Since marijuana is still considered a schedule I illegal drug federally, it is fair to wonder about marijuana use and donating blood since it certainly can enter your bloodstream.
Donating blood is a very easy way people can give back and help others. The demand for blood has increased significantly in the past decade, as every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.
Thankfully, marijuana users, both medical and recreational, are allowed to donate to blood banks. The American Red Cross does not test blood for THC, so as long as the person is not impaired while they are giving blood, they will be able to make a contribution.
Cannabis users, no matter how frequent, can give blood. Just make sure you are not impaired while you are giving blood, and maybe hold off on smoking for a couple of hours prior just to be safe.
According to the American Red Cross, “While the Red Cross does not encourage the use of controlled substances, marijuana or alcohol use does not necessarily disqualify you from giving blood as long as you are feeling well. If you have EVER injected any illegal drugs, you can never give blood.”
Requirements for Giving Blood
Cannabis users can donate blood, but there are other things that may disqualify a person from making a donation. Technically anyone can give blood as long as they meet these requirements:
-16 years old or older and weigh at least 110 pounds
-Do not have any type of blood-borne virus
-Certain cancers or history of cancers may disqualify you
-If you have had a blood transfusion in the last 3 months, you cannot donate
-You cannot be pregnant or nursing
-You cannot be ill or have low iron
-You cannot be on antibiotics
As we mentioned above, anyone who has ever injected illegal drugs intravenously is disqualified from ever giving blood again.
Nicotine and Tobacco
Nicotine, cigarette, or tobacco use also do not disqualify a person from donating blood. Blood banks normally request that users do not consume any nicotine or tobacco for a few hours before they donate blood, since nicotine and tobacco products both contain harmful chemicals that may affect your blood. The best rule of thumb is to not use any of these products the day you give blood, until after your appointment.
Try Medical Marijuana Today
You can give blood even if you use cannabis. If you think medical marijuana may benefit you, we can help! There has truly never been a better time to get your medical card in the State of Ohio!
In Ohio, there are many conditions that may make you eligible for medical marijuana, and we hope the program continues to expand by adding more conditions soon! If you have questions about whether you qualify, we can help with that too!
In order to visit a dispensary in the State of Ohio, you will need your medical marijuana card. With telemedicine, you can even get your card from the comfort of your own home!
If you don’t already have your card, we can help! You can even have your appointment from the comfort of your own home and get your recommendation on the same day! Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today to see if you qualify.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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