Can marijuana users donate the blood they need?

If you drink alcohol, you can drink alcohol, but it must be outside of your body. It is recommended not to consume alcohol 24 hours before donation. Like alcohol, you can donate blood, but you must allow the marijuana to leave your body. Potential donors cannot donate if cannabis use impairs their memory or understanding. The Red Cross does not test blood donations for the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. But you should wait 24 hours after your last high.

Donating blood is easy. You go to the nearest location, sign in, show your ID and read some information. You answer questions online or in person and receive a health check.

The procedure is simple: a sterile needle is inserted into a vein in your arm and blood is drawn into a bag. The donation typically takes 8-10 minutes and feels like a quick pinch. Then they provide ita snack and a drink and 10-15 minutes to recover before continuing your day.