Researchers have found that using cannibis (in tandem with vaccines) can prevent and possibly treat Covid-19 infections by blocking the virus from entering the body.
The study was published in the Journal of Natural Products on Monday, and was based on research from Oregon State University and Oregon Health and Sciences University that included the Alpha and Beta variants of the virus.
The conclusion was that “cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells…and prevented entry of live SARS-CoV-2 into cells.” These acids were able to bind to specified proteins on the COVID pathogen and stop the virus from advancing. The acids are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive agent in marijuana, and are considered safe.
The study added that cannabis extract alone is not enough to prevent an unvaccinated person from contracting COVID and that any treatment should be combined with proper doses of the COVID vaccine. Also noted was the possibility that “resistant variants could still arise” in the aftermath of widespread use of cannabis, but that “the combination of vaccination…should create a more challenging environment with which SARS-CoV-2 must contend.”
In the clinical setting, the acids were “virus-neutralizing” against high concentrations of spores, and the effectiveness against smaller concentrations of the virus was unclear.
Unfortunately, additional information included that smoking or ingesting edibles will not expose one to the effective acids, as the acids are extracted from the hemp leaf itself as the plant is growing.