Contributor: Kc Scannell
Well, we’re certainly living in an interesting time, aren’t we? While the news about the spread of coronavirus may be worrisome, there are many things you, the average cannabis enthusiast, can do, in order to properly weather this unfortunate storm of sickness.
During these moments, we often find most of our information online, via social media. Which can be good and bad. There is a wealth of misinformation and fear-mongering going on out there, so be sure to get all of your data and whatnot from a credible source. Just because it’s on your timeline, or in your feed, that doesn’t mean it’s true – even though you hoped it would be.
Like this random piece of “marijuana news” that claims cannabis can fight the coronavirus, for example.
Sadly, that just isn’t the case. I know, that’s a bummer, but, unfortunately, you cannot just load up a bong and consider yourself bulletproof. But, that said, you’re not helpless, either. There’s a multitude of things you can do, as a cannabis enthusiast, to steer clear of this coronavirus as best you can.
So, here’s a mini breakdown of how to protect yourself from coronavirus.
The first thing you should do is cut off your collective smoking sessions until all of this dies down. The sharing of blunts, pipes, joints, and bongs may seem like a fun, social event, but in these times, it’s best (and wise) to make your smoke sessions a solo endeavor. Obviously, this greatly reduces the chances of any virus being spread amongst your smoking buddies, so be sure to practice caution.
Basically, while it may seem against your “religion” to do so, you should puff, puff – but do not pass. At least, for the time being.
Another bit of advice that you’ve likely heard hundreds of times already, is to wash your hands frequently. This tip is mentioned so often because it’s the most effective way of preventing the transmission of a disease, like the coronavirus. Remember, you have to do a thorough job in order for those suds to work their magic, so be sure to wash those hands for at least 20 seconds at a time. That should be long enough to rid your hands of any unwanted impurities.
Again, another way you can prevent the spreading of coronavirus is to, well, keep to yourself.
I know that seems like an introvert’s fantasy and an extrovert’s nightmare, but it’s sincerely the best thing one can do to prevent this horrible virus from spreading to people who would fall into the “high risk” category. Those folks are people in their elder years, with pre-existing conditions, and immune issues. That physical state, effectively, makes them more susceptible to the virus.
So, stay home, cancel plans, smoke alone, and catch up on all those shows that you’ve been putting off. Isolation is key, so just make the most of it.
Let’s say, you find yourself a bit under the weather, and want to continue your cannabis routine, hoping it will deliver those same medicinal effects that it’s famous for. And, while there is a shred of truth to that assessment, I can’t help but urge you all to avoid smoking weed if you have any sort of symptoms that could be associated with coronavirus.
For instance, if you have a sore throat, shortness of breath, and/or a dry cough, the last thing your lungs need at the moment is white hot smoke being introduced to the scene. There may be some worthwhile edibles, drinks, or topicals that could work their way into your system in a beneficial way, but smoking should be avoided if you are showcasing any sort of flu-like, sore throat symptoms.
Also, you may have been out and about, and noticed a handful of folks wearing face masks as they go about their lives. This, for many, sparks an instant series of concerned thoughts, the majority of which revolve around the same curiosity, “Oh no. Do I need one of those, too?”
Well, if you are not sick, or showing any sort of flu-like symptoms, the answer to that panicked inquiry is a calming, “No.”
Those are for people who feel like they are under the weather, and don’t want to spread anything to anyone, so they wear a protective mask, to block any sort of droplets or spores from being launched into the atmosphere. So, don’t feel like you need to stock up on masks to “be safe.” Simply practice these clean-living, self-isolation techniques and you stand a great chance of coming out of this viral scare unscathed. Leave those masks to the people who really need it.
That’s pretty much what it comes down to, folks.
Stay clean, distance yourself, avoid coming in contact with others for a while, and we should all be able to come out of this thing just as healthy as we were before all of this started.
Stay safe, my fellow enthusiasts.
