This year started off with some exciting new discoveries in the cannabis industry. Experts found that certain compounds in the cannabis plant appear to lessen the severity of Covid-19 infections and potentially prevent the virus from spreading.
This is promising news considering we’re in our third year of a pandemic. As a medicinal and recreational marijuana dispensary, we at Greeley Gallery feel it’s our responsibility to provide you with the best information possible. This is why we’re going to look at the research to better understand how cannabis might help us.
The Research
Two research papers published in January of 2022 show promise that certain compounds in the cannabis plant decrease the severity of the Covid-19 virus and perhaps prevent infection altogether.
The first study was done by researchers at Oregon State University and published in the Journal of Natural Products on January 10th. They found that when testing on tissue culture, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) compounds found in cannabis plants can bind the spike proteins on the virus.
CBDA and CBGA are compounds found in the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana that does not contain any psychedelic properties. They are acidic compounds that activate cannabinoids once heated. Similarly, THCA is different than the compound responsible for the high associated with marijuana.
This is promising because the spiky proteins are what cause Covid-19 to spread. When the compounds bind the spike proteins, it could prevent infections and decrease the spread.
The second research paper was published by Science Advances just a week and a half after the first. This one found new evidence that consistent, large doses of high-potency pharmaceutical-grade CBD shows promise in decreasing the likely hood of becoming infected with Covid-19. It’s important to note that this research was done on mice and cells, but there haven’t been any human trials yet.
Also, in this study, THC showed no effect on the virus, neither did other congeneric cannabinoids they tested. What did have an impact was cannabidiol (CBD) and 7-OH-CBD. CBD is also known as the miracle drug, which we’ve talked in depth about before, and 7-OH-CBD is the compound our body makes after processing CBD.
Word of Caution
Researchers’ interest surrounding these findings is understandable and reaffirms how miraculous the cannabis plant is. However, it’s vital to remember these findings are still in the early stages, and more exploration is needed. Remember, neither of these studies were performed on humans.
Both studies exercise a word of caution that the results don’t come from recreational use. This means that although we love providing you with high-quality cannabis products, smoking a joint or consuming CBD drops isn’t enough to prevent a Covid-19 infection. These findings revolve around medically high-grade CBD preparations and dosages, which you won’t find at any neighborhood cannabis dispensary.
Final Thoughts
Even though our CBD gummies won’t prevent or cure Covid-19, it’s still exciting news. Researchers from both studies are eager to begin human trials, especially as the pandemic continues.
The idea is to find a way to potentially incorporate these compounds into a future vaccine or treatment that might be used and the vaccination. Hopefully, doing so would help prevent Covid-19 infections and prevent breakthrough cases and decrease the rate of contagion.
