Weed, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive substance that some individuals use for medical or recreational purposes. Despite its use being very contentious, this is changing as more states and countries move to legalize and regulate the drug. Some people feel that smoking weed can help with cold, cough, or flu symptoms. If this is true, it could be due to the anti-inflammatory compounds found in cannabis.
Others believe that smoking cannabis has no impact on a cold, cough or flu or that it may worsen symptoms. Indeed, the burning of cannabis generates heat and smoke, both of which are likely to irritate the sinuses, thereby worsening respiratory symptoms.
There is currently no direct research on the impact of weed smoking on a cold. Research on the overall health effects of weed use can help shed light on this area.
This article outlines the existing research on smoking weed with a cold, cough or flu and discusses the potential side effects.
Current research into smoking weed with a cold, cough or flu
Till now, there is a lack of research focusing on the effects of smoking weed with a cold, cough, or flu.
According to study, the overall health effects of cannabis smoking can be difficult to predict. This is because different weed strains contain varying amounts of the active chemicals delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the psychoactive ingredient that changes a person’s mood. And CBD is the compound that delivers the drug’s purported health advantages.
Despite the lack of direct research regarding smoking weed with cold, cough, or flu, there are some related topics that research may help to answer. Some of these are discussed further below.
Will smoking weed cure a cold?
Weed proponents often promote weed smoking as a cure-all for minor health issues like the common cold.
However, there is no scientific evidence that smoking weed with cold, cough, or flu will cure all of them.
Can smoking relieve any of your symptoms?
There is currently no research on smoking weed with cold, cough, or flu. There has been very little research into the use of weed for medicinal purposes.
Although there may be advantages to smoking weed with cold, cough, or flu, it is unclear if these outweigh the risks.
1. Anti-inflammatory
According to research, there is evidence that smoking weed has anti-inflammatory properties.
Inflammation contributes to a variety of cold and flu symptoms, including:
- Sore throat
- Swollen nasal passageways
- Fever
Weed’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce some of these symptoms. But we need more research to determine the exact benefits.
2. Pain relief
According to a review, weed is an excellent treatment for chronic pain in adults. It is not the same as the acute aches and pains caused by a cold or flu.
Still, smoking weed may help reduce pain associated with short-term illnesses such as a cold or the flu.
3. Sleep aid
According to a review, the active element in weed, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may enhance sleep in the short term.
Given this, smoking weed may help you sleep, but if you’re sick with a cold or the flu, your sleep pattern may already be altered.
Long-term weed usage can cause tolerance to the drug’s sleep-inducing properties. In other words, weed may not be as effective in helping you to sleep if you are a regular user.
Can smoking make any of your symptoms worse?
Remember, there is no research on smoking weed with cold, cough, or flu. Moreover, research on the use of weed for medicinal purposes is limited.
There is some evidence.
Smoking weed can cause the following side effects, though this list may not be complete due to a lack of research.
1. Worsened cough
According to a 2017 review, long-term weed use is linked to a chronic cough and increased phlegm production.
If you have a cough, cold, or flu, smoking weed may worsen your symptoms. This is due to the fact that smoking weed irritates the throat and lungs.
Other administration methods, such as vaping, do not have the same effect on the respiratory system.
2. Dizziness
Dizziness is a common adverse effect of cannabis use, both inhaling and eating. Cannabis usage might result in a sudden drop in blood pressure, leaving you feeling dizzy or light-headed. Weed may make you feel weak or dizzy if you are already sick with a cough, cold, or flu.
If you are a regular user, you may be able to reduce dizziness by lowering your dosage.
3. Stomach pain
Cannabinoid receptors in the gastrointestinal system are activated by inhaling or ingesting weed. This can result in some side effects, including stomach pain and inflammation.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a rare illness associated with chronic weed use, causes extreme stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Weed usage may exacerbate stomach symptoms caused by a cold or flu, especially if you have stomach pain while you consume weed. You may be able to reduce these side effects by lowering your dosage.
Does weed interact with cold medications?
Some people claim that weed interacts with cold medicine, which is true for some.
Some over-the-counter (OTC) cold drugs may have side effects similar to weed. Taking both drugs at the same time may increase these side effects.
Some of the most common side effects of weed and over-the-counter cold medications are as follows:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Impaired cognitive function
- Dizziness
- Feeling cold
As smoking weed or taking over-the-counter cold drugs can cause drowsiness, those who use either should avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, and doing any other activity that requires focus.
It is believed that using a vaporizer is less harmful than traditional smoking methods. This is especially important if you have a cold and should be remembered by any regular weed smoker. Cheap vaporizers and e-liquids may not be any better than smoking in the long term because they can still contain some pretty nasty chemicals. A high-quality vaporizer may be costly. But we believe it is a truly worthwhile investment for your future health.
You can also try with edibles, oil extractions, and even brew yourself a cup of relaxing cannabis tea. Add a teaspoon of soothing honey or combine weed with other anti-inflammatory herbs like fresh ginger or turmeric to make your tea even more cold-friendly.
You could even try breathing the steam created by combining some crushed weed with hot water. Although this method is unproven, it may be useful for some.
Can You Smoke Weed and Take Cold Medicine at the Same Time?
If you want to get the most out of your cold treatment, you might be wondering if it’s okay to smoke weed and cold treatment at the same time.
While there are no known interactions between weed and over-the-counter cold remedies, using the two together should be done with caution. Both weed and some cold medicines can cause drowsiness, which may make you feel even more sleepy if you take both. As a result, it may be best to choose one or the other, especially if you have important tasks to do during the day.
The bottom line
When you have a cough, cold, or flu, smoking weed isn’t necessarily bad for you, especially if you do it regularly. However, it may worsen your cough or sore throat.
If you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a high fever that does not go away, you should consult a doctor.
If you use recreational drugs or herbal supplements, it’s important to keep your doctor informed. Your doctor can help in making informed health decisions and will keep an eye out for any complications.
