CAN CANNABIS HELP WITH COVID-19?

The cannabis plant has been used for thousands of years for its special properties. The plant contains a large number of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, which have beneficial properties for our body and mind. Scientists are now also studying the cannabis plant to see what it could mean in the event of a COVD-19 infection.

We are not rid of corona yet

Corona appears to be an unruly virus: highly contagious and in some cases even deadly. Whether you are young or old, male or female, you can get corona. And it can cause severe illness, even if you are healthy and fit. That makes us wonder what you can do to protect yourself.

Cannabis is rich in valuable substances. There are the cannabinoids CBD and THC (cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol). These substances are known to inhibit inflammation and have an analgesic effect. Now it is being investigated whether these (and perhaps other, unknown) properties are useful in combating or even preventing corona.

What cannabis can mean for Corona

The research into the active ingredients in cannabis are unfortunately still in its infancy. Not much information is available yet. What can happen with a serious COVID-19 contamination is that a cytokine storm develops. The body then produces too many cytokines (these are inflammatory proteins). The result is that the body starts to attack its own cells. This makes corona contamination even more dangerous.

Patients suffering from a cytokine storm often develop ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). This can occur with serious respiratory infections, including corona and is one of the causes that this infection can be fatal.

Medicinal effects of CBD

The cannabinoids CBD and THC can be found in the fight against corona both are a weapon. Research shows that CBD recovery of the lungs can stimulate in a cytokine storm. It causes oxygen levels to normalize more quickly. This can aid a patient in overall recovery. CBD can also increase the severity of the complaints reduce, which in some cases eliminates the need for extreme interventions. to do. Think of mechanical ventilation. It is also possible that it can prevent ARDS from developing.

This is shown in research done by scientists at the Dental College of Georgia. It is good to realize that this has only been studied in mice and not yet in humans. The results are promising, but it cannot be predicted whether they will be just as positive in humans.

THC in a corona infection

To learn more about the influence of THC on a cytokine storm and ARDS gave researchers a bacterial infection with Staphylococcus enterotoxin B. This causes ARDS in mice and that is generally deadly. There were several groups of mice and the researchers gave one of the groups THC immediately after the infection. The dose was repeated 24 and 48 hours afterwards.

It was striking that all mice not treated with THC died. In contrast, all mice that did receive THC survived. The data showed that THC reduced the symptoms of pneumonia. The severity of the cytokine storm also decreased. The THC-treated mice were found to have elevated levels of T cells in their blood. These are the cells that are important for resistance and other white blood cells.

The studies are promising, but it is important to realize that these are just the first results. And the studies have not yet been done on humans. More research is needed, but luckily interest in the powerful properties of cannabis is growing.

How can you use cannabis?

Want cannabis to support your body? Smoking weed is one way, but of course it has a negative impact on your lungs, which can irritate them. Now with a corona pandemic it's maybe not the best idea. Alternatively, you can opt for edibles. Enjoy a tasty snack with a mind-altering effect that protects your lungs. A third option is vaping cannabis: you can dose exactly and because the plant material evaporates, no harmful substances are released.