Actor Seth Rogen sent out a tweet this weekend providing a brief but thoughtful cannabis-inspired message to fans.
On August 15, the actor aimed to motivate his followers to remain at home to stop the spread of COVID-19, and smoke cannabis while doing so. “People of British Columbia! Please do not go out to parties and BBQs and other large gatherings! The COVID is still out there! It’s more fun to hang out alone and smoke weed and watch movies and TV shows anyway! Do that instead! Thank you!” the actor wrote.
His message specifically targeted the Canadian province of British Columbia, given his Canadian heritage. Rogen, along with actor Ryan Reynolds, were both asked by the Premier of British Columbia, John Joseph Horgan, to motivate citizens to play it safe and help control the spread of the virus. After the Tweet went out, Horgan backed up Rogen’s statement with the province’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
With the help of a few famous Canadians, Horgan hopes to continue finding ways to reiterate the importance of social distancing, especially when it comes to sharing cannabis products. Dr. Henry has also driven that fact home by providing many facts on her government website. Under “Don’t pass around drinks, smokes, tokes, and vapes,” the recommendation reads: “Now is not the time for sharing anything that’s been in your mouth.”
The topic of using cannabis while being infected with COVID-19 is still controversial. Although cannabis is well-known as a useful tool to treat inflammatory symptoms, there aren’t many studies yet regarding its effectiveness against a respiratory illness. In March NORML suggested that it may not be a good idea to mix the two for the time being. “. . . because COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, some of you may wish to limit or avoid their exposure to combustive smoke—as this can put undue stress and strain on the lungs,” the organization wrote.
This is not the first time Rogen has spoken out for something he believes in. He’s been an adamant advocate of cannabis for some time, but has also stood up for other causes, such as research into Alzheimer’s disease.
