Some say that blood donation is a social responsibility and everyone should do it. Sure, blood donation is a noble act of service but still, you must know when you should not do it. Many people ask whether they can donate blood if they smoke cannabis and this is a very common question. So can you donate blood if you smoke weed? Well, the simple answer is yes, you can donate blood if you smoke weed, but there are some things to keep in mind. If you want to know more, then this article will provide you all the important information.
Why Someone Could Need A Blood Transfusion?
Before jumping to the main deal, let’s talk about the reason why someone could need a blood transfusion. Well, there are many situations where blood transfusion is needed. For example- when a person has experienced some severe damages from natural disasters and accidents. People with diseases that cause anemia such as kidney disease and leukemia also need a blood transfusion. Apart from this, people who have a surgical procedure also need a blood transfusion to restore the loss of the blood during the operation. There are many situations where individuals need a blood transfusion, that’s why people who are qualified to donate blood must do it.
Can Cannabis Users Donate Blood?
Yes, cannabis users can donate blood, and smoking weed doesn’t disqualify them for donating blood. But they must be in the senses while coming for the donation because if the doctor suspects that the person is high, then it won’t allow him. So if you smoke marijuana or use cannabis, then you won’t be stopped for donating the blood. However, Clinics don’t do tests whether you have taken cannabis or not, but they can easily tell that person is under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
Blood Donation Laws With Respect To Cannabis In Europe, US, Asia
One of the most basic rules to donate blood is that person must be 18 years old. Though if you want to donate blood, even if you are not 18, then you can do it through parents’ consent however it is not recommended. Apart from this, one important law is that cannabis should be natural. People who smoke synthetic cannabis are not allowed to donate blood.
Synthetic cannabis is an artificial chemical that has similar properties to the natural cannabis plant. This human-made cannabis is also known as Spice or K2. It comes under the category of NPS (new psychoactive substances) and is considered as a mind-altering substance. Apart from this, if you are receiving Marinol, a human-made THC, for any kind of medical condition, then you are not qualified to donate blood. But if you don’t any medical conditions, then you can donate blood.
In short, if you are 18 and have not taken any form of non-synthetic cannabis and are in your senses, then you are fully eligible to donate blood. Though there are some other requirements that every cannabis user should meet to donate blood. As you know that smoking is dangerous to health and can cause many health problems. So if you smoke marijuana and have any of these problems, then you are not allowed to donate blood.
High Blood Pressure– People who smoke marijuana are more likely to have high blood pressure. So if your blood pressure is high at the time of blood donation, then you won’t be able to do it
Cancers– If you are receiving treatment for cancers like lymphoma and leukemia, then you are not eligible to donate blood. Though if you have any other type of cancer, then you are not allowed to donate until your treatment is completed successfully
Lung and Heart Disease– People who have symptoms of any kind of lung or heart disease are not allowed to donate blood. Apart from this, you also do not qualify for blood donation for the next six months, if you have experienced a stroke or heart attack.
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