This is perhaps the most even-handed and reasonable discussion of cannabis use during the COVID 19 pandemic:
http://www.medleafrx.com/articles/covid-19-and-cannabis-a-good-or-bad-combination
Couple highlights......pun intended.....
Should cannabis users refrain from all smoking/vaping during this time?
Avoiding lung irritation is the first line of defense against this illness.
Any inhaled substance may affect the respiratory system. Cannabis smoke can cause visible lung irritation and microscopic injury to the pulmonary epithelium (the tiny cells that line most of the respiratory tract as respiratory mucosa).
Exposing lung tissue to vape aerosols (e-cigarettes) can increase the release of inflammatory cytokines, macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Basically, the lung tissue is trying to mount an "immune response."
Can you explain how COVID-19 affects the lungs of those who are infected? In layman's terms, please!
When COVID-19 attacks the respiratory lining becomes injured, causing inflammation. This irritates the nerves in the lining of the airway and can spread into the gas exchange units (alveoli). This
article illustrates the changes COVD-19 can have on the lungs.
Normal, healthy lung tissue is light and fluffy, like whipped cream. COVID-19 coats the lung tissue with a yellow ooze and turns the lung texture to marshmallow. This thick coating blocks the free flow of oxygen. As the virus invades and takes over, patients lose their ability to breathe and may need a ventilator. At this point, the marshmallow coating of the lung tissue begins to stiffen, and the lungs' capacity to take in oxygen diminishes. This is often the point when the patient's life hangs in the balance. This
virtual reality video brilliantly illustrates COVID-19's path of destruction.
Could cannabis' benefits outweigh potential harm for those who are affected or even at risk? Should COVID-19 patients abstain entirely?
No, I do not believe you have to abstain from cannabis, but you should explore alternatives to inhaling.
Cannabis has medicinal and therapeutic benefits. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-pain, antiviral and immune-modulating.
THC in small doses have been found to be a bronchodilator and has been shown to quell the cytokine storm (when the immune system goes into overdrive and causes an inflammatory flare) in animal models.
Cannabinoids have also been shown to decrease the overall inflammation in the body, which means it's one less thing for your body to fight against. You can also lessen inflammation through
diet and regular restorative sleep. Anything that reduces inflammation or stress in your body and mind benefits your immune system. So whether you're using cannabis for muscle spasm, to keep calm, or to sleep – it can be a therapeutic adjunct to your self-care, wellness, or health regimen.