Medical studies provide evidence that CBD may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection
Since 2020, all of us have been affected by events outside of our control – a global pandemic included. Vaccines continue to work towards the maintenance of the COVID-19 virus and provide us with a sense of normalcy; but what about those who cannot get vaccinated or do not have access to medical treatment? Are there any alternative solutions to treat the severity of the COVID virus as it continues to adapt?
Several medical studies may point to an answer – in hemp science! The National Center for Biotechnology Information released a peer reviewed study in March 2021 that suggested treating SARS-CoV-2 with cannabinoids during early stages of infection may potentially provide therapeutic or preventative effects within the patient; in their study, “a cohort of human patients previously taking CBD had significantly lower SARSCoV-2 infection incidence” relative to the general population.
But this wasn’t the only study of its kind to suggest the potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids in relation to the COVID virus. A study by UChicago Medicine in January 2022 claims “cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits infection of SARS-CoV-2 in cells and mice.” While not initially intending to study the therapeutic effects of CBD on infected subjects, researchers were surprised to discover the potential for hemp compounds to fight COVID infection.
Another study by Oregon State researchers in early January of 2022 found similar results in a lab test, showing that hemp compounds were equally effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and certain variants. Researchers at Oregon State claim in their study that cannabidiol, “orally bioavailable and with a long history of safe human use, [has] the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.” These discoveries have helped to develop an understanding within the scientific community about CBD’s potential medical benefits.
What’s Next?
After completing lab tests and animal trials, a clinical human trial is the next step in studying the medical benefits of treating COVID infections with CBD. Since these statements have not yet been evaluated in terms of human use, medical practitioners caution against using unregulated CBD and hemp products to prevent or treat COVID or any other medical condition. The FDA has not yet declared cannabinoids as a barrier against or treatment for COVID, and more medical research is required to better understand the potential immunizing effects of naturally occurring hemp.
