Compounds in cannabis have the potential to prevent and treat Covid-19, according to a review of research published last month. The study found that cannabis compounds known as cannabinoids could prevent infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, as well as lessen the severity of the disease after it has been contracted.

“Cannabinoids have the potential to be used as a preventive approach to limiting the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infections by preventing viral entry, mitigating oxidative stress, and alleviating the associated cytokine storm,” the authors of the study wrote.

The study, which was reported by cannabis new source Marijuana Moment on Wednesday, was conducted by researchers at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, who conducted a thorough review of the available scientific literature. The research focused on numerous prior studies that investigated how endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulation might affect patients in the early and post-infection stages of Covid-19.

Previous research has shown that cannabis might affect Covid-19, including a laboratory study published in 2022 that showed cannabinoids prevented infection of human cells by SARS-CoV-2. A separate study published in October found that cannabis users who contracted Covid-19 had better outcomes and reduced mortality compared with non-cannabis users.

Cannabis Might Help Patients With Long-Covid

The new study also found that cannabinoids could one day be used to treat patients with long Covid, a group of persistent health problems that can last for weeks, months or years following a bout with Covid-19.

“Post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, cannabinoids have shown promise in treating symptoms associated with post-acute long COVID-19, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress injury, insomnia, pain, and decreased appetite,” the researchers wrote.

The research does not mean that smoking marijuana will prevent Covid-19 infections. Most studies exploring the potential of cannabis to treat or prevent Covid-19 have been conducted in vitro with cannabis extracts. The authors of the study note that vaccinations remain the best prevention strategy. But they add that vaccinations are not effective for everyone.

“Vaccinations remain one of the most effective preventative methods against severe COVID-19 outcomes and the development of long-term COVID-19,” the researchers stressed in the abstract to the study. “However, individuals with underlying health conditions may not mount an adequate protective response to COVID-19 vaccines, increasing the likelihood of severe symptoms, hospitalization, and the development of long-term COVID-19 in high-risk populations.”

The authors of the study noted several limitations of the research, including the lack of standardization of cannabis products and possible differences in how children and adults respond to the treatment. They also noted that most studies investigating ECS modulation were not conducted in the context of Covid-19 and called for further study specific to the disease.

“Clinical trials and well-designed studies are necessary to assess the underlying mechanisms, determine optimal dosages and dosing schedules, and investigate the safety and potential side effects associated with ECS modulation in the context of viral infections,” they wrote. “Therefore, despite the promising outlook, a comprehensive understanding of these aspects is crucial for establishing the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and ECS modulation on the onset of COVID-19 and lingering symptoms associated with long COVID-19.”

Source: A.J. Herrington – forbes.com