to a full-on home quarantine. The CDC has a page of recommendations for those who stay home with a suspected case of COVID-19.

Are bong condoms really a thing?

Absolutely! Get yourself one of these fun devices. One of our in-house experts suggests this $8 silicone rubber mouthpiece from Dabbing Warehouse, an embarrassingly shaped device that fits over the mouth of a bong or dab rig for hygienic inhaling.

Others prefer the $15.99 silicone MouthPeace from Mooselabs, which uses activated carbon filters. Jay the Cannabis Explorer reviews it in the video below:

Another suggestion: Pax Era mouthpiece covers can be had for $4.30 a pop from Delta 3D Studios. Use an X-Acto knife to cut a hole in the closed end and you’ve got yourself a personal lip caddy.

Note: Most viral transmission happens via the hands, so while you’re being so clever with your lips you should watch your fingers, which are holding a bong or vape that many others have just recently held as well. Just saying.

Will this affect cannabis product supplies?

Because all cannabis products are usually produced within the province or state in which they’re sold, industry experts aren’t expecting a shortage of actual cannabis due to import slowdowns during the coronavirus pandemic.

That’s not to say there won’t be shortages or supply interruptions in certain products. Most vape batteries and wholesale vape cartridges are manufactured in China. Those supply chains have already seen slowdowns and interruptions due to quarantines impacting the Chinese manufacturing sector.

The US imports about 30 million Chinese vape pens and cartridges every month. Most shipments stopped due to the annual Chinese New Year shutdown in mid-January and haven’t fully resumed due to the coronavirus.

“A supply pinch is coming in weeks and will persist for months,” says Dan Fung, CEO of American Made Vapes. “Prices will rise. Shortages of packaging and vape pens could occur.”

Much of the packaging materials utilized by cannabis companies is also manufactured in China, so a slowdown in those materials may result in a slowdown in stateside production.

The development of new cannabis-related products may be slowed as well, as designers and manufacturers can’t rely on a steady supply of wholesale products and materials from China right now.

Will this affect 4/20 events?

The likely answer is yes. Organizers of 4/20 celebrations, which are now less than six weeks away, are already considering how a wider outbreak of COVID-19 could impact their events.

4/20 festivals were already changing and evolving due to the expansion of legalization. The coronavirus outbreak may further accelerate that change for cannabis users in ways that are hard to predict right now.