Donating blood is the moral duty of every community member as it is a heroic way to save people’s life. It is indeed a noble act, but people should know when it is safe to do it.
The National Institute of Health released a report stating that blood donations are declining rapidly, and the situation is alarming. It urged community members to take part in this act and donate blood whenever it is possible for them.
With the increase in the use of medical cannabis in the country, people question whether or not they are eligible to donate blood after using marijuana? Cannabis is gaining popularity in terms of treating many illnesses. Even healthcare facilitators are using it to treat patients. However, people still question whether users donate blood or not.
Well, we have some fantastic news for you. Users are allowed to donate blood. In this article, we will burst all the myths related to blood donation if you use cannabis so new users are not dissuaded from giving back to the community.
Importance of Donating Blood
Each day, thousands of people need blood to stay healthy. Donating blood can help people who are suffering from various health conditions or undergoing some surgery. For example, people who suffer from anemia or leukemia may need blood transfusions to stay alive.
As good citizens, it is our moral responsibility to donate blood and save the precious lives of our community members. Every day in the hospitals, blood transfusions are required as people are fighting for their lives. Therefore, the onus is on us to take care of humanity.
Presently, donating blood is more than essential to save millions and give back to your community. Though, certain necessary conditions need to be kept in mind when a cannabis user decides to donate blood. You should always keep the requirements in mind if you plan to donate blood anytime in your life.
Is it Safe to Donate Blood After Using Marijuana?
The answer is yes! Using cannabis does not disqualify anyone from taking part in this noble cause. The American Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood, has made it possible for people to donate blood after using marijuana.
It has also been stated that using medical marijuana is not a contradiction for blood donations in any case. However, the condition is that potential donors must not be under the influence of cannabis at the time of donation.
Be honest with the doctor; clearly tell them about your past usage of cannabis and let him examine your condition because you have all the right to donate blood.
Some blood donation centers even have similar policies, and they explicitly state that donors can donate blood after using marijuana and cannabis if they are not under its influence.
Thus, it is safe to say that you surely can donate blood if you meet all the requirements for it.
So, do not hesitate to participate in this cause and play your part in being a giving community member.
Cannabis User Vs. Non-Cannabis Users
You don’t have to worry at all if you take cannabis because the American Red Cross and several other blood donation centers have given it legal status. The requirements of donating blood after using marijuana are not different at all. Thus, many healthcare facilitators see cannabis as a medicine.
However, cannabis stays in your system for several days, so our advice is to wait until you have donated your blood. Because, if you are under its influence at the time of donation, you will most probably be sent home. This rule is for every citizen and not particularly for cannabis users. So don’t worry, even if you are a regular user of cannabis or use it occasionally for some purpose.
In short, it is safe to donate your blood even if you are a cannabis user. In fact, we recommend you donate it today!
Medical Benefits of Marijuana
There is no denying the fact that marijuana is getting popular as it has many medical benefits. It is a popular remedy for decreasing the severity of pain. Many Americans use it to treat their migraine as it helps them relax.
Moreover, it also helps in stabilizing the blood sugars and helps in preventing diabetes. Cannabis is also helping doctors treat autism as it lifts people’s moods and even calms them down.
Today, an increasing number of people are suffering from depression and anxiety. Researchers are conducting experiments on such patients as cannabis is proving to be a promising remedy. Cannabis produces some of its own endocannabinoids to restore the body’s normal functions and lift up people’s moods.
More studies are being conducted to understand the medical benefits of marijuana to help the community.
Guidelines of Donating Blood
Being a cannabis user, you have to meet the general criteria of donating blood just like every other citizen. A simple screening test is done by doctors when you reach the center to donate blood. There is some documentation that you need to provide and the rest will be taken care of by the doctor as they will let you know whether you qualify for blood donation or not.
You have to provide your ID card and register yourself, the doctors will ask questions about your health history, and a mini-physical check-up is done.
The person donating blood must be feeling well or be in good health at the time of donation. This implies that you should not donate blood if you are not well or under the influence of cannabis. Even if you have some chronic illness, you will not be eligible to take part. Other than that, the person must be sixteen years old or above and weigh 110 pounds approximately to become eligible.
You are a true hero if you plan to donate your blood because you are saving lives!
Disqualifications
You have to keep a few general rules in mind if you plan to donate blood because you can be deferred for several reasons. These rules are for both non-cannabis and cannabis users.
If you are pregnant, use steroids, Acitretin, blood thinners, such as warfarin and heparin, Dutasteride, Teriflunomide, Isotretinoin, showing signs of anemia or HIV. Be honest with your doctor if you have malaria or any type of hepatitis as well. Then, you cannot donate blood.
According to the American Red Cross, no THC test is needed to be certain about your system. For example, it is perfectly fine to donate blood after using marijuana. But if the psychoactive effects are visible, the doctors will defer you.
Even if you have recently traveled outside the country during the Covid-19 outbreak, you have to wait for some time to be able to donate blood.
Moreover, do not exercise a couple of hours before and after donating as your blood pressure increases. Get good sleep and drink enough water, so you are not disqualified.
You will also be disqualified if you have injected any illegal drug into your system or gotten yourself a new tattoo. In addition to that, people suffering from any type of cancer or heart disease are ineligible as well.
If you received a blood transfusion in the last fifty-six days then, donating blood is out of the question.
Final Thoughts
We hope our article has helped you understand that donating blood is a good cause and you can play your part even if you are donating blood after using marijuana. Check all the requirements, and don’t let myths stop you from this act.
Donate blood and save lives!
Cannabis has several health benefits as it is becoming a popular substitute for pain-relieving drugs. If you are seeking instant marijuana help, then contact MMJ Heath as it houses several expert cannabis doctors who can guide you through your purchase and use. Visit your nearest Las Vegas dispensary and buy your cannabis today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I wait to donate blood if I have consumed cannabis?
Yes, we recommend you should wait for at least two days after cannabis consumption before you donate blood. Do not go to the center if you are still under its influence otherwise, the doctors will send you home.
- Do blood donation centers test blood samples for THC?
The American Red Cross, Cascade Regional Blood Services, and Biomat are among the top blood centers, and they do not test blood samples for THC.
- Why can’t I donate blood if I have a Tattoo?
You can donate blood, but you have to wait for twelve months for it. This is purposely done to eliminate the risk of hepatitis. Thus, it is better to wait.
- Does the Red Cross prohibit the use of cannabis?
No, it neither encourages nor discourages the use of cannabis. It does not even disqualify the person from giving blood if he has used cannabis.
