Dear Stoner,

Can I donate blood if I’m a daily cannabis user? My work is hosting a blood drive next week and I’d like to participate, but I smoke weed everyday. Can I still donate my blood? Or will I be refused for having THC in my blood?

– Green Blooded

Dear Green Blooded,

In short, yes. You can donate blood and no one will refuse it at the blood drive. The use of cannabis does not disqualify an individual from blood donation, but potential donors cannot give if their use of cannabis impairs their memory or comprehension… so don’t show up stoned. There is no data that specifies how long an individual should wait between cannabis use and blood donation, but I would recommend waiting at least a little while so you don’t show up red-eyed and giggly. The Red Cross also does not test blood donations for the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the principal psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. The Red Cross encourages all eligible donors who feel well enough to give blood, to do so. Eligibility to donate blood is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, not the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The FDA does not require blood collectors to test for THC. And don’t worry, a transfusion recipient will NOT fail a drug test if they receive your blood. So, puff away my guy! And good on you for donating some of your life juice!

Sincerely,