Can you spread germs and viruses by joints, read this https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/can-you-share-a-joint-without-sharing-germs-viruses-bacteria-and-cooties

1. 6/19/22, 6:37 PM Can You Share a Joint Without Sharing Germs, Viruses, Bacteria, and Cooties?
https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/can-you-share-a-joint-without-sharing-germs-viruses-bacteria-and-cooties 2/11
GERMAPHOBES SHARING JOINTS
Can You Share a Joint Without
Sharing Germs, Viruses, Bacteria, and
Cooties?
Germaphobes are afraid to share a joint, but should they be?
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2. 6/19/22, 6:37 PM Can You Share a Joint Without Sharing Germs, Viruses, Bacteria, and Cooties?
https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/can-you-share-a-joint-without-sharing-germs-viruses-bacteria-and-cooties 3/11
A lot of cannabis users are very familiar with the trend of sharing a joint. But, is such practice safe, or
should it be entirely avoided? Are there valid reasons for concern or there's really no harm in sharing a
joint? This article explores all these questions, and further suggests the safest ways to share weed among
our friends.
A joint shared keeps friends together. One of the decent cultures among stoners is sharing a joint. It's been
a part of the culture for many years and the tradition won't be ending anytime soon. It's believed to be the
best way to bond with old friends and connect with new ones. Puff, puff, pass didn't happen by accident in
cannabis folklore.
But on the other hand, there are concerns about hygiene, especially among germaphobes, who consider
ingesting another's oral fluid a disaster. And that stance is quite understandable. Does this concern hold
water? Is it paranoia? If not, what's the deal then? To answer these questions, we first need to explore how
germs spread (https://cannabis.net/blog/how-to/how-to-share-a-joint-without-sharing-corona-a-
germophobes-guide-to-getting-high). And while we might have a general idea of what germs are, we need
to get more scientific here.
Dr. Michael Benniger, an otolaryngologist while addressing the Cleveland Clinic claimed that human saliva
consists of enzymes and antibodies which help to reduce contagious risks. Although, he notes that
activities that involve exchanging spit are quite a high risk. This implies that germ spread as well as those
that transmit serious infections is easier to do with a "wet" jiont.

3. 6/19/22, 6:37 PM Can You Share a Joint Without Sharing Germs, Viruses, Bacteria, and Cooties?
https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/can-you-share-a-joint-without-sharing-germs-viruses-bacteria-and-cooties 4/11
It is also crucial to point out that various kinds of bacteria live and inhabit our surroundings. According to
Dr. Christine Zurawski, bacteria and viruses are part of our everyday lives. All that matters is being able to
identify the good ones from the bad ones. Dr. Zurawski noted that bacteria present on personal items such
as our clothes, and phones do not present any harm and are of no cause of concern. However, pathogens
outside of our homes are the main cause of concern.
Can Sharing a Joint Get You Sick?
Philip Tierno, a clinical professor of NYU at the department of Microbiology and Pathology, claimed that
approximately 80% of widespread infections spread via indirect and direct contact. This includes contact
with surfaces and subsequently touching a sensitive part of the body such as the eye.
Regarding sharing of saliva, Tierno pointed out that such activities as well as sharing a joint expose people
to the risk of catching infections like herpes and flu. One is also exposed to contracting staph infections
strep throat, stomach flu, including meningitis.
Can You Contract Herpes from Sharing a Bong or Joint?
Germs' survival outside the human body is dependent on a moist environment. Thu then prompts the
question; Can these germs survive on a jay crutch? How does moisture and germ survival apply to sharing
joints?
Tierno explained that the moisture of surrounding air is more than enough needed by germs to strive. So,
sharing joints indoors, absent of UV light, presents the perfect opportunity for germs to thrive for months.
This means sharing a joint with several individuals increases the risk of passing or contracting several
infections like herpes (https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/can-you-get-herpes-from-sharing-a-bong). But,
Tierno clarified that exposure to any kind of UV light will help kill germs within minutes of exposure.
Does this mean the common practice of burning off pathogens on the filter or crutch of a joint is an
alternative solution? Frankly, that continues to be a smoker's myth as no empirical evidence suggests an
affirmative answer.

4. 6/19/22, 6:37 PM Can You Share a Joint Without Sharing Germs, Viruses, Bacteria, and Cooties?
https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/can-you-share-a-joint-without-sharing-germs-viruses-bacteria-and-cooties 5/11
But does this apply to bongs? Well, considering little saliva is involved compared to a joint, does that make
a difference? Sadly, the answer is No. Given there's still lip contact with the bong, there's a risk of
contracting herpes, flu, and other infections.
When it comes to herpes especially, sharing bongs or joints could lead to contracting HSV-1; Herpes
Simplex Type 1. In comparison, HSV-1 is contracted through oral transmission while HSV-2 is transmitted
via skin-to-skin contact. As regards HSV-1, the highest risk of transmission ensue when there's direct
contact with an infected person. So, if an individual in the group has the virus, there's a high probability
they transmit it to everyone they share a joint with.
Well, the good news is most cases of HSV-1 are not severe. Studies have shown that it can induce damage
to the temporal lobe and even Alzheimer’s disease. So, it is just best that one avoids it.
How to Share Weed Safely
Given the concerns of transmission of infections, germaphobes now need answers to if weed can be safely
shared?
Fortunately, there's a contactless, and safe way to share joints, although it involves some little hand tricks.
You start by putting the non-burning end of the joint between your smallest fingers. Then, you connect
your thumb and index finger to form a circle.
While the first hand acts as the underside to the rounded paw, you shape the hand to achieve a cup-like
form. Connect both hands by placing the fingers of the cupped hand on the smaller fingers of the rounded
hand. The whole created will serve as a chamber to drag some puffs. Have a friend light up the joint and
take a puff, you'll get to see there's no contact between the joint and your mouth, reducing the chance of
transmission. While it may take several practices, having a decent hit is achievable.
It's also important to mention that having just friends in your joint circle reduces the risk of contracting
diseases. That is provided they are honest about their health conditions.
Whatever the case, ensure you keep your joint circle as small as possible and always observe if anyone is
showing symptoms of infections. Anyone displaying such symptoms should be temporarily excluded from
the circle.
Conclusion
Whether or not you are a germaphobe, it's quite necessary to be careful with bacteria and germ
transmission. Subsequently, it's better to be familiar ain't the dos and don't so you can enjoy bonding with
friends over shared joints.
By being familiar with the right information, you can share a joint with friends while making every attempt
to prevent the transmission of infection. The truth is, one can't completely avoid the risks of sharing a joint
but this smoking trading is what keeps the cannabis community connected. So it's really up to you to
participate or not.
HYGENE, JOINTS, AND SHARING, READ THESE...

5. 6/19/22, 6:37 PM Can You Share a Joint Without Sharing Germs, Viruses, Bacteria, and Cooties?
https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/can-you-share-a-joint-without-sharing-germs-viruses-bacteria-and-cooties 6/11
(https://cannabis.net/blog/how-to/how-to-share-a-joint-
without-sharing-corona-a-germophobes-guide-to-getting-high)
CAN YOU GET COVID BY SHARING A JOINT, WE ASKED! (https://cannabis.net/blog/how-to/how-to-share-
a-joint-without-sharing-corona-a-germophobes-guide-to-getting-high)
OR..
(https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/can-you-get-herpes-
from-sharing-a-bong)
CAN YOU GET HEPRES BY SHARING A BONG, FIND OUT HERE! (https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/can-
you-get-herpes-from-sharing-a-bong)
What did you think?
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6. 6/19/22, 6:37 PM Can You Share a Joint Without Sharing Germs, Viruses, Bacteria, and Cooties?
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