The coronavirus is spreading, and legal cannabis sales are booming. In California alone 94 percent of relevant businesses report that sales have jumped since the state’s stay-at-home order took effect. But the high, whether for medicinal or recreational purposes, should be experienced with added precaution. It may be part of cannabis culture to share greens in times of need, but the virus has brought the chill of real danger to the beloved ritual of puff-puff-pass.

Although not all the facts are known, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does know that the coronavirus is highly infectious and can spread when respiratory droplets (i.e., tiny flecks of saliva) from an infected host go airborne. Sneezing and coughing are easy means of transmission, and kissing, sharing products and touching infected surfaces—even with those you’re self-isolating with—are all potential gateways to an end of high times.

“Sharing a vape pen, pipe or bong can easily transfer infected saliva,” says Stewart Titus, Ph.D., CEO of Medical Marijuana Inc. Because the virus can stay viable on some surfaces for up to three days, traces of infected saliva left on your cannabis accessories could spread the virus to anyone you share with. “The moment your mouth touches that object, it’s coming into contact with their saliva—thus putting you at risk of contracting an illness.

“It’s the same principle that applies for doorknobs, sinks and other regularly used surfaces,” Titus continues. “Saliva and other pathogen-carrying material can linger on these materials and transfer onto your skin upon contact.”

And no, putting a flame over the mouthpiece isn’t a surefire way to kill the virus. When the Trump administration stated during a news conference that the coronavirus would be killed by seasonal heat, the World Health Organization cried fake news. Following the president’s claims, the WHO published a memo stating that there is no proof to support the idea that any amount of heat will kill the virus.

The idea of heat as a germicide is neither fact nor fiction, but authorities are urging businesses—not just consumers—to remain aware that, if extra care isn’t taken, they could spread the illness among their customers. Christina Tinoco, store manager of Tradecraft Farms in Vista, California, reports that dispensaries are indeed taking precautionary measures.

“We decided to create a curbside program so customers don’t have to come inside; they can order and pay by phone,” she says. “Upon arrival one of our staff members will come out and give them their order, so it’s a very quick, in-and-out process.”

Dispensary measures are similar to those of other businesses deemed essential by California’s government, such as limiting physical contact by decreasing the number of patrons allowed in-store at one time. Louis Mario Freese (also known as BReal), founder of the Dr. Greenthumb dispensary chain, must take into consideration his many locations throughout California during the pandemic.

“Shop owners can do all that has been suggested to keep staff and consumers safe,” he says, “making sure they’re six feet apart if there’s a line outside and having our staff sanitize the shop consistently throughout the day.” At one location in Sylmar the chain is even offering a delivery program covering a 30-mile radius.

Of course, since this is an unprecedented moment in the world of legalized cannabis (not to mention the world at large), rules vary depending on the provider. Tinoco, for instance, reports that Tradecraft Farms has a strict “no-touch” policy if a customer chooses to enter a shop. The small joys that many have grown accustomed to, such as touching and smelling the flower, are highly discouraged.

“We recommend that customers come in knowing what they want so our sales associates can get it for them quickly and easily,” BReal says. “Customers can call ahead as well to ask about available product and suggestions to make this process easier and quicker.”

Regardless of how the product makes it to your home, you can’t be too cautious these days. And given that the facts of the pandemic and its guidelines are still revealing themselves, it’s up to you to take the steps that will keep you safe and make you feel at ease when you indulge in your favorite greens.