Coughin’ and Coffin’d: Why You Shouldn’t Smoke While You’re Sick (and What to Do Instead)

We've noticed something. Between colds, the flu, and whatever “mystery variant” of COVID is floating around this week, half the community around here sounds like a tuberculosis ward. Our poor webmaster just barely got over COVID for the third time (seriously, at this point he’s collecting variants like Pokémon), and in his fevered delirium, he said something that got us thinking:

“You ever realize smoking while you’re sick feels like lighting your lungs on fire just to cough harder?”

Yeah, bud. We realized. So consider this your official sick day stoner confessional and public service announcement from your loyal, friendly neighbourhood Indigenous cannabis trading post:

If you’re under the weather, be it a cold, the flu, or dastardly COVID, put the lighter down and pick up an edible instead.

💨 Why Smoking When You’re Sick Is a Truly Terrible Idea

We know, we know. That post-nap bowl hits different when you’re trying to forget your aching body and that endless Netflix loop. But smoking (and even vaping) while you’re sick? Yeah, that’s like pouring Tabasco on a sunburn.

Here’s why:

Your airways are already inflamed. When you’ve got a virus, your lungs and throat are in full battle mode. Hot smoke? Instant irritation. You’re just making your cough worse and dragging out your recovery.

Your immune system is exhausted. You’re already fighting off germs. Smoke adds more stress to your body’s defenses…..not exactly a healing vibe.

You’re spreading the love (in a bad way). Sharing a joint while you’re contagious? Buddy. Absolutely please no. Keep your damn germs (and your saliva) to yourself.

Even if you’re usually a champion smoker, being sick turns you into a wheezing dragon. So give your lungs a break! They’re literally just trying to survive right now.

🧃 The Sick Day Solution: Edibles, Tinctures, and Infused Drinks

Just because you can’t smoke doesn’t mean you can’t partake. Cannabis comes in plenty of forms that don’t involve torching your throat.

Let’s break down your best sick-day options:

🥐 Edibles: The Cozy Classic

Edibles are your stay-in-bed best friend. They don’t irritate your lungs, and depending on what you grab: gummies, chocolates, cookies… they can make being sick a little more bearable.

Just remember: edibles take time to kick in. Like, “I just watched two episodes of The Office and now my face feels like a warm cloud” kind of time. So be patient and start low. (Especially if you’re taking other meds! We’ll get to that.)

If you want faster relief, go for nano-emulsified edibles, like the infused drinks and drink mixes we carry here at Red Roots. They hit in 15–20 minutes instead of 90. That’s practically instant in sick time.

💧 Tinctures & Sublinguals: Fast and Easy

Tinctures and lollipops are sneaky heroes here. Drop some oil under your tongue or suck on an infused lollipop, and you’ll feel it faster than conventional edibles, all while not wrecking your throat.

They’re perfect for when you just want to take the edge off without melting into your couch cushions.

🍋 Infused Drinks: Hydration + Medication

Hydration is key when you’re sick. So why not make your liquids work harder? THC-infused drinks can soothe aches, boost your mood, and help you chill, all while keeping you hydrated.

At Red Roots, we’ve got regular and raspberry lemonades, hot and cold drink mixes, THC lean, and infused juice shots that go down easy when your throat’s feeling rough. They’re delicious, discreet, and don’t make you cough up a lung. Win-win-win.

🧠 Science Time (But Make It Stoner-Friendly)

Here’s the wild part: researchers have actually been directly studying cannabis and its effects on viruses, inflammation, and immune function since the COVID pandemic began. Some of it’s genuinely fascinating stuff:

Certain cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and CBG show antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

Studies suggest cannabinoids might help reduce inflammation in the lungs (especially in COVID-induced “cytokine storms”).

Cannabinoids can interact with your immune system and help regulate overactive inflammation responses.

BUT, before you go thinking weed is the cure for your cold, flu, or COVID, it’s absolutely not. The science is still early, and no one’s prescribing gummies as antiviral meds just yet. (Though we’d be very down for that future...)

What is clear: if you’re going to use cannabis while sick, don’t inhale it. The benefits don’t matter if you’re hacking up a lung after one toke.

⚖️ The Not-So-Fun Part: Cannabis + Medication Interactions

Let’s be bonafide adults for a second here. When you’re sick, you’re probably downing all sorts of over-the-counter helpers: cough syrup, decongestants, maybe even codeine if things are really rough. Cannabis can interact with those medications, so here’s what you should know:

Benadryl (& Other 1st-Gen Antihistamines) + Cannabis = You’re about to be the sleepiest person alive. Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion…not the fun kind of high.

Codeine + Cannabis = Just don’t. They both suppress your central nervous system, and that combo can be dangerous.

Vitamin C + Cannabis = People swear it “cancels out your high.” Science says it’s basically a placebo. Drink your orange juice and take those supplements anyway.

Decongestants + Cannabis = May spike your heart rate. Combine with caution.

Basically: if you’re on any meds, talk to your doctor before mixing cannabis in. We want you high on life, not crashing over an unintended ER visit.

🍽 How to Do Edibles Right When You’re Sick

Let’s go over some stoner survival tips for when you’re sick and snacking on edibles:

🍬 Start low and go slow. Your body’s fighting off germs, so it might react differently.

💦 Stay hydrated. THC can dry your mouth out, and you need those fluids.

🧘‍♀️ Rest, don’t rage. The goal is to heal, not host a one-person rave under your blanket fort.

🥣 Eat something light first. Don’t take edibles on an empty stomach unless you want to star in your own nausea nightmare.

😴 Use it for sleep. THC + rest = faster recovery and a happier you.

💚 Try 1:1 or CBD-heavy products if you want 1:1 full-spectrum relief, or CBD relief without getting totally baked.

If your stomach’s upset, avoid heavy or sugary edibles. Go for something gentle: gummies, tinctures, or one of those soothing THC drinks. (Yes, we have those in stock. Yes, they're freakin' delicious. Yes, we deliver. Yes, even when it’s snowing.)

🛌 When to Stop Playing Doctor and Call a Real One

Look, cannabis is beyond great, but it’s unfortunately not magic. If your symptoms are getting worse, or you’re having trouble breathing, call your healthcare provider or 9-1-1. Don’t tough it out because “the gummies haven’t kicked in yet.”

The flu and COVID can hit really hard, and it’s better to be safe (and alive) than stubborn (and gasping). Cannabis can help make you comfortable, but it’s not a substitute for actual medicine, good rest, or a doctor's touch.

🔆 Indigenous Wellness Meets Modern Cannabis

Traditionally, many Indigenous communities have long embraced plant medicine for healing, calm, and balance. That spirit carries forward into what we do at Red Roots Trading Company, combining modern cannabis knowledge with ancestral respect for natural wellness.

We’re not saying cannabis replaces rest, soup, or Grandma’s heavenly cedar tea. But if you’re stuck at home watching your tissues pile up into a small mountain on your bedside table, a little THC-infused comfort can go a seriously long way.

🌿 The Bottom Line: Don’t Smoke Sick, Don’t Spread Sick, Don’t Suffer Sick

If you’re coughing, congested, or COVID’d again (we see you, poor Webmaster), give your lungs the week off. Cannabis can still be your ally, just switch up the method of consumption:

❌ Skip the smoke

✅ Go edible, tincture, sublingual, or drink

💤 Rest, hydrate, repeat

When your body’s ready, you’ll enjoy that next smoke session even more, and without hacking up your entire soul.

Get well soon, friends. And if you need your cannabis medicine while you’re down for the count, we’re still out here doing 24/7/365 delivery (because germs don’t respect business hours).

Stay warm, stay lifted, and please, just don’t cough on the bong. ✌