Blog

Can CBD Prevent COVID-19?

Share

The world is ready to say goodbye to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve made it through years of worry as we tried to keep ourselves and others safe. The medical industry has come to the forefront, and COVID has stemmed many new research opportunities and studies.

On of these studies involved researchers from Oregon State University. Richard van Breeman, who led the study, works for the school’s Global Hemp Innovation Center. Van Breeman and his team of researchers found some interesting aspects of CBD products regarding the coronavirus. So, can CBD prevent COVID-19?

Cannabinoid Acids Overview

This study involves cannabinoid acids, which are the compounds produced by the cannabis plant. Cannabinoid acids work with the endocannabinoid system in the body. 

THC and CBD both begin as cannabinoid acids. While THC is a controlled marijuana substance that can cause a euphoric feeling, CBD oil is an active ingredient that does not have psychoactive effects. CBD oils can be isolaeted, with only one cannabinoid acid, or have other cannabinoids present. 

Hemp, also known as Cannabis Sativa, is a CBD product that includes many different cannabinoid acids. Hemp is often used as a good source of fiber in food and animal feed. Extracts of hemp are commonly found in skincare, cosmetics, and even supplements. 

In Van Breeman’s study, the researchers found that two of these acids work together to stop the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) bind to the spike protein of COVID-19. This spike protein is the same part of the virus used to create vaccines and other preventative medicine. 

CBD Products That Can Help

Both CBGA and CBDA are found in some hemp products and are readily available to the public. These two acids bind themselves to the spike protein found in SARs-CoV-2, which can severely block the growth of the virus within the body. The study shows that CBD products, like hemp oil, can help prevent COVID or thwart the virus once in the body. 

CBD oil does not contain the two acids found in this study that bind to the COVID protein. However, plenty of hemp products include the CBGA and CBDA acids that tag team against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.

The study concluded that hemp products that contain CBDA and CBGA help prevent the effects of the coronavirus. Medical professionals ask that people use both vaccines and the CBDA/CBGA treatment together to battle against COVID-19 infection. While nothing is guaranteed, there should be no harm in adding a hemp product with these acids to your daily routine to prevent issues with the virus.

A Note About Variants

It is important to note that the study used only the alpha and beta variants of the coronavirus. While Van Breeman and his team hope that these hemp acids bind to the protein of future variants, like delta and omicron, the study did not use those variants at the time. 

Hemp Product Safety

You can find hemp products online or in your local drug or grocery store, but not all hemp products are the same. Check with your hemp supplier for more information about the acids included in their products. Many hemp oils come in oral form, where you can take a pill or use a dropper to ingest the oil by mouth. 

While you don’t need a prescription for hemp products, you may want to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how the oil could interact with other drugs you may be taking. Since hemp oil doesn’t include any kind of psychoactive effects, any over-the-counter supplement should be okay to take even if you do already have the virus. 

Hemp seed oil is not the same as hemp oil. Hemp seed oil is often used in cooking and comes from the pressed hemp seed themselves. While hemp seed oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, it doesn’t include any cannabinoids, including the two cannabinoids found in this study that help prevent COVID.

How CBD Oil Can Help

Even if you aren’t currently experiencing any COVID symptoms, the pandemic has significantly raised anxiety rates. CBD oil could help with anxiety and depression as it has shown to help animals in studies. While the full scope of CBD oil is still not completely understood, many people take the oil to help combat anxiety. CBD oil has a trace amount of THC at less than 0.3%, making it non-psychoactive for the brain. Many regard CBD products as an alternative to prescription medication and have had individualized success in treating a range of ailments.  

While there is much to study when it comes to COVID-19 and CBD products, Van Breeman’s research is a promising starting point. As the world continues to fight the coronavirus, many countries are open to whatever kind of preventive options we can get. Still, the FDA has yet to approve any CBD or hemp products for use of preventative medicine. However, COVID-19 has disrupted and taken so many lives and CBD products, like hemp oil, are readily available and one more way we could fight this virus. 

For more information about CBD products and how they can help your health, check out The Hemp Philosophy today!