How can CBD help with Covid-19?

With a desperate need for more research into treatments for Covid-19, Cannabis Health News examines the ways in which CBD could help.

The world has been battling the Covid-19 crisis since 2020. The number of global infections and deaths keeps rising. As of 16 January 2022, the international infection numbers stood at 326,813,089, while the deaths reached 5,553,745.

According to research studies, CBD shows potential as a possible antiviral agent. The research is still in its early stages, and some studies have only been conducted in vitro. There is a growing need for the research to be advanced further, especially considering the virus’s rate of mutating. 

CBD may prevent infection and stabilise the aggressive immune response

According to a study published in March 2021, CBD may be essential during the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The researchers treated cells with CBD 24 hours before infecting them with SARS-CoV-2. CBD effectively suppressed the viral infection and promoted the destruction of the viral RNA. CBD, directly and indirectly, induces interferon production, enabling the body to fight the virus. 

The researchers additionally analysed 93,000 patients tested for Covid-19. The results indicated that individuals that were taking FDA-approved CBD before the test showed a reduced risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2.

The study further supported previous studies relating to CBD and its function in inhibiting cytokine activation. SARS-CoV-2 attacks and weakens a host’s respiratory system. As a response, the immune system has an overactive inflammatory response. This leads to a cytokine storm, the leading cause of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, characterised by fluids in the alveoli. Consequently, severe tissue damage leads to multiple organ failure and death. 

In summary, this study concludes that CBD acts as an antiviral agent in the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, the cannabinoid helps stabilise the aggressive immune response during the advanced stages of infection. 

CBD and CBG acidic precursors may prevent SARS-CoV-2 from penetrating human cells

Another notable study was conducted recently by researchers from Oregon State University. According to the results, CBDA and CBGA, which are acidic precursors of CBD and CBG, respectively, show potential in blocking SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants from entering human cells. Cell penetration is one of the virus’s main processes before infecting the host. 

The research team used a proprietary screening technique to identify the two acidic cannabinoids. The team concluded that Cannabigerol acid and Cannabidiol acid, at specific potency levels, helped minimise the infections by half. This is a promising result that needs to be explored further. The authors of the study noted that for this to work in humans, the potency of the CBDA and CBGA needs to be considerably high, but it is not impossible to achieve. 

The different variants and the consequent spread of the virus have raised concerns worldwide. The most prevalent mutations are Alpha and Beta, which CBGA and CBDA block effectively. The scientists are hopeful that the results will be replicated in other studies involving different variants, such as Omicron, Delta, Gamma, and others. 

Supporting pre-covid study on CBD and Asthma

A pre-covid study conducted in 2019 looked into the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in reducing the inflammation of the lungs and managing airways hyper-responsiveness. Although the study was not on SARS-CoV-2, it does prove how CBD works to inhibit cytokine production. The study concluded that different dosages of CBD help to stabilise airway hyper-responsiveness. However, only high doses of cannabidiol seemed to combat lung inflammation. 

The research on the effects of CBD on SARS-CoV-2 is still in its infancy stage. There is a growing need for more studies as the cannabinoid promises a lasting, diverse solution. With new variants popping from different parts of the world, having a solution that cuts across the mutations will bring about much-needed relief. 

Other ways CBD can help with Covid-19

One of the symptoms of Covid-19 is pain, which can stem from body aches or headaches. Numerous studies have concluded that CBD does possess potent analgesic properties. The cannabinoid is widely used as a pain-reliever by hundreds of individuals, especially since its legal status is no longer complicated. General perspective and attitudes towards CBD are positive, especially for people who have confirmed its efficiency. Covid patients can utilise CBD to combat pain. 

Since the pandemic struck, the number of individuals experiencing anxiety has significantly increased. Patients with Covid face great fear of being incapacitated and possibly dying. The growing mortality rate fuels this fear. CBD is a natural anxiolytic that can aid in alleviating anxiety.

According to Your Covid Recovery, many Covid patients experience changes in their sleep cycle. While some find it challenging to fall asleep, others experience interrupted sleep, keeping them awake most of the night. CBD helps restore the normal sleep cycle, leaving patients refreshed and healthier. 

Take away

CBD presents as a potential antiviral agent in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Research suggests that CBD can help prevent infection and stabilise aggressive immune responses to the virus. More research is needed to solidify these findings. CBD is readily available, comes in various forms, has minimal side effects, and is self-administered. This makes the ideal treatment option if or when it is confirmed in large-scale studies.