Blood plasma donation is a process where the liquid part of the blood is separated from the platelets and red blood cells and collected for developing treatments as well as a transfusion to patients in need. For an individual to safely donate blood, they need to be in perfect health, age, and weight. In addition, they should not have any underlying conditions or circumstances e.g. hypertension or pregnancy, that would affect their well-being if they do decide to donate. In this article, we will see about ‘Can You Donate Plasma If You Smoke Weed?’.
Can You Donate Plasma If You Smoke Weed?
It should be perfectly safe to donate blood Plasma if one is an active user of cannabis. This is mainly because the active compound in cannabis, THC, will likely not be present in the bloodstream by the time it is transfused to another person. Though smoking weed does not disqualify an individual from donating blood, some guidelines need to be followed to ensure the safety of both the donor and the person receiving the blood.
Blood Plasma.
Plasma is a yellowish constituent of blood that contains proteins and blood cells. It plays a crucial part in preventing infections, regulating blood disorders, and treating various diseases.
Blood Plasma donation.
Blood plasma donation is a process that takes about 10-15 minutes and involves harvesting blood from a donor’s arm, which is then passed through an apparatus that accumulates the plasma, while the blood cells are injected back into the donor’s bloodstream by use of a saline solution. The plasma can then be refrigerated and preserved for up to a year.
Importance of Blood Plasma Donation.
Blood plasma is useful in the treatment of patients with various conditions. The antibodies and chemicals present in plasm are useful in treating injuries such as burns. The proteins and antibodies can also help in identifying and treating various ailments. Plasma transfusion is also necessary for patients undergoing leukemia treatment, bone marrow transplant, or those who have been diagnosed with hemophilia.
Guidelines of plasma donation when using marijuana.
While it is perfectly safe to donate plasma if you are a regular or occasional weed smoker, guidelines should be adhered to. Firstly, one should not smoke marijuana at least 24 hours before donation. Edibles take longer to exit the bloodstream and it is therefore advised to wait longer before blood donation. One should also not donate any blood if they are under the influence as it can lead to complications resulting from low blood pressure. Any user of synthetic marijuana, however, is prohibited from donating blood.
Synthetic marijuana.
Synthetic marijuana is a processed chemical that contains the same components found in cannabis. It is unregulated and may pose risk and harm to a donor recipient. It is not safe to donate blood while smoking or ingesting this form of marijuana, which is known as a new psychoactive drug (NPD).
What are the requirements for donating blood plasma?
To donate plasma, one has to be in generally good health as well as be of consenting age. Any individual who is 17 years or older can donate, but those who are 16 can only donate under the supervision and consent of a guardian or parent. Lastly, one has to weigh at least 110 pounds.
How frequently can one donate blood plasma?
Plasma can be donated every month with a maximum limit of 13 times a year.
Conclusion.
Now we have learnt ‘Can You Donate Plasma If You Smoke Weed?’, In conclusion, plasma donation is an important exercise that can be used to treat various illnesses and should be encouraged. About 1.4 million people in America alone, need a blood transfusion and everyone needs to be educated on the requirements of blood donation to promote safety. While weed is a common drug used for recreation and medical reasons, it does not disqualify anyone from donating blood, as the effects of the THC are not felt by a recipient once a transfusion is performed.
Frequently asked questions.
- How long does weed last in the bloodstream?
Weed can stay in the bloodstream for up to 30 days. This may take longer if one is a prolonged frequent user of the drug.
- Can one smoke weed after a plasma donation?
Smoking weed after a blood donation can cause dizziness. It should be avoided to prevent serious injury from fainting or falling.
- What are the benefits of donating blood plasma?
Donating blood pose several benefits to the donor. The body replaces the blood which in turn leads to improved cardiovascular health and reduces the risk for cancer.
- Which situations disqualify one from donating plasma?
If one is sick, then they are not eligible to donate plasma, especially if one is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis. In addition, if one is taking any medication including antibiotics, then they should not donate plasma, as it may react with the blood. Lastly, if one has traveled out of the country recently they may not be eligible to donate blood.
