Even Cannabis Consumers Can Celebrate National Blood Donation Month
January is National Blood Donation Month. While technically, every month is an opportunity to donate blood on hopes of helping to save someone else’s life, organizations like American Red Cross have deemed this particular month as one way to start off the new year by assisting others. In the past, some cannabis consumers have been unsure about their status as possible donors, but statements by American Red Cross have assured them that they, too, can donate blood—even if they still have cannabis in their system.
According to TIME, the event began in the 1930s with the need for a blood bank in Soviet Russia. However, the first blood bank is said to have opened on March 15, 1937 at the Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. There, 1,354 blood transfusions took place. Shortly thereafter, World War II began. By the time the war ended, the American Red Cross helped collect more than 13 million pints of blood, thanks to blood donations from American citizens. Those same individuals continued to donate blood into their old age, when they eventually became ineligible to contribute. Now, TIME cites the American Red Cross’ modern obstacle as trying to get younger generations to donate blood.
Fortunately, there are plenty of eligible citizens who can donate blood—even cannabis consumers! While this is more common knowledge now than it was 10 years ago, we at CULTURE wanted to remind cannabis consumers, both new and experienced, that they too can donate blood.
The American Red Cross’ official statement about cannabis is the following: “While the Red Cross does not encourage the use of controlled substances, marijuana or alcohol use does not necessarily disqualify you from giving blood as long as you are feeling well. If you have EVER injected any illegal drugs, you can never give blood.” However, the organization spoke with multiple cannabis media outlets last year, clearing the record of any confusion. In summary, any cannabis consumer can donate blood, even if THC is still in their system. However, it is not recommended that a donor be currently under the influence when intending to donate. The organization also noted that donors should get plenty of sleep the night and drink fluids before a donation.
American Red Cross notes that every year, 3 million people volunteer to give blood. No matter what the state or national emergency is, donating blood can help save lives—and this is just another way that the cannabis community can help give back. If you want to see if there’s a American Red Cross location in your area asking for donations, click here.
