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Giving blood is an excellent way to help people and give back. Most people can give blood, but it is estimated that someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, so anyone who is eligible should give blood as often as they can.
Given the fact that cannabis is still illegal at a federal level, it is sometimes confusing to figure out exactly what is allowed or legal. However, cannabis users, no matter how frequent, are not excluded in blood donation.
Although there are lots of things that may disqualify someone from donating blood, marijuana use is not typically one of them. The only time cannabis use would get in the way of blood donation is if the user is noticeably impaired during their appointment.
According to the American Red Cross, “While the Red Cross does not encourage the use of controlled substances, marijuana or alcohol use does not necessarily disqualify you from giving blood as long as you are feeling well.”
Things That May Disqualify a Person From Giving Blood
Although marijuana users are in the clear, there are plenty of other factors that are taken into consideration when a person would like to donate blood. Here is a current list of things that may disqualify a person from blood donation:
If you have ever injected an illegal drug, you may not ever give blood
You cannot have any type of blood-borne virus
Certain cancers or history of cancers may disqualify you
If you have had a blood transfusion in the last 3 months, you cannot donate
You cannot be pregnant or nursing
You cannot be ill or have low iron
You cannot be on antibiotics
There are many other things that could affect your ability to donate blood, including the medications you are on, organ transplants, pulse rate, and more. Even tattoos and the location you got them could affect your eligibility.
For more information on eligibility criteria for the Red Cross, click here.
How to Donate Blood
If you would like to donate blood, you can do so in a few easy steps. People can typically donate up to 3 times a year, so if you have not done so already and if you are eligible, you should really consider it!
Click here to find a blood drive. The Red Cross website will prompt you to enter your zip code, then it will show you a list of locations near you where you can visit to donate blood or power red, which is a collection of mostly red cells. Power red returns most of your plasma and platelets.
Each location shows times and dates available and some locations offer prizes for blood donation. Be sure to check out where you can donate!
Try Medical Marijuana Today
Luckily, medical and recreational users of cannabis can donate blood through the American Red Cross. If you have not recently done so, you should really consider giving blood, as an American needs blood every 2 seconds.
If you don’t already have your medical card in the State of Missouri, we can help! Not sure if you qualify? We can help with that too!
it is now easier than ever to get your medical marijuana card. The program has expanded tremendously thanks to Missouri voters and progressive legislation. If you think you could benefit from cannabis, what are you waiting for!?
Call us today to book an appointment with one of our compassionate doctors. You will complete your appointment via your phone, tablet, or computer from the comfort of your own home!
Our doctors are standing by to give you the best care possible, and you deserve safe, natural and LEGAL relief! Schedule an appointment with a marijuana professional by calling us at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
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At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting the relief you can trust today!
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