Who’s barring cannabis users? Red Cross at least only has a problem if your decision-making appears impaired. They don’t even ask you to wait between smoking and donating as long as you’re thinking clearly enough.
This isn’t true in the US anymore, and it was only ever true for men who had sex with men.
In a news release, the federal agency said it will recommend a series of “individual risk-based questions” that will be the same for every blood donor, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender or sex. Those who have had anal sex with a new sexual partner, or more than one sexual partner, within the last three months would be asked to wait to donate blood.
With the updated guidelines, most gay and bisexual men who are in a monogamous relationship with a man will no longer have to refrain from sex in order to donate blood.
They only stipulate intravenous drug use. Nothing about cannabis. And I don’t recall them ever asking about cannabis during the questionnaire when I’ve donated. (And I donate regularly)
Saving lives is pretty hot, but its a shame they don’t let you do this if you’re gay or use cannabis.
Edit: this is getting out of hand, I do not live in the US. Happy for y’all that do! Although, overall I’m pretty glad not to be living there.
Who’s barring cannabis users? Red Cross at least only has a problem if your decision-making appears impaired. They don’t even ask you to wait between smoking and donating as long as you’re thinking clearly enough.
People who take drugs are banned from giving blood in many countries.
This isn’t true in the US anymore, and it was only ever true for men who had sex with men.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2023/05/11/1175622785/fda-blood-donations-gay-bisexual-men
Also as far as I can tell there is nothing preventing you from donating if you use cannabis. Look at the Red Cross eligibility criteria here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical.html
They only stipulate intravenous drug use. Nothing about cannabis. And I don’t recall them ever asking about cannabis during the questionnaire when I’ve donated. (And I donate regularly)