In case you didn’t know, cannabis users can donate blood. Join us as we give back with our first ever Nevada Made Blood Drive on February 23, sponsored by Reina. Donors will receive a complimentary Reina preroll.
Did you know that one in seven people entering a hospital will need blood services? Or that donated blood saves nearly 12,000 lives a day? Donating blood is one of the easiest and most effective ways to give back to your local community, which is why we’re partnering with Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services) for our Nevada Made Blood Drive.
We know what you’re thinking — “But I use cannabis, so I can’t donate.” A lot of cannabis users are under the impression that their cannabis use disqualifies them from donating, but that’s not the case. While there are certain restrictions that would disqualify donors — health issues, recent overseas travel, and being pregnant to name a few — cannabis use is not among them. Click here to go to Vitalant’s website, where you can get a full list or donor requirements.
So, if you’re looking for a way to make in impact, join our blood drive by emailing your information (name, phone number, and email address) to [email protected]. Please write Blood Drive in the subject line and we’ll get back to you ASAP to get you added to the list!
As a thank you from Nevada Made and Reina, donors will receive a complimentary Reina preroll. So sign up today and do your part!
Blood Services Weigh In
The subject of cannabis users donating blood is not a new one, and was explored in depth by Leafly in 2016. They reached out to a number of blood services to get their official policies regarding donations from cannabis users. Of the multiple blood banks they contacted, none of them automatically defer donors for cannabis use.
Blood services and blood banks are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which requires collected blood be tested for a number of blood-borne pathogens and other factors, including:
- Hepatitis
- Blood Type
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Other infectious disease markers
They screen collected blood for just about everything you could think of, except THC. So, yes, you can be an active cannabis user and regularly donate blood … with one exception.
You can not be under the influence while donating. Please, don’t show up to donate blood while high, OK? It is against all blood services policies to donate while under the influence of any intoxicants, not just cannabis. If medical screeners suspect you are high, you can be turned away.
With global donations on the decline, blood services are desperate for regular donors, so please give as often as possible.
What To Expect When Donating
If you’ve never donated blood before, the process is very easy. You’ll be given a mini physical when you check in, where they’ll take you temperature, blood pressure, and a small sample of blood for pre-screening. They’ll also ask you a few questions about your general health and recent travel.
Once screened, you’ll get a comfortable place to lie down and the attendant will collect the sample. Donating takes about 60 minutes total, including screening and collection. The actual blood collection only takes about ten minutes, and they make the process as pain-free as possible.
You can prepare yourself to donate by getting a good night’s rest, eating a hearty and healthy meal, and drinking plenty of water. Taking these steps will help your body recover as quickly as possible, getting you back to 100%.
Sign Up Today!
Your blood donations save lives, so make time to join us at our first Nevada Made Blood Drive. With donations declining, it’s more important than ever to do your part!
To sign up, send your name, phone number, and email address to [email protected], and remember to write Blood Drive in the subject line. Don’t forget, donors will receive a free Reina preroll!
Thank you for your support!
