Science & Medical

COVID-19 and Cannabis: Potential for Prevention and Reduction of Severity

Recent studies have shown cannabinoids may reduce the severity of COVID-19, offering potential benefits in preventing infection and treating long-term symptoms. Other research findings have also shown that cannabis consumers potentially experience less severe COVID-19 outcomes, and specific cannabinoids like CBDa and CBGa are particularly strong in preventing the virus from infecting cells.

In recent research conducted at Dalhousie University in Canada, scientists have studied the potential of cannabis and its compounds in mitigating the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infections.

For more news like this, along with all the latest in legalization, research, and lifestyle, download our free cannabis news app.

Exploring the Preventative Properties of Cannabinoids

The comprehensive COVID-19 study, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, explores the preventive therapeutic properties of cannabinoids and their impact on the early and post-infection stages of the virus.

According to the study from Dalhousie University, cannabinoids have demonstrated their ability to prevent virus entry, mitigate oxidative stress, and reduce the cytokine storm associated with early COVID-19 infections. As indicated by the Journal of Clinical Medicine, “cannabinoids have the potential to be used as a preventive approach to limit susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infections,” acting on multiple fronts to strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms.

Long-Term COVID-19 Treatment

Beyond the acute phase of infection, cannabinoids are also promising in treating symptoms associated with long-term COVID-19 infections, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, and loss of appetite.

Cannabis Consumers and COVID-19 Hospital Data

This aligns with the findings of another study based on hospital data, revealing that cannabis consumers with COVID-19 exhibited lower rates of intubation, respiratory failure, and death compared to non-consumers.

Despite the optimistic outlook, researchers at Dalhousie University do not hesitate to highlight the limitations of their findings. The lack of standardization in cannabis products and potential variations in how cannabinoids affect different age groups are acknowledged challenges.

The authors also emphasize the importance of continuing research, particularly through clinical trials and well-designed studies, to understand the underlying mechanisms, optimal doses, administration patterns, and potential side effects associated with modulating the endocannabinoid system in the context of viral infections.

According to the study, “to fully understand the efficacy and safety of cannabinoid-based medicines in the context of COVID-19, further research is necessary.” This cautious approach underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and modulation of the endocannabinoid system in the onset and persistence of COVID-19 symptoms.

Additional Research on Cannabis and COVID-19

In October 2022, a study based on hospital data suggested that cannabis consumers exhibited lower rates of severe outcomes related to COVID-19.

Furthermore, a 2022 laboratory study by Oregon State University highlighted the potential of certain cannabinoids in preventing the virus from entering human cells. However, it is crucial to note that this latter study focused on specific cannabinoids under controlled laboratory conditions and did not consider cannabis consumption by patients themselves, as pointed out by UCLA physicians.

A Canadian COVID-19 study also determined that certain cannabinoids, CBDa and CBGa, prevented Covid infection.

(Featured image by Kimzy Nanney via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third-party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Hemp.im, its management, staff, or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in Newsweed, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Hemp.im assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Hemp.im is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.

Sharon Harris

Sharon Harris is a feminist and a part-time nomad. She reports about businesses primarily involved in tech, CBD, and crypto. She started her career as a product manager at a Silicon Valley startup but now enjoys a new life as a personal finance geek and writer. Her primary aim is to provide readers with a new perspective on the overlapping world of finance and technology.

Recent Posts

Women Represent 61% of Home Cannabis Growers in the U.S.

A survey found that women comprise 61% of home cannabis growers, marking a diversion from…

14 hours ago

Denmark Proposes Making Its Medical Cannabis Program Permanent

Denmark plans to make its pilot medical cannabis program permanent following its success in treating…

2 days ago

Polish Lawmakers Petition Donald Tusk for Cannabis Decriminalization

Polish lawmakers have submitted a non-binding petition to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, urging cannabis decriminalization…

1 week ago

The UK Medical Cannabis Market: Growth, Diversification, and Opportunities

The UK medical cannabis market has rapidly grown since legalization in 2018, with private actors…

1 week ago

Alcohol & Cannabis: 60% of Cannabis Users Say It Helps Them Drink Less

A new study involving over 23,000 participants in New Zealand found that 60% of people…

1 week ago

French Interior and Justice Ministers Announce Measures to Combat Organized Crime

The French Ministers of the Interior and Justice announced a comprehensive plan to tackle organized…

2 weeks ago