Having the flu, no matter how severe, is a pretty miserable experience. Whether you are an experienced cannabis consumer or relatively new to cannabis consumption, you might be wondering if cannabis is safe to use when you’re sick with the flu — and if cannabis can offer you some relief.
In this article, you’ll gain a better understanding of how the flu affects the body, the potential benefits of consuming cannabis when you’re sick, and any precautions you should be aware of if consuming cannabis when you have the flu.
Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. The virus binds itself to the respiratory tract cells, which triggers the body to produce excessive mucus to help expel the virus. This is what leads to many of the common flu symptoms.
Common flu symptoms, which can range in severity, are:
When you have the flu, common doctor recommendations are to drink lots of fluids, rest, and potentially take medication like an antibiotic or over-the-counter symptom relief.
Endocannabinoids are a naturally occurring signal that runs throughout the body and regulates physiological functions.
The immune system is one of the body’s physiological functions that endocannabinoids can affect. Research suggests that THC and CBD, which are active compounds found in cannabis, can help support immune function. They can act as regulators through the CB2 receptors. This can help maintain immune balance, control inflammation, and help control the activation and migration of certain immune cells like macrophages and T cells.
In addition, this means cannabis can help relieve some of these common flu symptoms.
The symptoms of the flu are perhaps the worst part of having the flu.
Not only can these symptoms be uncomfortable, but your mood is also negatively affected when battling the flu. Fortunately, cannabis can potentially offer significant flu symptom relief.
Inhaling cannabis is the fastest way to immediately relieve these symptoms. However, while consuming medical marijuana orally is a slower method of symptom relief, it can also deliver cannabinoids (chemical compounds found in marijuana) without the need for smoking or vaping if lung agitation is a concern. Therefore, you may want to weigh the pros and cons of smoking versus edibles when you’re considering using a cannabis product to help you combat nasty flu symptoms.
Many of the common symptoms of the flu can be relieved with cannabis such as:
Excessive nausea or vomiting can easily lead to appetite loss, which further worsens this symptom cycle. While this is a common symptom that comes with the flu, it’s also a symptom that is commonly treated using cannabis for reasons other than the flu. With large enough doses of THC, this activates the CB1 receptors in the dorsal vagus complex, which is the nerve responsible for controlling vomiting.
CB1 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract can also slow down motility, or digestion, which contributes to anti-nausea effects in the brain and can increase appetite. A relatively high level of THC in the cannabis you plan to consume is best for treating nausea specifically.
Body aches, inflammation, pain, and headaches are all common with the flu. While all cannabis strains contain some analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, Hybrid or Indica-dominant strains are typically better for managing pain and inflammation. Strains that contain the terpenes beta-caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, and myrcene are also best for pain relief.
When you have the flu, sleeping can be challenging if you feel too sick to relax. However, getting plenty of rest and sleep are the best ways to help your body recover and fight off the flu virus. Cannabis, especially certain strains and terpenes, are known for promoting relaxation and sleep. Certain terpenes and strains, typically Indicas, have therapeutic benefits known for facilitating better relaxation and sleep.
Cannabis is known for its mood-enhancing properties. When you have the flu, it can be easy to feel lousy both physically and mentally. If you’re affected by a lousy mood due to the flu and need a pick-me-up, cannabis can be a great way to help with this flu side effect. Certain cannabis strains and terpenes, especially Sativa’s, can improve your mood and even give you a boost of energy.
Veriheal has satisfied millions of patients nationwide by giving them access to these benefits
THC is known to be a fast-acting bronchodilator, meaning it can help open up tight airways. This can also be helpful for throat inflammation caused by the flu.
When considering what type of strain or cannabis product to choose for relieving your flu symptoms, first consider the terpenes within the strain.
Terpenes are a chemical compound found within the cannabis plant and are what differentiate their smell, taste, and even their therapeutic effects. Terpenes bind to the receptors located throughout the body in the endocannabinoid system.
The therapeutic benefits of certain terpenes that might work better than others for helping recover from the flu and flu symptoms. Some of these terpenes include:
However, while all cannabis strains will contain at least some of these terpenes, be mindful of your symptoms and try to choose cannabis products that won’t aggravate your respiratory system any further. As such, it may be beneficial to avoid smoking or even vaping, depending on how severe your symptoms are. Edibles and tinctures can provide the same relief, without adding stress to your lungs and chest.
Hot tea or hot water with lemon and honey are popular drinks when you have the flu. If you want to add a little bit of cannabis to your hot drink, look for unique products like:
The method of cannabis consumption should be considered based on your flu symptoms. For example, you might want to avoid inhaling cannabis if you have a significant cough or sore throat since smoking can agitate or potentially worsen these symptoms.
Even if you are an experienced cannabis consumer, it might be a good idea to start with a smaller dose of cannabis than you usually take to see how your body reacts and see if your flu symptoms amplify any side effects.
For example, the risk of dizziness, dry mouth, and other adverse reactions could be amplified when you’re already dehydrated or fatigued. Be sure to drink plenty of water when consuming cannabis when you have the flu.
If you have a favorite strain of cannabis you normally use frequently, you’re likely to know how it affects you and the specific side effects of that type of cannabis. Keep this in mind when choosing what strain to consume based on your existing flu symptoms.
Depending on the type of flu you have, you might be prescribed an antibiotic to help you fight off the virus or infection. Fortunately, cannabis does not seem to significantly interfere with the antibacterial effects of most antibiotics.
Some antibiotics can decrease the level of THC or CBD when taken together, however. It’s always a best practice to talk to your healthcare provider before mixing antibiotics and cannabis products just to be safe—especially if you take other medications as well.
You might also be taking common pharmaceuticals like acetaminophen, aspirin, albuterol, etc. to help combat flu symptoms. It’s important to know how each of these drugs interacts with cannabis and how it changes its effects.
Using cannabis while having the flu can offer numerous potential benefits, such as relief from symptoms like nausea, pain, and inflammation, as well as improving sleep and mood.
However, it’s essential to approach cannabis consumption with caution, particularly when dealing with certain flu symptoms. Choosing the right strain, dosage, and method of consumption is crucial to minimizing risks like exacerbating respiratory issues or amplifying side effects.
Always consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you’re taking other medications like antibiotics or have underlying health conditions.
By carefully selecting cannabis products with beneficial terpenes and understanding how they interact with your body, you may find that cannabis is a very helpful tool when managing flu symptoms and promoting recovery.
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