How CBD Is Helping the Fight Against COVID-19

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antioxidant properties, which make it a promising candidate for treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, and inflammation. But recent research from Oregon State University indicates it can also help fight against coronavirus (COVID-19).

CBD & COVID-19

Recent studies have shown that CBD may help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Specifically, acidic derivatives of the cannabis plant help to prevent the disease from ever entering the body. These cannabinoid acids, CBDA and CBGA, block cellular entry of coronavirus and its variants, helping to prevent infection. Like CBD and CBG, there are differences in the two acids.

What is CBDA?

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Like CBD, it has a variety of potential therapeutic applications. Unlike CBD, however, CBDA has not been well-studied.

What is CBGA?

Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is another cannabinoid found in cannabis. It’s the parent compound of several other cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. Like CBDA, it also has potential therapeutic applications.

How Do CBDA & CBGA Work Against Coronavirus?

CBDA and CBGA work by inhibiting the cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. When the virus attempts to enter a cell, it binds to a protein called ACE2. This protein is found on the surface of cells in the lungs, gut and blood vessels.

The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 allows the virus to enter the cell and begin replicating. This can lead to respiratory problems, as well as other symptoms associated with COVID-19.

CBDA and CBGA, however, bind to ACE2 before SARS-CoV-2 can. This inhibits the virus’s ability to enter cells and replicate.

How Do You Take CBDA or CBGA?

CBDA and CBGA are found in cannabis plants in their acidic form. This means they’re not psychoactive, so they won’t produce a high effect.

Like other CBD products, CBDA and CBGA may be consumed through a variety of ways including ingestibles, tinctures, topicals and more. This research is still relatively new, but CBD manufacturers like Laurelcrest are busy developing products with CBDA and CBGA. In time, these products should be just as available as other popular CBD products.

Treating Other COVID Symptoms

CBD may also help treat other symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as anxiety and insomnia. CBD has been shown to be an effective treatment for anxiety and insomnia in a variety of studies. And because stress can weaken the immune system, reducing stress with CBD may indirectly help fight against coronavirus.

Ongoing Research Is Needed

The research conducted by Oregon State University is just the beginning of understanding how CBD can fight against COVID. While more research is needed to understand the full extent of CBD’s potential, the preliminary results are promising.

If you’re interested in trying CBD to help fight against coronavirus or any other medical condition, be sure to talk to your doctor first. They can help you determine if CBD is right for you and how much to take.