CBDA, CBGA and THCA - the so-called minor cannabinoids - are being hyped as a preventatives for Covid infections.
A new study out of Oregon confirms their preventitive benefits for Covid. A team Oregon State University researchers reported on January 10 that "hemp compounds how the ability to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells."
Lead researcher Richard van Breemen stated: “These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts. They're not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and have a good safety profile in humans. And our research showed the hemp compounds were equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2, including variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the United Kingdom, and variant B.1.351, first detected in South Africa.
"Cell entry inhibitors, like the acids from hemp, could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and also to shorten infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells... These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans."
New York cannabis specialist Dr. Mary Clifton says about the OSU study: "It's absolutely plausible and adds to previous research supporting the beneficial effects of cannabis on Covid."
Read the study here.
Previous Canadian Research
A 2020 Canadian study using a human 3D tissue model contends that cannabis "may become a useful addition to the treatment of Covid-19 and an excellent GRAS adjunct therapy." (GRAS stands for generally recognized as safe.)
Based on research conducted at the University of Lethbridge in Calgary, Dr. Igor Kovalchuk says his team determined that several high-CBD strains "reduced the number of (virus) receptors by 73%. If they can reduce the number of receptors, there’s much less chance of getting infected.”
Kovalchuk was referring to CB2 receptors, which CBD binds to. They're "found mainly on immune cells, including the liver and spleen and bone marrow," according to Dr. Clifton. "Immune resilience could potentially be enhanced by changing the number of CB receptors or increasing the presence of the cannabinoids to stimulate those receptors."
Clifton tells CelebStoner: "Cannabis and CBD may reduce cytokines production, a key factor in inflammatory responses to infection. Cannabis and CBD may not only reduce the intensity of infection, but also may block infection from happening in the first place."
OSU Study: "Cell entry inhibitors, like the acids from hemp, could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and also to shorten infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells."
It might be a simple as gargling with a CBD-infused mouthwash to prevent the Covid infection from spreading. "[Cannabis] may also be used to develop easy-to-use preventative strategies such as mouthwash and throat gargle products that may be tested for their potential to decrease viral entry via the oral cavity and may be used both in clinical practice and at-home treatment," the Health Canada-funded study concludes. (Click Download PDF to read the study report.)
Clifton agrees: "If you have a CBD elixir, chances are you can start to benefit from this protection right away by taking usual doses on a regular basis during the pandemic."
There are several CBD mouthwashes on the market, including CBD Elixir, ORL Labs CBD Mouthwash, Hello and Carun.
