Can cannabis help in preventing Covid infections? Well, researchers from Oregon State University have found that certain CBD compounds found in cannabis were able to protect human cells from infection.
These researchers found that, when bound to the spike proteins found on the virus, two compounds in hemp — cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) — were able to block a certain step from the virus that causes the infection. These compounds were tested in the lab against the alpha and beta variants of Covid.
But that doesn’t really mean you can smoke the virus away as CBDA and CBGA do not contain the same psychoactive effects. CBGA is actually non-intoxicating and is responsible for producing CBD, CBDA, and THC.
CBDA, on the other hand, is the raw form of CBD. It comes from the plant, usually stems and flowers, and when heated or activated then forms CBD. It’s commonly included in various products such as lotions, oils, and even gummies.
CBDA and CBGA can be taken orally, according to researcher Richard Van Breeman, and has the potential to treat infections by SARS-CoV-2.
This is actually not the first study on the effects of CBD on Covid-19. Researchers at the University of Lethbridge in Canada have also found that certain strains of high in CBD cannabis extract can help fight infection.