You may have read or heard recently that CBD might be a natural antidote to prevent and treat the coronavirus. Early research suggests that CBD may help prevent or treat COVID. Several recent laboratory studies of cannabidiol have shown promising results. However, these studies are in the early stages.

One of the most promising studies looks into cannabidiol from the cannabis plant and its potential to prevent and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Researchers at the University of Chicago published findings from a laboratory experiment on rodents that suggested CBD seems to help curb SARS-CoV-2 in infected cells in laboratory experiments. But scientists who study the ways cannabis interacts with pathogens, the cells, and the immune system say understanding the impact cannabis has on SARS-CoV-2 may not be as simple as it seems.

The research

Led by Marsha Rosner of the University of Chicago, the team has found that CBD seems to help curb SARS-CoV-2 in infected cells in laboratory experiments.

The research was conducted by using small doses of highly purified CBD. Rosner and colleagues found that CBD did not keep the coronavirus from infecting cells in test tubes. Instead, it acted soon after the virus entered the cells, blocking it from making copies of itself in part via effects on the inflammatory protein interferon.

More to come

Like this one, several other studies are ongoing. Some studies investigate the role of CBD in treating acute COVID-19 (the period when you have symptoms). Others are investigating how CBD could treat the extant effects of COVID experienced well after the infection is already cleared out the body.

Another study conducted by Augusta University in Georgia found that CBD may help fight the lung inflammation that often accompanies a COVID infection. An abstract published in November 2020 presented a similar hypothesis, with scientists suggesting that CBD could limit the severity and progression of COVID-19 for several reasons:

• It can down-regulate the expression of two critical receptors for the virus.
• It exerts a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects and can mitigate the cytokine storm responsible for acute lung injury.
• It can directly interfere with viral activity.
• It inhibits the development of scar tissue in the lungs.

Benefits of CBD

Although these studies are in the early stages, it is impossible not to feel excited about these new finds. CBD has proven to have countless benefits to treat symptoms and different ailments. These new findings could potentially add another positive reason to the already known list of benefits:

• Autism-related behaviours
• Alleviate or prevent nausea/motion sickness
• Epilepsy
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Pain relief
• To manage inflammation
• To help with asthma
• Depression
• Better sleep
• Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, sunburns, ingrown hairs, dry, flaky skin, rashes, bug bites, and more)
• Pets
• Alleviate cancer symptoms and treatment effects

Still have questions?

At Gaia Hemp, we believe in the miracle healing power of herbs, as we personally have experienced the restorative medicinal benefits of CBD. We value transparency by offering the finest quality Canadian-grown hemp and cold-pressed CBD extracted with 100% purity. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us today.