Can you donate plasma if you smoke weed? What about “Can you donate blood if you smoke weed?”
Donating blood or plasma is a selfless act that has the potential to save somebody’s life. An estimated five million Americans receive blood transfusions annually for various reasons. Yet there is consistently a shortage of available blood and plasma, especially for rarer blood groups.
If you’re thinking about donating blood or plasma, you may be worried about your cannabis use. This guide will discuss whether smoking your favorite herb can disqualify you from donating.
Photo by Nguyễn Hiệp
Can You Donate Plasma if You Smoke Weed?
Donating plasma can be done with the intent to save a life or be compensated for your time and energy. Over time, the restrictions on who can donate have been loosened to replenish the nation’s plasma stocks.
An estimated 53 million plasma donations occur annually, but as more states move to legalize marijuana, where does this leave you if you’re looking to donate? There’s much confusion, with people asking, “Can you donate plasma if you smoke at all?”
In short, marijuana use doesn’t disqualify you from donating. The only rule is that you cannot show signs of intoxication while donating. The reasoning is that you can’t consent to the donation.
In this section, we answer questions like “Can you smoke weed and donate plasma?” and “Do they drug test when donating plasma?”
Do They Drug Test You Before Donating Plasma?
Do plasma centers test for drugs? In short, no, they don’t.
You’ll be asked about any drug use, legal or otherwise, and you’ll be expected to answer honestly. Admitting to drug use won’t disqualify you or result in you taking a drug test unless you admit to taking intravenous drugs.
Your arms will be visually inspected for track marks due to the risk of infectious diseases, such as HIV, resulting from needle use.
Many people are surprised at the answer to “Do plasma centers drug test?” but why they don’t is two-fold. They want to encourage more donations, and most drugs don’t compromise the quality of the blood extracted, so smoking weed or holding an MMJ card isn’t an issue.
Can You Donate Plasma if You Smoke Cigarettes?
Approximately 30 million Americans smoke cigarettes, and while it puts them firmly in the minority, no rules state that you cannot donate plasma if you smoke cigarettes.
Since smoking has no potential to pass diseases to a potential blood recipient, tobacco use won’t impact your eligibility.
On the other hand, you are asked not to smoke for at least 30 minutes before your donation to avoid accelerating your heart rate and blood pressure. So, can you smoke after giving blood? Of course, you can, but it’s recommended that you wait at least 30-60 minutes before lighting up.
Beware that some conditions caused by smoking cigarettes could disqualify you from donating. Some of these disqualifiers include:
- Cancer – You can’t donate if you’re being treated for cancer or have had certain types of cancers, such as leukemia. If you have previously had cancer and are now in remission, you’ll need to wait one year after your final treatment to become eligible to donate.
- High Blood Pressure – The center will measure your blood pressure during your appointment. Your appointment must be deferred if your blood pressure is too high while donating. This is for your own safety.
- Heart and Lung Disease – If you have symptoms of any heart or lung condition, you cannot donate. Moreover, if you have experienced a stroke or a heart attack, you must wait at least six months before becoming eligible to donate again.
If you’re unsure whether you are an ideal candidate for blood or plasma donation as a cigarette smoker, speak to your local donation center over the phone or contact your doctor.
Can You Donate Plasma if You Smoke Delta-8?
Experts may have expressed some worry regarding the effects of Delta-8 THC. However, the substance falls under the same category as smoking ordinary marijuana.
Since THC passes through your bloodstream and into your brain, nothing will be passed to any blood recipient.
As with conventional marijuana, you cannot be high while donating, as you are not considered in the right frame of mind to consent adequately.
Can You Donate Bone Marrow If You Smoke?
Every year, 18,000 Americans are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses that require a bone marrow transplant.
Sadly, these types of donations are lacking, which is why the medical community is calling for suitable donors. Due to a lack of eligible donors, this is often a challenge.
Luckily, smokers can donate bone marrow regardless of their smoking status. Typically, the only requirement is that you are aged between 18 and 44 and are in good health.
Again, you cannot be under the influence of cannabis while donating.
Can You Drink Alcohol After Donating Plasma?
It’s strongly recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol for eight hours after giving plasma. While there’s no risk to your health by drinking anyway, the effects of alcohol become amplified because there’s less blood in your system to dilute the alcohol.
Many donors are shocked that one or two beers can cause them to become blindly drunk after a plasma donation. For this reason alone, stay away from alcohol after a blood donation for the rest of the day.
Can You Smoke Weed After Donating Plasma?
Yes, you can. Like alcohol, nothing stops you from smoking cannabis after donating plasma. However, be prepared for the effects to be amplified.
With less blood in your system, you will become more susceptible to the effects of inhaled THC, meaning you may get high faster and experience a more potent high than you’re used to.
Avoid smoking for at least eight hours if you’re worried about the effects.
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Can You Donate Blood If You Smoke Weed?
Weed smoking is not an obstacle to donating blood, either. So, why can you donate blood if you smoke? The reasoning is that THC doesn’t remain in the bloodstream longer than your high’s duration.
THC from smoking will be removed from the bloodstream within two to three hours. Edibles may take up to four hours. This is why donating blood as a weed smoker requires you not to be intoxicated at the time.
As with donating blood plasma, you cannot give adequate consent while high.
Do Regular Blood Tests Show Drugs?
Routine blood tests do not commonly screen for drugs and alcohol. Even though a workplace drug test may involve giving a blood sample, these are specialized tests designed to find evidence of drugs and alcohol.
So, is donated blood tested for drugs? The blood will be before it’s delivered to a donor, but the screening doesn’t measure for drugs or alcohol because it doesn’t impact the integrity of the blood.
You will be screened for drug use, but this is merely a questionnaire. As long as you are not doing intravenous drugs, you are eligible to donate blood.
Do Hospitals Test for Drugs When Drawing Blood?
Every donor receives a questionnaire about common transmissible diseases that could make them ineligible to become a blood donor. But can you donate blood if you smoked weed? Absolutely. You will not be tested for the presence of cannabis.
After you give blood, hospitals will take a sample of each donation. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each unit of blood will be screened for infectious disease pathogens.
Can You Drink After Donating Blood?
Blood is responsible for diluting the liquids you consume. For this reason, it’s recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol for at least eight hours.
With a temporarily reduced blood volume, the effects of the alcohol will be more significant, meaning that even small amounts of alcohol could intoxicate you.
Generally, veteran donors recommend avoiding alcohol for the rest of the day after giving blood.
Can You Smoke Weed After Donating Blood?
If you’re asking, “Can I donate blood if I smoke?” you may also wonder whether you can smoke after donating blood.
Again, the answer is yes, but it’s not recommended. As with alcohol, smoking weed after donating blood will amplify the effects of your weed, leading to a more potent high and further intoxication.
If this doesn’t bother you, feel free to smoke. No health risks exist from smoking after donating blood.
Photo by Nguyễn Hiệp
What Should You Do Before Donating Blood and Plasma if You Smoke?
Can you donate plasma if you do drugs? Can you donate blood if you smoke weed? You can, but there are specific steps you should take in the run-up to your donation day.
Firstly, you should detox from cannabis use. You don’t need to opt for a complete detox. A day or two will be enough to remove any active THC from your bloodstream. Even though the donation center may not ask you when you last used cannabis, this is more of a courtesy to the person who will eventually receive your donation.
Beyond a detox in the beginning, the same rules for everyone else also apply to cannabis users, namely:
- Eat well before you donate. Iron-rich foods, such as leafy greens, will help you to be energized for your donation. You should also consider foods rich in vitamin C since they’re sound iron absorbers, including citrus fruits and tomatoes.
- Ensure you’re well-hydrated before you donate. You should also ensure you stay well-hydrated afterward.
- Try to calm down. You may be nervous about the process if this is your first time. Nerves will only lead to stress, leading to problems during your donation.
However, whether you’re donating blood, plasma, or both, your local donation center or hospital will walk you through the process to make it as convenient as possible.
Regardless of how much cannabis you consume, donating blood, plasma, or bone marrow is simple and quick.
Get Legal Protection – Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card Today!
Can you donate plasma if you smoke marijuana? Yes, you can. But whether you are smoking weed legally or illegally, getting the legal protection you require with a medical card always pays.
Become a state-legal patient to access high-potency weed, lower costs, and greater possession limits. Your medical condition could qualify, so find out whether you’re entitled to an MMJ card online from the comfort of your own home.
Schedule your appointment with Green Health Docs for the simplest way to check your eligibility and apply for your medical card in your state today.
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.
FAQs
Can You Donate Blood or Plasma If You Smoke Weed? ›
Below you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about cannabis use and blood donation. Some key points: The use of cannabis does not disqualify an individual from blood donation, but potential donors cannot give if their use of cannabis impairs their memory or comprehension.
Can you donate plasma if you have drugs in your system? ›You may not donate blood if you have used illegal intravenous drugs or if you take anabolic steroids intravenously (unless you have a doctor's prescription) in the past 3 months.
Can I donate blood if I smoke? ›Don't smoke or drink alcoholic beverages before donating.
Smoking can impair the blood's ability to carry oxygen, so if you find yourself unable to kick the habit, at least resist the urge to light one up two hours before donating blood.
People who smoke after donating blood can experience increased dizziness. Falling can lead to serious injuries, so it is best to avoid smoking for several hours after the donation to avoid that issue.
Does donating plasma detox your body? ›The body can detoxify itself naturally (e.g., with help from your liver), but giving blood may help your body's detoxing potential. For example, blood (and plasma) donations have been shown to have an effect on the levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
What drugs disqualify you from donating plasma? ›- Accutane.
- Antibiotics *Donors who are taking antibiotics are eligible to donate 24 hours after their last dose.
- Anti-Platelet Medications.
- Avodart.
- Blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, Warfarin)
- Bovine insulin.
- Hepatitis B Immune Globulin.
- Human-derived growth hormones.
| Drug name(s) | Do not donate if the drug was taken in the last… |
|---|---|
| Propecia, Proscar (finasteride) | 1 month |
| Avodart (dutasteride) | 6 months |
| Jalyn (dutasteride and tamsulosin) | 6 months |
| Erivedge (vismodegib) | 2 years |
Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake and eating a protein- and iron-rich diet in the days before your appointment can help your body prepare for donation. Eating a healthy snack or meal a few hours before your appointment and staying hydrated is also helpful. Do not use nicotine within an hour of your appointment.
How much water should I drink before donating plasma? ›Drink at least 12-to-24 ounces of water or a sports drink 30-to-60 minutes before your donation. The primary reason for hydration is that we're collecting plasma and plasma is 90% water. Good hydration ensures the procedure will be well tolerated and the recovery more rapid.
What happens if you dont drink enough water before donating plasma? ›Drinking water affects how your plasma is separated and the fullness of your veins. If you're dehydrated, you may be deferred from donating plasma or put yourself at risk of not feeling well afterwards.
How long does it take for your body to recover from blood donation? ›
After a donation, most people's haemoglobin levels are back to normal after 6 to 12 weeks. This is why we ask donors to wait for a minimum of 12 weeks between donations (12 weeks for men and 16 weeks for women) to ensure that we don't risk lowering your haemoglobin levels over the long term.
What not to do after giving blood? ›Don't do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day. If the needle site starts to bleed, apply pressure and raise your arm straight up for 5-10 minutes or until bleeding stops.
Can you donate plasma if you smoke wax? ›You can donate plasma if you use marijuana but not if you've consumed it recently enough to show up on a drug test—however, not all organizations test for the presence of cannabis and THC in the system. The American Red Cross, for example, does not test for the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Is giving plasma good for your heart? ›Studies have shown that the collection process for plasma can clean the blood, which helps regulate cholesterol in the blood and decrease your risk of heart disease.
How do you replenish your body after donating plasma? ›Foods high in protein, iron, and electrolytes will help your body recover after a plasma donation. Your body also needs plenty of water to avoid dehydration and replenish the lost plasma.
Is it healthy to donate plasma every week? ›FALSE – It is healthy to donate once or twice each week, if there is a 48-hour period between each donation. Plasma is 90% water and frequent donation will not harm you. It can lead to side effects such as dizziness and fatigue, but staying hydrated can help avoid these.
What drugs affect blood donation? ›Coumadin, Warfilone, Jantoven (warfarin) and Heparin, are prescription blood thinners- Do not donate since your blood will not clot normally. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with blood thinners, wait 7 days before returning to donate.
Why can't I take ibuprofen before donating plasma? ›Ibuprofen, however, is an anti-inflammatory medication, which affect your platelets and can make them unsuitable for patients. You must tell staff that you are taking anti-inflammatory medication before you donate so that they can choose the right blood pack for your donation.
How much plasma per weight? ›| Donor weight | Plasma volume or weight | Collection volume |
|---|---|---|
| 110–149 lbs (50.0–67.7 kg) | 625 mL (640 g) | 690 mL (705 g) |
| 150–174 lbs (68.2–79.1 kg) | 750 mL (770 g) | 825 mL (845 g) |
| 175 lbs and up (79.5 kg) | 800 mL (820 g) | 880 mL (900 g) |
Plasma protein binding
This is important as only drugs that are present in the plasma in their free form can be transported to the tissues. Drugs that are bound to plasma proteins therefore act as a reservoir of the drug within the organism and this binding reduces the drug's final concentration in the tissues.
What can happen to a drug present in the plasma? ›
When a medication is administered intravenously, the drug ends up either in the blood plasma or redistributes into the extravascular volume. The drug present in the plasma can be removed from the body primarily through the kidneys and liver.
Is donating plasma bad for you long term? ›Potential Long-Term Effects of Donating Plasma:
For donors who donate frequently or for an extended amount of time, there is a risk for depleting immunoglobulin levels, which can lower the ability to fight off infections.
Also, larger plasma centers in metropolitan areas tend to pay more than smaller centers. CSL Plasma, BioLife Plasma, and Grifols are a few of the plasma donation facilities that pay the highest rates. However, not everyone has access to the same centers depending on their location.
How can I pump plasma faster? ›Since plasma is mostly water, drinking the recommended amount of water can help make the donation process go faster. Some blood donation centers highlight low-sugar fruit juice as a good alternative for some of your water intake, so feel free to treat yourself to a few cups of this substitute if desired.
What do you squeeze when donating plasma? ›Sit in comfortable chair/cot near other donors. Answer a few questions and extend donor arm. Squeeze a ball to keep the blood flowing. Once needle is in place, it usually takes less than 10 minutes to draw a unit of blood.
What's the best thing to eat before donating plasma? ›- Meat (Beef, Chicken, Eggs, Shrimp, Turkey, Ham)
- Dairy (Milk, Cheese, Yogurt)
- Beans, Nuts, Seeds.
- Vegetables (Broccoli, Collard Greens)
- Fruits (Watermelon, Raisins)
- Cereals (iron-enriched)
- smoked, spicy, fried food.
- sausages.
- fatty fish and meat.
- spices and seasonings.
- marinades and pickles.
- any fatty dairy products (including kefir and baby curds)
- oils.
- eggs.
Drink Citrus-Infused Beverages
Plus, vitamin C helps with iron absorption, and in order to donate plasma you must have iron levels within a certain range. Try adding some citrus, like lemon juice, to your water to stay healthy and hydrated!
Background: A prospective blood donor's oral temperature is affected by external stimuli such as drinking a hot or cold beverage or chewing gum. These stimuli can cause a deferral or an inappropriate acceptance for a certain unknown time.
How long does it take your body to turn water into plasma? ›Ingested water appeared in plasma and blood cells within 5 min and the half-life of absorption (~11–13 min) indicates a complete absorption within ~75–120 min.
What is the rarest blood type? ›
What's the rarest blood type? AB negative is the rarest of the eight main blood types - just 1% of our donors have it. Despite being rare, demand for AB negative blood is low and we don't struggle to find donors with AB negative blood.
How much is a pint of blood worth? ›A pint of blood in America sells to hospitals for $180 to $300, depending on the market, and expired blood often is sold to research laboratories, said Ben Bowman, chief executive of General Blood, the blood broker engaged in a legal tussle with Oklahoma City-based OBI.
What is the best thing to eat after donating blood? ›On top of the list of foods to eat after donating blood should be products rich in iron : fish, poultry, lean meat, black beans, spinach, asparagus, eggs. Iron helps hemoglobin production. It is also very important in the healing of injuries to the soft tissues and helps break down protein and promotes growth.
What are the 8 benefits of donating blood? ›- May reveal health problems. ...
- Prevents Hemochromatosis. ...
- Maintain Cardiovascular health. ...
- May reduce the risk of developing cancer. ...
- Stimulates blood cell production. ...
- Maintains healthy liver. ...
- Weight loss. ...
- Help improve your mental state.
In the short term, a minority of donors may experience light-headedness, fatigue, or nausea due to the iron and water loss related to the sudden absence of blood components, but this will quickly pass as stores are replenished.
Why should you not have a hot bath after giving blood? ›After you donate
Overheating or standing up for long periods lowers your blood pressure and increases your risk of feeling faint. So, for about 8 hours after you donate, avoid hot showers, strenuous exercises or walking for long periods. Keep drinking plenty of cool fluids, and avoid alcoholic drinks for those 8 hours.
DON'T: Drink alcohol for 24 hours before donating. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, making it difficult for you to donate.
Can you donate blood if you drink? ›It is essential to avoid alcohol before and after donating as this may affect hydration levels and delay recovery.
How many times can you donate plasma? ›How often can you donate plasma? You can donate plasma as often as every 2 weeks, if you wish. This is more often than blood donation where men have to wait 12 weeks and women 16 weeks between donations.
Does Biolife test for drugs? ›You will then receive an email with the subject, “Your Name – Test Registration Instructions.” This email is very important, and you must bring it to the test center with you. You are required to complete your drug test by the expiration date listed on the email below. How do I register for my drug test?
Can you donate plasma if you have alcohol in your system? ›
DON'T: Drink alcohol for 24 hours before donating. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, making it difficult for you to donate.
Who is the donor in a drug test? ›Donor – The individual submitting a specimen for drug, alcohol and/or Titers blood test.
What is too high for a pulse to donate plasma? ›Your pulse rate must be no less than 50 beats per minute and no more than 100 beats per minute. You will be asked a series of questions to ensure that you are eligible to donate.
How can I increase my plasma? ›Tofu, edamame, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds and dark leafy greens are all excellent sources of protein. (Caution: Some plant-based meat substitutes are heavily processed and may contain high levels of saturated fat and sodium, so check the nutrition label.)
What should you not do before donating plasma? ›- Avoid Fatty Foods. To make sure that your plasma isn't lipemic, and therefore unusable, steer clear of fatty foods before donating plasma. ...
- Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol are substances that can dehydrate your body. ...
- Avoid Smoking.
How Much Do You Make Selling Plasma? Some plasma donation centers are known for paying top dollar for a plasma donation. The average payment for a single donation is between $30 and $60 per session, although there are centers that will offer $100 per donation.
Is it bad to donate plasma twice a week? ›Plasma regenerates quickly. With proper hydration, your blood volume returns to normal within 48 hours. Because of this, you can give plasma twice in any 7-day period, but no more than once in a 48-hour period.