While recent cannabis use can disqualify you from donating plasma, possessing a medical marijuana card does not. Medical marijuana can be detected on drug tests for up to 90 days depending on the testing method. If the organization requires a cannabis-free drug test and the results are negative, you may still qualify to be a plasma donate.
Medical Marijuana and Plasma Donation
You can donate plasma if you use medical marijuana but not if you’ve consumed it recently. With that being said, not all organizations test for the presence of THC and cannabis prior to your donation. The American Red Cross, for example, does not test for the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the organization asks that you adhere to an honor system and not present yourself for blood donation if you have recently consumed marijuana.
In addition, the American Red Cross discourages people who have used synthetic marijuana from donating plasma. According to the American Red Cross, synthetic weed may contain anticoagulants that contaminate plasma and make it unsafe for recipients.
What About Donating Blood?
Yes, you can donate blood. Just like alcohol, or any other controlled substance, you can not donate blood while under the influence of cannabis.
What Can Disqualify You From Donating Plasma?
Medical marijuana isn’t the only thing that could disqualify you from donating plasma. Below is a list of reasons that could disqualify you from donating plasma.
- Currently taking certain medications like Accutane, Heparin, and even penicillin. These medications may pose a health risk to the recipient of your plasma. At the plasma donation site, be prepared to submit a full list of the medications you are currently taking.
- Have or have had tuberculosis.
- Diagnosed with certain types of cancer.
- Being anemic or having low blood iron levels for other reasons.
- Having contracted malaria in the past three years.
- Having high blood pressure or low blood pressure.
- Weighing less than 110 pounds.
- Being less than 18 years of age.
- Recent surgery.
Medical Marijuana and Donating Plasma in Maryland
Marijuana users in good health may be qualified to donate plasma and blood if cannabis is not detectable on a drug test. Blood banks may disqualify you from plasma donation if you have certain medical conditions or have recently used cannabis. Dispensary Works is a Southern Maryland medical marijuana provider committed to providing the best cannabis product as part of our patient’s overall health program.
Our staff includes experts in the science and production of cannabis as medicine and are here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs. To learn more about who we are and our services, please contact us today!
