As the world fights the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the pertinent issues that come to mind is cannabis consumption during coronavirus crisis. A Princeton-based cannabis medic, who is the founder of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation David Nathan, recently spoke about the challenges and opportunities that physicians dealing with cannabis patients face during the crisis.
Concerns regarding cannabis consumption
In a Q&A interview, Justin Zaremba, the assistant editor for NJ Cannabis Insider asked what he had to say about cannabis consumption in regards to the respiratory impact of Coronavirus. Dr. Nathan said that going by scientific evidence, there’s very little to say in terms of what physicians would expect regarding the effect of smoking or vaping in relation to acquiring the virus or worsening the condition of a Coronavirus patient.
Even so, the psychiatrist agreed to the fact that “the same principles that apply to cannabis consumption generally will also apply here—that vaping is, in general, a safer means of consumption than smoking because it’s less caustic on the throat and lungs.”
How about edibles?
According to a Delloite survey report, Canadian cannabis users are eager to consume edibles both for recreational and medical reasons.
Part of the report reads:
“It is [also] notable that current edible consumers say they are more likely to buy premade cannabis edibles rather than make their own — mainly because it’s more convenient, according to 80% of current consumers.”
Based on the report, one would argue that many marijuana users would go for edibles to dispense with the question as to whether vaping or smoking could impact their life negatively during the Covid-19 crisis.
However, Dr. Nathan says “edibles have a very different half-life and onset of action for people who are consuming cannabis that way. It’s not exactly equivalent.”
Other sources also reveal that edibles can bring various health risks for first-time cannabis users. One of the effects is that the ingested products can take much longer, even up to four hours to produce an effect. Meanwhile, according to Science News publication, consumers of edibles are more likely to suffer more severe effects such as heart problems and psychiatric symptoms.
On matters around smoking, vaping, or consumption of edibles, Dr. Nathan concludes by saying:
“Vaporization of the flower is generally safer than vaporization of concentrates, given that the latter has additives that may not have an established safety profile. Overall, non-inhalation methods are likely safer among those who continue consuming cannabis during the pandemic.”
