Can A Marijuana User Donate Blood?

We all know that the cannabis community is a very generous pool of people who love to share (it’s clear with their altruistic common bong culture and puff and pass rule). However, there are, obviously, some other ways too to do good to your fellow men. For instance, donating blood.

But wait. Can you donate blood if you consume cannabis?

Well, it may surprise you a little, but consuming cannabis doesn’t, in any way, disqualifies you from donating blood. As long as you are fit and healthy, and meet all the requirements, you are free to do so.

In this article, we’ve tried to clear all the confusion you might have regarding blood donations if you are a cannabis user.

Cannabis and Blood Donation: What You Need to Know

First of all, let’s understand what a cannabis user specifically needs to know about blood donation and cannabis use.

As mentioned above, you can donate blood even if you are a cannabis user. And so, you do not need to lie about it to the doctor if you are donating. Even the Red Cross society in America says that cannabis use and blood donations have no direct relation. While the red cross society does not, in any way, encourage the use of cannabis, they say it won’t disqualify you from giving your blood. Along with this, many other organizations also have similar policies.

 However, there is one thing you must keep in mind. Though donating blood if you consume cannabis is not a problem in itself, you cannot do it if you are currently under its influence. So, if you are planning to go for it on a particular day, prefer postponing your cannabis session until after you’ve donated.

Frequent Vs. Infrequent Cannabis Users

Until now, we understood that there is no problem with donating blood even if you are a cannabis user. But there is one more question that frequently hits a marijuana user’s mind- what if you consume cannabis very frequently? In fact, there are many people who have a medical marijuana card. And they use it on a regular basis. So, is there any difference in blood donation rules for frequent and infrequent cannabis users?

Well, the simple answer is no! You can donate blood regardless of your marijuana use frequency, provided you meet all the requirements for donating blood including you aren’t under the influence at that time. THC, the cannabis compound that makes you high, does take some time to get out of your system if you consume regularly. However, the chances of the recipient getting high due to that are nil. And thus, you do not have to worry even if you are a regular user.

 In short, it doesn’t matter if you are a frequent user or only consume once in a while, you can donate blood without any problem. However, you should make sure your high isn’t visible at the time of donation. In that case, the doctors may send you back.

General Requirements for Donating Blood

Consuming cannabis isn’t a problem if you are donating blood. However, like everyone else, you still need to meet certain criteria. As per the Red Cross Society in America, for donating blood:

• You should be feeling healthy and well at the time of donation.
• You must be of 16 years of age or older.
• Your weight should be 110 pounds minimum.
• It should have been more than 56 days since you last donated the blood.

In addition to this, you shouldn’t be suffering from any chronic condition or be under the influence of cannabis or any other drug. Otherwise, you will be rejected straightaway.

Final Words

There has been a widespread misconception in the past that cannabis users cannot donate blood. However, it’s not true at all. In fact, cannabis use and blood donation have no relationship.

Blood donation is a great deed. And it’s an amazing way to help those in need. As per the CDC, every single day, thousands of blood transfusions are required in hospitals all across the country. And doctors need people who can donate blood to save lives. So, even if you are a cannabis user, don’t stop yourself from performing this good deed. The experts are fine with you consuming cannabis and donating blood. And so, if you want, you can do it without any hesitation. Your blood can actually save lives. So, don’t think much about it and donate!