Can cannabis smokers donate blood?

Smokers are generally good sharers. As well as releasing leaves and fags, smokers can also donate blood.

Blood donation organizations are adamant that cannabis smokers can donate blood provided you're not totally stoned when your blood is drawn. That said, no THC test is performed on the donated blood.

Analyses are carried out on blood group and on infections such as hepatitis or HIV. On the other hand, the Etablissement Français du Sang imposes a severe restriction on anyone who has ever taken an illicit drug via blood injection. They will never be able to give blood.

According to a doctor on duty at EFS Ile de France, regular, daily use of the drug strongly advises against blood donation. THC, which remains in the blood for 7 days in the case of occasional consumption, It becomes much harder to metabolize if it is reinforced every day.

THC quickly disappears from the bloodstream and its visible symptoms, such as the red eyes, can be masked. The doctor who gives you a series of tests at the beginning of the interview is the only person who can prevent you from donating blood.

The physician prohibits the use of cannabis 48 hours before a blood donation. The Etablissement Français du Sang and the doctor rely on the blood donor's «declaration on honor». It is only the donor's responsibility to lie on this declaration, however, the doctor confirms that no intoxication or other symptoms have occurred. deleterious effect of THC since the start of the blood drive. Please note, however, that Don du Sang prefers to receive blood from a «clean» person.

Every year, Blood Donor Services collect over two million blood bags. Each blood donation can save up to three lives. As summer approaches, the Etablissement Français du Sang needs everyone who can give blood, including smokers. If you'd like to take part in the blood donation campaign, follow this link. link

Théo Caillart