A fever is a temporary elevation in the body’s core temperature, often signaling that the immune system is actively fighting an infection. When the body is in this state, many cannabis users wonder if inhaling smoke or vapor is advisable. The answer depends heavily on the method of consumption and how cannabinoids interact with the body’s internal regulatory systems.
Respiratory Risks of Inhalation While Sick
Inhaling hot smoke or vapor significantly irritates airways already inflamed due to illness. The heat and particulate matter from combustion or vaporization aggravate the delicate lining of the throat and bronchial tubes. This irritation often leads to increased coughing, which is painful and taxing during respiratory distress.
The respiratory system relies on the mucociliary escalator, a protective mechanism using tiny cilia to sweep mucus and trapped particles out of the lungs. Introducing smoke or vapor can temporarily compromise the function of these cilia, slowing the body’s natural clearance process.
Smoking cannabis injures the cell linings of the large airways and is associated with increased phlegm production. Hindering this primary defense system is counterproductive when the body is actively fighting infection. This can worsen existing respiratory symptoms and may increase susceptibility to secondary infections.
Vaporization, while less harmful than smoking, still introduces a foreign substance into compromised lungs. Inhaling any warm, concentrated substance exacerbates the sensitivity of inflamed mucous membranes. It is advised to avoid all forms of inhalation, including both smoking and vaping, when dealing with a fever or respiratory symptoms.
How Cannabis Affects Thermoregulation and Immune Response
The hypothalamus, the body’s temperature control center, triggers a fever by raising the temperature set point as part of the immune response. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates physiological processes including thermoregulation. The main psychoactive compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been shown to influence this system.
High doses of THC, particularly in animal models, can induce a temporary, dose-dependent drop in core body temperature, known as THC-induced hypothermia. While this effect is minimal in humans and not equivalent to treating a fever, it demonstrates THC’s ability to interact with the brain’s temperature controls. Conversely, cannabidiol (CBD) appears to have a neutral effect on core body temperature.
Cannabis compounds also act as immunomodulators, influencing the activity of the immune system. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD possess anti-inflammatory properties by modulating the release of signaling molecules called cytokines. This reduction in inflammatory markers can alleviate symptoms like body aches and headaches associated with illness.
However, fever and associated inflammation are necessary components of the acute immune response used to fight infection. Introducing an immunosuppressive agent like THC, which binds to CB2 receptors, may interfere with the body’s natural defensive processes. While anti-inflammatory effects provide symptom relief, they do not treat the underlying cause of the fever.
Safer Methods of Consumption During Illness
Since the primary risks of using cannabis while sick are tied to inhalation, switching to non-respiratory delivery methods eliminates the danger of irritating the airways. Edibles, capsules, and tinctures bypass the lungs entirely, allowing the body to absorb cannabinoids through the digestive system or mucous membranes. These alternatives prevent the introduction of hot gases, smoke, or particulates into the sensitive respiratory tract.
Oral Products (Edibles and Capsules)
Oral products require digestion, significantly delaying the onset of effects, often taking an hour or two. This delay occurs because the compounds pass through the liver first, where they are metabolized into a more potent form before entering the bloodstream. Since illness can alter the body’s metabolic function, the effects can be unpredictable, making precise dosing challenging.
Tinctures
Tinctures are typically administered sublingually by placing drops under the tongue, offering a more controlled and faster onset than edibles. Cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa, usually providing effects within 15 to 30 minutes. This method allows for micro-dosing and easier titration, which is helpful when feeling unwell and uncertain of tolerance.
When using any non-inhalation method while sick, start with a very low dose and increase it slowly, if needed. Cannabis use during illness should be limited to symptom management, such as helping with pain, nausea, or insomnia. Any persistent or high fever should prompt consultation with a healthcare professional, as cannabis should not replace conventional medical treatment for an active infection.