CANNABIS & COVID

Cannabis, Consumption &COVID-19

A changing world confronts a growing industry

We all have our preferred method of Cannabis consumption. Whether it be vaping, dabbing, smoking, eating edibles or anything in between, it’s a ritualistic part of how many of us conduct our daily lives. If I could choose, I would spend most of my days smoking that sweet, sticky ganja - choosing the perfect strain, picking out the best looking nugs, rolling it up in my favorite papers, and inhaling that smoky, aromatic goodness that cleanses the soul. Well, that was until coronavirus hit the globe and turned the entire world upside down, forcing us to take a good look in the mirror and reflect on how current actions impact future health. T he Cannabis industry is fortunate enough to be deemed an essential business in legal states. Though sales have been generally steady across Cannabis companies - with some businesses seeing record numbers - the industry isn’t immune to having to adapt. Farms are limiting the number of trimmers and laborers. Distributors are also limiting staff, wiping equipment, engaging in remote sales and keeping contact to a minimum.

Dispensaries are limiting the number of customers allowed in stores, sanitizing as much as possible and offering curbside delivery. These act as a strong first line of defense against the virus, but what else can the Cannabis community do to mitigate risk?

From what we know about COVID-19 thus far, it mainly affects the respiratory system - leaving those who smoke or have difficulty breathing feeling uneasy regarding the potential for greater risk.

Though there haven’t been many studies on Tinctures are highly effective because they’re how coronavirus and Cannabis are specifically already activated and fast acting compared related, we can look at the emerging data that to other methods. Just a few drops under the analyzes traditional tobacco and e-cigarette use tongue and the Cannabis is absorbed directin conjunction with COVID-19. ly into the bloodstream without having to go

There have been multiple studies linking any through the lungs, stomach or liver. Tinctures traditional cigarette and e-cigarette use to an generally come in a liquid form with a dropper increased likelihood of developing respiratory isto measure dosage, though tincture capsules sues if infected. According to a recent study lead are gaining popularity due to the lack of taste. by Stanton Glantz, director of the Center for Edibles are typically preferred over tinctures beTobacco Control Research and Education at the cause they taste better due to being paired with University of California San Francisco, current sweet or savory foods. Though edibles normally smokers more than double their odds of disease taste great, they’re not as effective as tinctures. progression if affected with COVID-19. Edibles are absorbed via the stomach lining

This means that many Cannabis users are and liver, so they are not directly entering the putting themselves at risk every time they spark bloodstream and could take anywhere from 30 up that joint or take that fat dab. minutes to two hours to take effect. The best ad

Globally, humans are realizing that coronavice for figuring out edibles is to start slow, even virus has changed some aspects of daily life - if you think it isn’t hitting yet. You can always eat maybe permanently. Cannabis is no more, but you can’t eat less. different. Knowing the consequences smoking and vaping have on the respiratory system, there needs to be

IT WAS ALL FUN AND GAMES BEFORE,

To safely consume Cannabis in a way that’s Cannabis and eat it, too. still effective, we need to bypass the lungs As a community and as an essential business, entirely or at least minimize smoking, as a way it’s our responsibility to evaluate the risks and to mitigate risk. The most common ways to conrewards of Cannabis in this new world. And the sume Cannabis minus the smoke is by ingesting way we view Cannabis and its relationship to the tinctures and edibles. body must adapt, for better and for worse.

FORWARD. create your own products and hundreds, if not thousands, of articles online that can help consumers navigate the new world of homemade consumables. Nothing is more satisfying than changed how we need to view Cancreating and eating your own infused nabis going forward. homemade pie. Turns out, you can have your

Some people prefer dispensary products because they are tested, professionally made and ready to be a fundamental shift in the way we view Cannabis and its relationship to BUT THE LAST FEW consumed straight from the package, thus making them generally safer and our body. The Cannabis industry has long MONTHS HAVE more accurate. Making products at home requires focused on flower and combustion inhalation as the favored method of CHANGED HOW research, product knowledge and availability. There are many ways to consumption. How many videos do we see on social media that glorify hot dab coughs or choking out from a fat blunt? It was all fun and games before, but the last few months have WE NEED TO VIEW CANNABIS GOING

ALEX DUBS WORKMAN i s a C a n n a b i s a r t i s t , p h o t o g r a p h e r, a n d a m a t e u r c h e f w h o i s p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t e v e r y t h i n g C a n n a b i s . A f t e r w o r k i n g i n t h e i n d u s t r y f o r m a n y ye a r s , A l e x n o w s p e n d s h e r t i m e m a k i n g a r t w i t h C a n n a b i s , p h o t o g r a p h i n g h e r f a v o r i t e p r o d u c t s , i n f u s i n g o i l s , a n d m a k i n g h o m e m a d e e d i b l e s f o r f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d s . S h e e n j oy s ke e p i n g u p w i t h C a n n a b i s t r e n d s , p r o d u c t s , a n d i n d u s t r y n e w s i n h e r s p a r e t i m e . Yo u c a n ke e p u p w i t h Alex’s art and lifestyle on her instagram @workdubs.