Can Cannabis Help with the Symptoms of COVID-19?

With the second wave of COVID-19 infections sweeping the globe, scientists are searching for any possible answers about the virus and its cure. Since many compounds in cannabis have potent anti-inflammatory properties, researchers are looking into the plant for its potential ability to reduce the symptoms and severity of SARS and COVID viruses.

Let’s examine what scientists have concluded so far.

This article is intended for educational purposes only. We suggest that you follow the COVID measures set forth by your local authorities and your physician.

How COVID Attacks Healthy Cells

By now, we’ve all seen pictures of the spiky round balls of the COVID-19 virus. The outer protrusions are proteins that aggressively attach to ACE2 receptors in our respiratory tract. The deeper parts of our lungs contain more ACE2 receptors than other parts of our respiratory systems, such as the mouth, nose, and throat. Because of the higher concentration of ACE2 receptors in the lungs, the COVID virus tends to penetrate deeper than common cold and flu viruses, leading to more instances of serious complications.

For the majority of affected persons, the virus produces symptoms of general fatigue, cough, and fever. However, for others, the body will experience Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which kills over 40% of patients who develop the condition.

How Cannabis May Help

Prevention

The best prevention against COVID-19 is practicing social distancing, wearing a face mask, and frequent hand washing. However, researchers are looking into ways that cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may help. Animal studies have shown that cannabinoids may lower or modulate ACE2 levels in high-risk tissues, which may help maintain healthy lung function.

Managing COVID Symptoms

First of all, anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should see a qualified physician for a diagnosis and recommended treatment. That said, physicians are investigating cannabis compounds for the potential ability to help patients manage milder symptoms of the virus.

Although much more research is needed, many cannabinoids, such as CBD, have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and act as vasodilators. These actions may be helpful to open up the bronchial passageways. A second way many consumers are using cannabis products is to help ease pain and calm anxiety.

While consuming CBD or cannabis may make mild symptoms seem more tolerable, methods of consumption should be considered. Smoking of any kind is generally counterindicated with respiratory conditions, including asthma, allergies, COPD, or cancer. Even vaping oils or dry herbs may irritate lung tissues and worsen the symptoms of COVID-19.

Another potential danger with using cannabis during the pandemic is the tendency for smokers to share joints or bowls with others. We suggest that you avoid sharing joints, vapes, or bowls and consider consuming edibles instead. If you already consume cannabis regularly or you’re considering CBD products, we suggest that you consult with a licensed medical professional to help you decide if consuming cannabis products is recommendable in your case.

Reducing COVID Severity

Cannabinoids like CBD and THC may help reduce the cytokine storms related to a severe COVID reaction. These cannabinoids have the ability to diminish the body’s inflammatory response by reducing cytokines. Cytokines are essential compounds associated with our immune responses. In severe cases, an excess of cytokines may lead to dangerously high fevers, extreme inflammation, and even organ failure.

Several renowned researchers are looking into the relationship between cannabinoids and reducing cytokine storms.

• Prakash Nagarkatti, Vice President of Research at the University of South Carolina, is conducting research examining the cannabinoid THC’s usefulness in suppressing cytokine storms and ARDS. Previously, Dr. Nagarkatti patented an FDA-approved treatment for hepatitis based on hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).
• Dedi Meiri, a cannabis researcher at the Israel Institute of Technology, is currently studying how antiviral cannabis terpenes may suppress the severe immune response to COVID-19.
• A peer-reviewed study by researchers at the Medical College of Georgia concluded that CBD’s potent anti-inflammatory effects might reduce the need for ventilators, the lack of which has been a serious complication during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, scientists still don’t know enough about the COVID-19 virus or the actions of cannabis compounds to come to any definitive conclusions. We’ll likely have a vaccine before researchers can fully understand how cannabis compounds affect these types of viruses. For now, cannabis consumers should speak with their primary care physicians, and everyone should continue following the guidelines laid out by medical authorities like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).