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This is a topic we’re keeping tabs on. COVID’s taken a huge toll on the world’s communities — people and businesses are suffering.
That’s why we’re on a mission to share promising new research on CBD* (and other cannabinoids) and coronavirus with you. If there’s evidence that cannabidiol can take a bite out of COVID — you should know about it, in case it can help.
So, keep reading for the latest coronavirus-CBD research on:
* This post covers research that was published since our July 6, 2021 postReviewing Research on CBD for COVID-19 Therapy (which we suggest reading if you need an overview of how COVID-19 works in the body). To the best of our knowledge, the studies referenced in this article all used therapeutic-grade CBD that was purer or contained higher concentrations of cannabidiol than what’s on the market for public consumption.
This has been explored relatively comprehensively, meaning that several different lab and data analysis studies have been conducted.
Early results show that therapeutic doses of CBD do have a protective effect against COVID.(1) The studies were done in animals or test tubes or using computer models — so that’s something to consider.
According to the National Institute of Health’s COVID-19 Research initiative:(1)
So, how does CBD help safeguard us from getting COVID?
The research indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 virus molecules enter the body, usually through the respiratory system.(2) The virus then forces its way into cells (e.g., lung cells).
CBD doesn’t hinder the virus’s ability to enter cells.(3) (Though, there’s evidence that CBD’s precursor — CBDA — can keep coronavirus from busting into cells!)(4) But, what the CBD does start to attach the virus very soon after the virus is introduced into your system.
This anti-SARS-CoV-2 assault makes it so that the virus can’t spread or further develop. Basically, the CBD inhibits the virus’s capacity to replicate itself or change host cells in your body. CBD blocks the viral reproduction by activating the infected cell’s stress response, which makes it create virus-killing proteins.(3)
Moreover, the studies found that CBD may even reverse the effects of the virus on your cells in this early stage.
Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a big role in illness and recovery.
This is partly because the ECS is involved in regulating your immune system and the body’s inflammatory response. There’s a ton of literature proving out that CBD’s really good at reducing inflammation and modulating cytokines. CBD does these things by interacting with the ECS’s cannabinoid receptors.
In particular, when CBD activates the CB2 receptor, it leads to a more controlled release of cytokines. This restrains the cytokine’s ability to cause inflammation or development of fibrous tissues in airways.(5)
On another level, the ECS also factors into your psychological self and behavioral patterns. Data supports the notion that lockdowns and quarantines can disrupt the balance the ECS strives for and lead to depression, sleep troubles, and aggression. Because CBD has anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic characteristics — the researchers suggested that it could be a useful tool for addressing these isolation-provoked issues and keeping the ECS in good shape.(6)
According to a March 2022 article in Frontiers in Immunology, CBD has been shown to decrease the severity of COVID. It’s primarily doing this by counteracting the body’s inflammatory response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The article goes on to say that CBD might even have greater anti-viral powers than other COVID-combatting drugs like such as lopinavir and remdesivir.(7)
Survey says: CBD use and COVID vaccination is fine.(8,9)
Health experts do recommend against smokable cannabis, though, as it can aggravate your respiratory and immune systems.
And, it’s comforting to know that if you feel a bit icky after getting your jab — finding relief in the form of a CBD gummy or squirt of CBD drops in your tea should be OK.
While gathering information for this post, we saw these questions pop up time and again. These are questions people are scouring the internet to get answers to. So, in case you are wondering…
Current research indicates that therapeutic doses of CBD may provide some protection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The purer or higher concentration the CBD, the more effective this intervention seems to be. Researchers are quick to say that CBD alone isn’t a magic COVID prophylaxis — vaccination, masking, and social distancing are still needed. And, of course the usual caveat applies here: More study of the protective effects of CBD needs to be done in people (versus in mice or petri dishes) before anyone can say for sure just how protective CBD is.
Not yet, in any formal or official way. However, if you’re bogged down with symptoms related to COVID — like trouble sleeping, brain fog, muscle soreness, headaches, etc. — OTC CBD may give you relief. We suggest talking to your healthcare provider if you need help coping with symptoms.
We really can’t say as there are no clinical recommendations at this time. What we can tell you is that the doses used in research were often relatively high and the CBD used was a purer form that what you’d find at your local dispensary or natural grocer’s shop. If your doctor thinks it’s safe for you to use CBD while afflicted with COVID, ask for guidance on dosing.
COVID’s probably here to stay — in some form. Fortunately, coronavirus-CBD research is expanding and advancing so it’s likely new discoveries will lead to additional cannabidiol-based therapies. And, with consumer-grade CBD oil products readily available — you have options for taking care of your daily wellness needs.
The medical and scientific communities are taking CBD’s potential for fighting COVID seriously. As such, there are multiple studies of CBD’s effect on COVID in people. However, with the different strains of the virus and varying impacts they have of patients — getting info and coming to definitive conclusions is slow going.(10)
Stay tuned to developments!
Setting the coronavirus-CBD research aside for a sec, it’s worth remembering that CBD oil may help you support your overall well-being. For example, if:
If you’re struggling with mental or physical wellness — related to COVID or otherwise — it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor. Together you can find solutions (maybe including some CBD?) that’ll help you get back to being healthy and hale.
More and new research further supports CBD’s ability to help address multiple aspects of COVID.
References
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