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Drugs and felonies

Drugs and felonies

Can cannabis help with the prevention and symptoms of coronavirus? » Weed can offer mild relief for flu-like symptoms, but don’t smoke it [ weed]

So you’ve got COVID-19, or you’re worried about catching it, or you’re one of the few survivors of the coronavirus apocalypse reading a scrap of this article, trying to piece together how society collapsed and you’re wondering whether cannabis could have helped treat or prevent the spread of the disease. It’s not the weirdest question. After all, medical marijuana is used to treat a number of conditions, from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer to multiple sclerosis. Research suggests that cannabinoids reduce anxiety, inflammation, and pain. But can they help you fight off a virus?

The problem with answering that question is that there’s not a ton of research on the use of cannabis in treating diseases in general, let alone coronavirus. However, the symptoms of COVID-19 are not entirely unlike the flu, and there’s some assumptions you can make based on that comparison. And some of it is pretty common sense. (But keep in mind that we’re not doctors here at DGO – if you’re legit worried about something, you should contact a medical professional.) When it comes to controlling the spread of disease, maybe put an indefinite hiatus on sharing bongs, joints, and pipes with others. You’re not being stingy by not puffing and passing if it keeps us all alive. And if you absolutely have to share, say, a pipe, the Willamette Week points out its probably worth waving a lighter under the mouthpiece before passing it. Using alcohol wipes to sterilize pipes and bongs between users also isn’t a bad idea, according to Josh Jardine of the Portland Mercury.

And wash your goddamn hands, you dirty heathens. But should you put a damper on your cannabis consumption? Probably not. Stress impacts your immune system, lowering your body’s ability to fight off illnesses, including viruses. And what’s, like, the one thing that we pretty much know weed can do? Reduce stress. If you’re not sick, smoke ’em if you’ve got ’em.

If you’re sick, though, hold off at least on the smoking part. In addition to fever, the symptoms of coronavirus are cough and shortness of breath, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking anything – not just cannabis – will irritate your respiratory system and exacerbate those symptoms, so find another method of consuming whatever cannabis you’re planning to take.

Consuming cannabis through other means, however, might provide mild relief for flu-like symptoms. The CBD in marijuana has been found to reduce self-harming autoimmune and inflammatory responses, said the Week. It can also open the airways of the lungs by re

laxing bronchial muscles. Vaporizing a CBD-rich flower with alpha-pinene in its terpene profile (and which smells like evergreen trees) might be in order.

CBD is also popular for its effectiveness at reducing pain, which could come in handy if you’re feeling like you have the flu. The Week said products made with the whole plant, not just the CBD, are more effective here if you’re in the market for edibles or topicals.

That advice to gather 30-day supplies of anything you’re going to need applies to cannabis as well, said Jardine, so it may be worth stocking up. — Nick Gonzales

A mental health survival guide for COVID-19

Tips for not losing your gotdanged mind during this pandemic

You’re probably a wee bit sick of hearing about COVID-19 (aka coronavirus, aka ), at this point and truth be told so are we. But since literally everything is shutting down, everyone is working from home, and life as we know it has been canceled until further notice there’s really no getting around it.

In the name of being a good person, we’re encouraging you to social distance and stay at home as much as you can. But we also realize that’s kind of a bummer. So, we’ve reached a compromise. Here’s a bunch of random things you can do to entertain yourself while stuck at home that isn’t just “cook more” and “cry into your pillow.” Smoke so much weed you wouldn’t believe COVID-19? More like COVID-420! Amirite, guys? GUYS?! But seriously, guys. Stop hoarding toilet paper and start stocking up on rolling paper. But not too much. Leave some for the rest of us.

On the upside, by continuing to purchase weed you are thereby supporting local businesses AND by the time you inevitably go insane from the boredom of never leaving your home, you won’t care because you’ll be very stoned. Listen to Lizzo play the flute

Lizzo is the hero we don’t deserve, but she’s the hero we need. If you’re super stressed about all this and not even your weed stash is helping, take a moment to listen to a meditative flute sesh with the queen of woodwind-instrument twerking herself. Solve a cold case

Put all that free time to good use and figure out who killed Jon Benet Ramsey. Seriously. We want to know.

There are so many unsolved Colorado cold cases and maybe all it will take to bring them peace is for your bored ass to stop watching “American Dad” long enough to put your detective cap on. Go on Disney rides

Bummed you’re missing out on your spring break trip? Well, we have sort of good news! You can take Disney rides! Don’t get too excited though because they’re literally just videos of Disney rides ... but who’s to say you won’t be bored enough NOT to try them?

Now is the time to visit Disney (virtually, of course) when prices are cheaper than ever. Free! All thanks to accounts like SoCal Attractions 360, Adventures in VR, and TouringPlans, you can now tell all your great-grandchildren that you went to Disney when the coronavirus hit.

In the mood for something classic? How about a spin on It’s a Small World or Mystic Manor? Or maybe you’re in the mood for something a little more modern like Frozen or Hotel Transylvania? Contact these jerk-off government officials

Like Mr. Rogers said, you should always look for the helpers in times of crisis but you should also look for the asshats. Here are a few shitty ways government officials are taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis and/or just being

Continued on Page 8 Thursday, March 26, 2020 | 7

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