New research on cannabis and COVID-19 has everyone talking. Published in the Journal of Natural Products, researchers at Oregon State University found two compounds in cannabis, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) have the potential to protect against COVID. In the study, researchers found these compounds can bind to SARS-CoV-2, the spike protein that causes COVID-19. In other words, it was able to block the virus’s ability to enter healthy cells. “These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans,” Richard Van Breemen, a pharmacologist and researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, explains. “They have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.”
What this study means for the future of COVID prevention and treatment
While the results of this study are certainly interesting, doctors caution against thinking of cannabis as a “magic pill” for COVID protection. “While the study is promising, it’s too early to make any definitive claims. The study conducted was a cell culture experiment,” says Dr. Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN and board-certified physician. “If the research were to ever get to the point where we can use it freely, it would have to go through animal studies as well as human trials, so we still have a long way to go.” Interestingly, the study also suggests that tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) could act in a similar way to preventing COVID-19. “This compound could potentially be even more effective than CBDA and CBGA,” Dr. Lewis explains. However, since THC is illegal at the federal level, researchers were only able to examine the effects of CBDA and CBGA, which are legal substances. “What we do know definitively is that there are a lot of good things about cannabis in general, and CBD may help boost the immune system,” Dr. Lewis explains.
Is cannabis more effective with certain variants?
The answer to this question is still unclear, and more research needs to be conducted in order to draw more definitive conclusions. “Since the study wasn’t actually conducted on human trials but rather human cells, we don’t know for sure how effective this research is when it comes to the different variants of the coronavirus,” says Dr. Lewis. We ultimately need more research to be done, as each variant is different, he says.
Who can benefit from cannabis or CBD? Are there risks involved?
CBD and other cannabinoids can benefit consumers who have special health and wellness needs. “CBD users report using it for stress and anxiety, to manage aches and pains, and to support sleep,” Dr. Lewis explains. Additionally, studies have found that CBD and CBDA appear to support innate and adaptive immunity and interferon signaling pathways. “CBD suppresses cytokine activation in response to viral infection, reducing the likelihood of immune cell recruitment and subsequent cytokine storms within the lungs and other affected tissues,” Dr. Lewis states. “Before taking CBD, always consult your healthcare provider.” Next up, 50 Best Weed Puns So Lit They’re Guaranteed to Get You Giggling.
Sources
Journal of Natural Products: “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV‑2 and the Emerging Variants”Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN, a board-certified physician
