By Keith Grevenitz
Coronavirus vs The Social Smoker
I know what you’re thinking.
This coronavirus is stressing me out. I should smoke a joint.
Me too. Even the cashier at my grocery store had a mask on and as I’m leaving, I can’t help but think maybe he inadvertently laced my lettuce with Covid-19. I’m probably just being paranoid, right?
Cannabis sure is great for sharing. I bring a handful of joints to parties– it’s my 420 equivalent to bringing a bottle of wine. I survey the party, asking everyone whom I haven’t met if they’d care to join. Then at least half a dozen of us carefree individuals enjoy the hell out of those joints. Has the marijuana world undergone such a drastic change in 2020 because of the coronavirus? Is this the end of my ritual social smoke sessions?
Right now, I just don’t know. The prevailing doctrine regarding the coronavirus has been that the elderly and infants are most at risk. I smoke with zero babies, but on occasion, I do enjoy smoking with the elderly. It’s just so great to see them overcome the reefer madness stigma. They still feel like they are doing something a little naughty and I love it. In all seriousness, the coronavirus is very contagious and persons that do regularly come in contact with the elderly and infants should be extra careful not to infect those most vulnerable. If that means saying no to joining in on a social joint or blunt, so be it. Your Grandpappy deserves at least that. After all, if it weren’t for them, you wouldn’t even be here.
Social smokers can take certain precautions to stave off germs. If you’re sharing a glass, alcohol wipes can give you some peace of mind. If you’ve ever been to a cannabis festival, you may have used personal silicone mouthpieces for using shared glass. Hell yeah! That thing has been sitting in your weed box since that 420 parties you went to in 2017. There has never been a better time to dust it off and use it! They are even dishwasher safe. If you don’t have one, the guys at Moose Labs can help you out.
At the risk of seeming stingy, at least for the time being, I’m going to be avoiding smoking with a bunch of strangers. It’s not that people like me are at a high level of risk — most healthy adults have nothing to worry about. That being said, let’s wash our hands, people. If you have to sneeze or cough, use the old vampire method. They call it that because if you had a cape on and you pulled it in front of your face like Dracula, you’d be in the best position to not spread germs.
Cough or sneeze in your arm. Wash your hands frequently. For now, *sigh* hold off on those smoking circles, it’s now completely acceptable to bogart the joint. “Puff, Puff, hold ” is now a thing. Avoid crowded places if you can, the coronavirus is airborne and can remain that way for up to three hours. It can stay active on fabric for up to 12 hours, metal surfaces 24 hours. Ugh, I have to fly to a wedding this month in the confines of a sealed piece of metal with wings and tiny windows. I better have some edibles with me. Please keep me in your prayers and remember I am not a doctor or an expert in epidemiology. Stay safe and informed.
Keith Grevenitz graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Creative Writing and English from the University of Arizona. He is a liberal, an activist, and a knowledgeable cannabis guru who formerly worked in marketing and compassionate care. Currently, Keith is venturing into a harm reduction alcohol startup that hopes to prevent liver damage, hangovers, and other harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Interests include playing blues guitar, collecting and appreciating art, psychedelic research/legalization, the science of cannabis, and the fight for equity and justice for all mankind.