Cannabis for Cold and Flu—Good or Bad Idea?

Many medical marijuana patients wonder if cannabis helps with or worsens a cold or flu. In reality, it could have helpful or harmful effects depending on the product used. 

Cannabis offers some short-term symptomatic relief. However, it also comes with risks, especially if you’re smoking or vaping. Some cannabis compounds, like CBD, have anti-inflammatory effects that may offer comfort. However, other effects, like immune system suppression and respiratory irritation, may make symptoms worse or slow your recovery.

A better understanding of cannabis and its effects on cold and flu symptoms, along with the safest ways to use it, will help you choose the safest approach. 

How Cannabis Affects Your Immune System During Illness

Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which affects the body’s immune response.

THC and CBD impact immune cells in different ways. Some research suggests that cannabis use might affect the immune response to the flu. CBD fights inflammation. 

The immune system works hard to kill viruses and fix tissues during illness. Some research suggests that consuming cannabis regularly might weaken how well white blood cells work. 

Consuming cannabis early in sickness may slow down recovery. It’s best to talk with your doctor about the best approach to cannabis consumption while sick when you go to apply for or renew your medical marijuana card.

Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Cold and Flu Symptoms

Cannabis may help ease some cold and flu symptoms.

Relief From Pain and Body Aches

Cannabis helps to reduce pain and aches. THC and CBD connect with pain receptors and reduce discomfort. Some patients often feel better with low-dose cannabis. Cannabis topicals also provide localized pain relief.

Sleep Improvement

Cannabis helps improve sleep for people with insomnia. It often brings drowsiness and deeper sleep, which could be welcome if you’re struggling to sleep when you’re sick. Some people may feel groggy or wake up at night when taking cannabis for sleep.

Appetite Stimulation

A cold or flu often affects your appetite. Cannabis helps bring hunger back. Eating well supports energy and immune strength.

Nausea Reduction

Severe colds and flu sometimes cause nausea. Cannabis, especially CBD, helps regulate nausea and vomiting. 

Risks of Using Cannabis While Sick 

Cannabis use during sickness also brings some risks.

Respiratory System Complications

Smoking or vaping cannabis exacerbates cough, throat irritation, congestion, and lung inflammation, especially when suffering from a respiratory illness. Viruses attack the lungs, and cannabis smoke adds more irritation. Even vapor may irritate inflamed airways.

Smoking cannabis during illness raises infection risk and delays healing. Patients with asthma or other lung problems face greater danger. Cannabis smoke worsens cough and congestion.

Immune System Suppression 

Cannabis smoke may weaken your body’s defenses. This makes it harder to fight viruses and lets the virus grow more. Smoking weed might hurt your lungs when you’re sick. We need more research to more fully understand how it affects the immune system in people.

Medication Interactions

Cannabis may interact with cold and flu medicine and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and decongestants. These mixes may change how medicine works or cause side effects.

Cannabis also interacts with some prescription antivirals. Medical marijuana patients should check with their doctor before combining cannabis with their prescription medicine.

Dehydration Risks

Cannabis often causes dry mouth and may make dehydration worse.

Fever, sweating, and low fluid intake raise dehydration risks. Drinking enough water helps the body fight sickness and clear mucus.

Safer Consumption Methods During Illness 

MMJ patients who use medical cannabis while sick should avoid smoking or vaping. Try these consumption methods instead. 

Edible Cannabis Products

Edibles are safest for people with colds or the flu. They avoid lung irritation and last for 4 to 8 hours.

Start with small doses (2.5 mg to 5 mg THC). Dispensaries often offer gummies, chocolates, and drinks with precise dosing.

Tinctures and Sublingual Products

Tinctures offer quick, precise dosing without lung risks. Tinctures start working in 15 to 45 minutes.

Many patients mix tinctures with warm tea or broth for throat comfort.

Topical Applications

Cannabis topicals help with local pain and muscle aches. Topicals do not affect the whole body and do not cause a high. They help patients stay active during sickness.

How to Make Cannabis Tea for Cold or Flu

Cannabis tea is a gentler option for MMJ patients who want to ease cold or flu symptoms without smoking or vaping. It offers soothing relief and may help with pain, nausea, and sleep while also keeping you hydrated.

Simple Cannabis Tea Recipe

1. Decarboxylate your cannabis by baking ground flower at 240°F (115°C) for 30-40 minutes. This activates THC and CBD.

2. Boil water and pour it into your favorite mug.

3. Add 1 teaspoon of decarboxylated cannabis to a tea infuser or directly into the water.

4. Add a fat source like coconut oil, butter, or whole milk (1 teaspoon) to help absorb cannabinoids.

5. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes.

6. Strain if needed and add honey, ginger, or lemon for extra cold-fighting support.

Start with a small dose to see how your body responds. Cannabis tea offers a slower onset and soothing effects for a cold or flu. We provide alternative recipes and tips in our article How to Make Cannabis Tea for Medicinal Use.

When to Avoid Cannabis Completely During Illness 

Some health problems require patients to stop using cannabis during illness.

Severe Respiratory Symptoms

People with serious breathing problems, a tight chest, or a long-lasting cough should stop all cannabis use. Cannabis may make these problems worse.

Conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis need full lung health for recovery. Patients with asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases face high risks from cannabis during illness.

High Fever Episodes

A fever above 101 °F signals serious sickness. Cannabis may confuse the body's temperature control or hide signs of illness. Long-lasting high fevers need medical care.

Taking Prescription Medications

Cannabis interacts with antivirals, antibiotics, and some heart and blood medications. Patients should avoid cannabis while taking these drugs unless doctors approve.

Alternative Natural Remedies for MMJ Patients

MMJ patients may try other natural ways to feel better during a cold or flu.

Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Drinking enough fluids helps alleviate unpleasant symptoms and supports the immune system. Water, teas, and broths help to replace lost fluids. Coconut water and bone broth add natural electrolytes.

Arizona's dry air raises dehydration risks. Patients should drink more fluids than usual.

Herbal Support Options

Herbs like elderberry, echinacea, and ginger help alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Elderberry fights viruses. Echinacea supports immune work. Ginger eases nausea.

Some health stores offer herbal cold and flu products.

Rest and Sleep Optimization

Rest is key for fast healing. Patients should keep their sleep space cool, dark, and quiet. 

Humidifiers help reduce breathing symptoms in Arizona's dry air. Regular sleep times and no screens before bed help the body heal.

Professional Medical Guidance for MMJ Patients 

MMJ patients should talk to a healthcare provider when sick. Doctors who are familiar with medical marijuana will be able to balance your short-term and long-term health needs. Telemedicine makes it easier to speak with doctors during illness.

Serious symptoms like high fever, trouble breathing, or nonstop vomiting need immediate medical attention.

Cannabis Use for Cold and Flu  

Cannabis may help with pain, sleep, and appetite during colds and flu, but in most cases, the risks outweigh the benefits.

Respiratory problems and immune suppression are major concerns, especially for patients who smoke or vape. If you choose to use cannabis while sick, stick to edibles, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking. However, the safest choice is often to pause cannabis use altogether until you’re fully healthy.

Rest, good nutrition, and medical care are key to a smooth recovery. Always consult your MMJ doctor for personalized advice, especially if you’re managing ongoing medical treatments.