In recent research conducted at Dalhousie University in Canada, scientists investigated the potential of cannabis and its compounds to mitigate the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infections.
The in-depth study, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicineexplores the preventive therapeutic properties of cannabinoids and their impact on the early and post-infectious stages of the virus.
According to the Dalhousie University study, cannabinoids have been shown to prevent virus entry, alleviate oxidative stress, and reduce the cytokine storm associated with early COVID-19 infections. As indicated in the Journal of Clinical Medicine“cannabinoids have the potential to be used as a preventative approach to limit the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infections”, acting on several fronts to strengthen the body's defense mechanisms
Long-term treatment of COVID
Beyond the acute phase of infection, cannabinoids also show promise in treating symptoms associated with long-term COVID infections, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain and loss of function. 'appetite.
It aligns with the findings of another study based on hospital data, which found that cannabis users with COVID-19 had lower rates of intubation, respiratory failure and death than those without. consumers.
Despite the optimistic outlook, the Dalhousie University researchers do not hesitate to point out the limitations of their results. The lack of standardization of cannabis products and potential variations in how cannabinoids affect different age groups are recognized challenges.
The authors also reiterate the importance of continuing research, particularly through clinical trials and well-designed studies, in order to understand the underlying mechanisms, optimal doses, administration schedules and potential side effects associated with modulation. of the endocannabinoid system in the context of viral infections.
According to the study, “to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of cannabinoid medications in the context of COVID-19, additional research is needed.” This cautious approach highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and modulation of the endocannabinoid system in the onset and persistence of COVID-19 symptoms.
Other research on cannabis and COVID
In October 2022, a study based on hospital data suggested that cannabis users had lower rates of serious outcomes related to COVID-19.
Additionally, a 2022 laboratory study by Oregon State University highlighted the potential of certain cannabinoids to prevent the virus from entering human cells. However, it is essential to note that this latest study focused on specific cannabinoids under controlled laboratory conditions and did not take into account cannabis use by the patients themselves, as pointed out by the doctors at UCLA.
A Canadian study also determined that certain cannabinoids, CBDa and CBGa, prevented Covid infection.
