Do you know?
4.5 million Americans would die each year without life-saving blood transfusions. And, just a pint of donated blood can save three lives.
Donating blood not only makes the receiver’s life good, but also provides the donor with many health benefits. Thus, it’s like killing two birds with one stone!
But, hold on!
You’re a medical marijuana consumer—right!
“I hold a valid MMJ recommendation letter to consume cannabis legally. Can I donate blood? Will they accept blood from my body? Does my blood OK for transfusion?”
If the same questions are also running in your mind, then this blog post is for you. Read along to learn about if cannabis consumers are eligible for blood donation, reasons that disqualify you as a blood donor, and more.
Are cannabis users eligible for blood donation?
The short answer is YES! Medical marijuana users CAN DONATE BLOOD.
There’s no blood donation network that can restrict you to donate blood if you have consumed cannabis before.
Leafly contacted with American Red Cross to ask about cannabis and blood donation.
They replied, “The American Red Cross doesn’t test for THC. Under the medical eligibility policy for blood donation by the US Food and Drug Administration, people who are under the influence of licit or illicit drugs or alcohol aren’t eligible. Legal or illegal use of marijuana isn’t a matter of concern.”
“Donors must be physically fit and feeling well when donating blood. They should get a good night’s sleep, eat healthy food, drink plenty of fluids at least 2 hours before the donation.”, they added.
Also, according to Canadian Blood Services, cannabis users are allowed to donated blood.
Canadian blood banks accept blood from cannabis users only if they have been sober for at least 12 hours. But, as per European guidelines, you must be completely sober and answer certain questions to donate blood. However, in Norway, a cannabis consumer interested in donating blood must be sober for a minimum of 12 months.
Usually, medical marijuana is detectable in the body for 1 to 30 days since last consumption. If you’re a regular cannabis user, then, it can be detected for up to 90 days.
Learn how long cannabis stay in your blood depends on several factors-
- Your metabolism
- Your BMI
- The quantity of marijuana consumed
- Method of consumption
- Whether you’re a regular or occasional user
Blood banks only consider certain types of warning signs. For example, people interested in donating blood are asked about their transfusion history. Needle exposure is another concern. People who get tattoos from unregulated facilities are also disqualified. Mothers-to-be or women who have just given birth are also added to the disqualifiers list.
Other reasons that disqualify you as a donor
- Under 17 years of age
- Abnormal blood pressure
- Using blood thinners
- Suffering from HIV or Hepatitis
- Blood transfusion in last one year
- Using non-prescription drugs such as steroids
- Feeling mentally unwell
- Body piercing in past 12 months
To cover it up—donating your blood is just like giving a gift of life to someone. If you’re a regular medical cannabis user, you can donate blood as the American Red Cross is OK with it, and you should be too.
So, encourage yourself and your medical marijuana user friends to come forward and hit up your local blood banks.
However, we don’t advise you to smoke marijuana just before donating blood. Talk to your 420 med evaluations provider in Riverside for more information.