Did you know that around 90% of Americans get mono by age 35? Therefore, if you’ve been recently diagnosed with mono, you are not alone. You’re probably experiencing less than pleasant symptoms and wondering whether you can smoke weed with mono. Whether you want to alleviate your symptoms or take your mind off your sickness for a while, here’s what to know.
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Can I Smoke Weed with Mono?
First of all, to provide some background information, mono is a disease commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of mono include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpit
- Headache
- Swollen liver or spleen (sometimes both)
- Rash
- Extreme fatigue
Generally speaking, it’s best not to smoke when you’re sick. However, there is limited research as to whether or not it’s truly safe or not.
There is a debate about whether or not it’s safe to use weed when sick. Vice says, “Medical experts do not think that marijuana will significantly impact the effects of a cold or flu for a person with no other conditions.”
However, we typically don’t recommend smoking weed when sick because it could make your symptoms worse or interact with your medication. However, there are some properties of weed that could potentially alleviate some symptoms.
Jordan Tishler, a Harvard-trained physician, told Vice that using weed when sick (with the common cold) may be either unpleasant or relieving. We think that’s relevant because certain symptoms such as a sore throat, body aches, fevers, and others are shared between both diseases. Therefore, if weed can worsen or improve the common cold, it could potentially do that with mono.
Let’s look at some of the symptoms of mono and how weed could impact them.
Fever
Tishler told Vice that having a fever and smoking weed may not be a good combination. The reason behind it is that both weed and fever can make you feel cold. Therefore, if you combine the two, you may feel worse.
On the other hand, fever is caused by inflammation, and since there is some evidence that weed has anti-inflammatory properties, you may feel better.
Aches
Over the years, weed has been lauded as a pain reliever. For example, stoners and studies report that weed can alleviate headaches and cramps.
Therefore, if you’re having body aches or a headache, there is a chance that weed can relieve the pain.
However, not everybody is that lucky. Some stoners report that weed causes a headache or makes it worse. If you know that weed gives you a headache, opt for something else, such as an over-the-counter painkiller.
Sore Throat
If mono has you with a sore and painful throat, maybe smoking weed isn’t the best option. First of all, weed can cause a sore throat, which could leave your existing sore throat even more painful.
In addition to that, smoking weed can cause coughing and dry mouth that can exacerbate your sore throat.
On the other hand, weed’s anti-inflammatory properties could help to keep your irritated throat soothed. But, it would be best to use another method of weed consumption, such as eating edibles, to reduce potentially irritating the throat.
Rashes
More than likely weed won’t have much of an effect on your rashes caused by mono. However, a weed allergy can cause a rash. Therefore, if you’re allergic to marijuana or have never used it before, skip the blunt.
Fatigue
Mono is known to cause extreme fatigue, which, as you can imagine, is an awful feeling. However, weed could potentially make the fatigue worse. Weed could make you more tired and sleepy or even make you feel couch-locked.
However, some stoners swear by using Sativa strains to boost energy. Indica strains, on the other hand, may make you feel sleepy and lethargic.
How Can I Treat Mono?
If you have mono, you’re probably looking for some ways to get better quickly. According to Cleveland Clinic, you should:
- Get plenty of rest. You’re already tired anyway, and sleep helps our body to fight illnesses, so sleep as much as you need to.
- Keep hydrated. You definitely don’t want to be dehydrated at any time, so sip water throughout the day.
- Don’t be afraid to treat your symptoms. If you have a sore throat, you can try gargling some warm salt water or using a throat spray. If you’re experiencing pain, you can take painkillers.
- Follow your doctor’s advice. It’s often cheaper or more convenient to self-medicate. However, getting professional medical advice can save you money and trouble in the long run.
When you have mono you should avoid contact sports and strenuous exercise until 4 weeks after you’ve recovered. Cleveland Clinic says, “Physical activity can put too much pressure on an enlarged spleen, increasing the risk of rupture”
Finally, ensure you don’t share bongs if you’re sick with mono so you don’t pass it on to others. After recovery, clean your bong thoroughly. In addition to that, toss your toothbrush too.
Conclusion
Can you smoke weed with mono? Some experts say go for it, while others err on the side of caution. On the one hand, weed has properties that can improve symptoms, but at the same time, smoking weed could exacerbate some symptoms. In some cases, the method of delivery is the problem, so using cannabis without the smoke may help symptoms without aggravating others. We recommend following your doctor’s guidance.
