Can cannabis help prevent and cure coronavirus is a question that many people in Canada and around the world are asking.
Although there is no proof that cannabis could help prevent and treat coronavirus, there is evidence that cannabis has medical properties that may assist coronavirus patients. Continue reading to learn more about cannabis and coronavirus.
What Does Research Say About Cannabis and COVID-19?
Although several states in the U.S. have legalized medical marijuana, no research has been conducted on cannabis as a possible prevention and treatment for coronavirus.
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However, two Canadian researchers (Olga and Igor Kovalchuk) have been researching the possibility of how strong cannabis strains could help fight coronavirus.
Besides, researchers from the University of Miami have been researching how COVID-19 is impacting cannabis users in the United States. Individuals with chronic health conditions and a compromised immune system are among the people who qualify for medical cannabis globally.
Researchers from the University of Lethbridge alongside Pathway RX and Swysh Inc. found that Cannabis sativa extracts could help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus that causes COVID-19.
What Cannabis Can Do for COVID-19 Patients?
CBD and other cannabinoids come with several properties that can help treat a range of medical symptoms. Cannabis and mental health are among the primary reasons why people use CBD. CBD may help reduce pain and anxiety, act as a vasorelaxant, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
When used alongside other cannabinoids and terpenes, CBD is useful in treating virus symptoms, including coronavirus. Studies on animal models have shown that cannabis extracts can help reduce blood coagulation. Many systematic coronavirus effects are due to altered coagulation, meaning cannabis may help manage these issues.
Can Cannabis Prevent the Coronavirus?
Currently, there is limited research indicating that cannabis could help prevent coronavirus. However, CBD brands base their argument on a study involving incorporating cannabis into oral solutions like throat gargling liquids and mouthwashes aimed at lowering ACE2 levels as coronavirus progresses.
Animal studies of SARS viruses have shown that ACE2 plays a vital role in lung function.
Can Cannabis Help Reduce Coronavirus Severity and Impact?
COVID-19 has been associated with the production of too many cytokine proteins, also known as cytokine storm syndrome. These cytokines cause hyper-inflammation, which impacts the lungs and immune system.
Available research shows that THC and CBD, the common cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, may be beneficial to people with a poor inflammatory response.
Other researches indicate that the use of cannabinoids alongside terpenes is more effective in reducing inflammation from coronavirus than corticosteroid dexamethasone.
Although much research is needed to determine whether cannabis can help prevent coronavirus, the fact that cannabis can help reduce inflammation shows that it may help combat COVID-19 symptoms.
Can Cannabis Help Reduce Coronavirus Comorbidities?
Obesity, diabetes, and other conditions have been shown to complicate issues for COVID-19 patients.
Besides the many health benefits of cannabis oil, cannabis can help reduce a range of comorbidities of COVID-19. What’s more, cannabis will help reduce alcohol and tobacco use, all that could worsen coronavirus.
Talk to your doctor before you start smoking cannabis.
Does Cannabis Have Antiviral Effects?
Research has shown that cannabis has antiviral effects. Among other things, it can help reduce viral infection with HIV and help treat coronavirus symptoms.
The Risks of Taking Cannabis During the Pandemic
While the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids are many, you need to be careful if you want to up your cannabis intake to prevent or treat COVID-19 symptoms. Health professionals warn that smoking more cannabis is likely to put you at greater risk of infection.
According to the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, more people could be hit with cannabis use disorders during the pandemic.
Coronavirus affects the lungs, meaning it poses serious challenges for smokers. Although CBD oils and edibles are safe alternatives, it’s unlikely that they will be useful in preventing or treating coronavirus.
Could Cannabis Help Prevent and Treat Coronavirus? Bottom Line
So far, research done on cannabis and coronavirus show that a special strain of cannabis can help prevent coronavirus.
As we have mentioned, cannabis can help decrease the ACE2 receptor, ultimately blocking the virus from entering the body.
Besides, scientists believe that Cannabis Sativa with high anti-inflammatory CBD can prevent the virus from propagating if it is already in your system.
Since research on whether cannabis is a safe and effective method to prevent and treat coronavirus is in the early stages, it will take time to get a clear answer regarding cannabis and coronavirus.
In the meantime, maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and follow all the health guidelines protocols to protect yourself from coronavirus.
