Should You Use Cannabis When You Have a Cold or the Flu?

Winter is officially most people’s least favorite time of year, and the occurrence of colds and flu is likely to play a role. While colds are usually milder and come on gradually, an attack of flu is usually quite sudden, bringing headaches, body aches, and severe lethargy. With nocturnal tossing and turning, a swollen and runny nose, and loud mouth breathing, these common respiratory problems can leave you feeling unwell for a week or more.

Each of us has our own arsenal of remedies for when we’re feeling sick, whether it’s hot toddies or steaming soup. And for some cannabis enthusiasts, weed can ease the discomfort associated with colds and flu and help pass the time.

But how does cannabis affect a body fighting a cold or flu? Is it safe to smoke cannabis if you are wheezing and coughing? Can weed help relieve cold or flu symptoms, or is that just wishful thinking?

Let’s examine whether weed can be helpful or harmful when you’re struggling with a cold or the flu.

How can cannabis affect the respiratory system?

There is solid evidence that smoking cannabis on a regular basis, even when you are not ill, can lead to unwanted respiratory symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath, sore throat and worse asthma symptoms if you have the condition.

These negative effects are caused by irritation from the heat of the smoke, which can damage the delicate respiratory tissues in the lungs and airways. More serious damage can occur in people who smoke cannabis frequently (e.g. several times a day).

Sporadic weed smoking can still cause respiratory symptoms like a transient cough or a sore throat, but it’s less likely to cause long-term lung damage.

Regarding vaping, research shows that it reduces the risk of chronic respiratory symptoms compared to smoking. In one study, users of vaporizers were 40% less likely to report coughing, phlegm and chest tightness than those who smoked cannabis. In another study, 12 out of 20 people switched from smoking to vaping for 30 days and found that their respiratory symptoms and lung function improved.

In other words, smoking weed on a regular basis can result in harmful effects on the throat, lungs, and respiratory tract even if you don’t have a cold or flu, while vaping seems to have fewer adverse respiratory effects.

Lighting up when you’re super constipated and coughing like a seal probably isn’t the best idea.

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Can cannabis make you feel worse when you have a cold or the flu?

Colds and flu are infections that affect the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, mouth, airways, and lungs. A few tell-tale symptoms mirror those of chronic cannabis smokers—a sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, and excess phlegm.

It makes sense that smoking can make uncomfortable symptoms you’re already experiencing worse if your throat and lungs are already irritated. There seems to be a general consensus among experts and consumers that when fighting an infection, it’s best to give your respiratory system a break and opt for edibles, tinctures, or topical products instead.

dr Jordan Tishler, President and CEO of InhaleMD and President of the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists, strongly advises against inhaling cannabis if you have a cold or the flu. The heat, particles, and toxins inhaled from smoking can induce wheezing, cause breathing difficulties, and decrease the body’s natural defenses against viruses.

“In general, I would advise avoiding smoking when you’re sick — and honestly at other times, too,” Tishler said. “Other forms of inhalation, like vaping flower, can also make you feel worse, so I wouldn’t recommend that either.”

Tishler also said that many patients at his practice who suffer from asthma or COPD find that inhaling cannabis makes their condition worse — even when they have a cold or flu.

“Probably this would only be worse if a person is infected,” he said.

“Overall, I would say that using cannabis by a non-inhaled route during respiratory illness is safe, but may not have a positive outcome,” said Dr. carpenter. “There’s really no research on this yet. I’m sure some people will say that getting drunk while sick makes them feel better overall, but others may find it uncomfortable.”

Other effects of weed may be undesirable when feeling under the weather. The flu, in particular, can make you feel weak and dizzy, and some types of weed can cause drowsiness. Combine the two and your situation could get worse. It goes without saying that experimenting with high doses of weed is not advisable when battling the flu.

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Can Cannabis Relieve Cold And Flu Symptoms?

While there is little research specifically examining the effects of cannabis on colds and flu, there is plenty of research to support the idea that weed can relieve aches and pains, help with insomnia and insomnia, increase appetite and relieve headaches, all common symptoms of colds and flu.

Interestingly, research also shows that infrequent cannabis smoking can help open the airways temporarily for 15-60 minutes, a phenomenon known as bronchodilation. This research suggests that casual smokers may be able to breathe more deeply for short periods after quitting smoking, which in turn could provide temporary relief from shortness of breath or wheezing, although it can be subtle and short-lived.

according to dr Dustin Sulak, cannabis may also have some unique benefits for people with a cold or the flu. Weed can help dry out upper respiratory tract secretions, much like it can dry out the mouth (aka cottonmouth).

Cannabis can also act as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the lungs and throat. However, Sulak warns against inhaling cannabis if you have any negative respiratory symptoms.

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Anecdotes about using cannabis to relieve cold and flu symptoms

We asked some cannabis users their thoughts on consuming weed when they have a cold or the flu. Reactions were mostly positive, with many people sharing anecdotes about how cannabis can help with sleep, pain, appetite, and even pass the time.

“Cannabis has relieved me of anxiety and inability to sleep well when plagued by body aches or fever,” said Jenna Carson, consultant at Music Grotto. “Some people swear by nighttime cold syrups, but they blow my mind for too long. I like the fact that the THC in marijuana… doesn’t last as long as a cold medicine, so I avoid waking up super groggy.”

For Jared Sherman of Mellow Moose Farms, cannabis can help lift you above the misery of feeling sick. “In my opinion, if you need to feel like shit, you might as well be high as shit,” he mused. “Use edibles, tinctures, or topicals and give your body a chance to deal with the infection and heal itself. If possible, avoid unnecessary coughing – your throat will thank you.”

Emma Stone

Emma Stone is a New Zealand-based journalist specializing in cannabis, health and well-being. She has a Ph.D. in sociology and has worked as a researcher and lecturer, but prefers to be a writer. She would enjoy spending her days writing, reading, walking outdoors, eating, and swimming.

Check out Emma Stone’s articles

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