Can Cannabis Help Treat Cold & Flu Symptoms?

It’s that time of year again when your group chat is filled with “I think I’m getting sick” texts, and the pharmacy shelves look suspiciously empty. Whether it’s a full-blown flu or just the sniffles, feeling under the weather is never fun.

If medical cannabis is part of your go-to routine for relaxation, sleep, or pain relief, you might be wondering: Should I still use it when I’m sick? The short answer? Probably—just not the way you normally do.

Lighting up a joint or taking a big rip from your vape might not be the best move when your throat already feels like sandpaper. But the good news? There are plenty of non-smoking ways to enjoy cannabis and ease your symptoms.

Why Skip Smoking When You’re Sick?

Look, we all love a good smoke sesh, but having a clogged nose and a throat that is on fire, inhaling anything (yes, even cannabis) might make things much worse. Smoke and vapor can be harsh on your already irritated airways, leading to more coughing, dryness, and overall feeling like trash.

But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid medical cannabis like the plague.

In fact, it could still help with:

✅ Easing body aches

✅ Promoting better sleep

✅ Relaxing sore muscles

✅ Keeping nausea in check

The trick is choosing the correct method. Instead of smoking- other options like edibles, tinctures, and topicals can help give you relief without making your symptoms worse.

Edibles: A Tasty Way to Feel Better

Smoking or vaping can feel like adding salt to an open wound when your throat’s already scratchy and your lungs are working overtime. Edibles offer a great alternative, giving you some much needed relief without the irritation of inhaling smoke or vapor.

Unlike smoking, which hits almost immediately, edibles take a little longer to kick in—usually anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours—but the effects last much longer. This can be a game-changer when you’re dealing with body aches, chills, and that overall “I just want to hide in bed” feeling.

The trick is starting low and going slow since edibles tend to hit harder than inhaled cannabis. Your digestion might also be slower than usual when you’re sick, meaning that edible you ate could take even longer to work. Patience is key, so once it kicks in, be prepared to relax and get some much-needed sleep.

If your throat is sore, stick to soft-textured edibles like gummies or chocolates rather than anything too crunchy or chewy. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water—cannabis can cause dry mouth, which won’t do you any favors when you’re already feeling rough.

Tinctures: The Sick Day Sidekick

Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that bring relief without the hassle. Just squeeze a few drops under your tongue, hold them there for about a minute, and let the cannabinoids get to work. Unlike edibles, tinctures absorb straight into your bloodstream, meaning you’ll start feeling the effects in as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Not in the mood to hold the liquid under your tongue? No worries. Stir some into tea, soup, or even a spoonful of honey for a cozy way to get your dose without any extra effort.

Another plus? You control the dose. Unlike edibles, where you're stuck with whatever’s in that gummy or chocolate square, tinctures let you start small and add more if needed. Maybe just a drop or two to unwind at first, then a little extra to help get some real rest.

No smoke, no wait, no problem. Just an easy, customizable way to keep medical cannabis in the rotation.

Topicals: Targeted Relief Without the High

Body aches are the worst part of being sick—everything feels stiff, sore, and way too uncomfortable to get any real rest. In this case, topicals can be just what you need. These creams, balms, and lotions work directly on sore muscles and joints without entering your bloodstream, so you get relief without feeling high.

Unlike edibles or tinctures that take time to kick in, topicals go to work right away as they absorb into your skin. A cooling gel or warming balm can help loosen up tense shoulders, stiff necks, or an achy lower back, making it easier to relax. If sinus pressure has your head feeling like it’s about to pop, try massaging a medical cannabis-infused cream around your temples or jawline to help ease the tension.

Want to take it up a notch? Add a topical with a warm bath or heating pad for next-level relaxation. The mix of heat and cannabinoids can help melt away discomfort while you kick back and let your body recover.

Rest, Hydrate, and Let Cannabis Do Its Thing

Flu season is never fun, but just because you’re feeling rough doesn’t mean you have to forget about the best plant medicine: medical cannabis. Skipping the smoke doesn’t mean skipping the relief—there are plenty of ways to make medical cannabis work for you while you recover.

Whether you’re looking to get some solid sleep, relax sore muscles, or just feel a little more human, there’s an option that doesn’t involve irritating your throat or lungs.

The key? Listen to your body. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and keep your cannabis routine gentle and easy while you’re under the weather. You’ll be back to your usual self soon enough!

Above should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a physician if you are sick.