Cannabinoid-chemical substances present in the cannabis plant were recently proven to prevent the cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 and developing variations, which could be a breakthrough in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. This is a promising development, as cannabinoids have been shown to be effective against other viruses. More research is needed to determine the full extent of cannabinoids’ anti-viral properties, but this offers hope that we may have a new weapon in our arsenal against the coronavirus.
Why does it matter?
We’ve all been living with COVID-19 for over two years now, adapting in whatever ways we are able and see fit. The coronavirus pandemic is a major global health emergency that has so far killed more than 5.57M people and infected more than 343 million. The World Health Organization has declared the pandemic a “public health emergency of international concern”, and experts are warning that it could become much worse in the coming months as the Omicron Variant continues its spread. Now, it appears that Cannabis might tilt the scales in our favor, and give us another powerful tool in this fight.
This is a big deal.
It’s not every day that we come across new information on how to stop an emerging pandemic, especially one as deadly as the Coronavirus. Cannabis has been shown to be effective against other viruses, too. The suppression of information concerning the beneficial uses of cannabis has gone on for far too long. The bottom line is that prohibition has failed, and the only path forward is through legalization.
What’s next?
If further research confirms the efficacy of cannabinoids in combating viruses, they could become a standard treatment for viruses in the future. Step aside, Flintstones Gummies – there’s a new hero on the scene. This widespread utilization of Cannabis as a treatment for viruses would be a major breakthrough, as cannabinoids have already been shown to have dramatic health benefits in terms of reducing inflammation and improving health outcomes, but this kind of treatment of such a contagious and severe virus would continue to elevate how cannabis is viewed medically.
As a result, cannabinoid treatment could become a common means of combating all sorts of viruses in the future. This would be a major step forward in public health, as it would provide a potentially low-cost treatment option to combat viruses, especially for those who cannot afford prescription treatments or are uninsured. However, despite these promising results, more research is needed to determine whether cannabinoids will act as an effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, and how the effective compounds can be administered and consumed.
Wrapping up
It’s a common misconception, even with the more widespread acceptance of the health benefits of CBD, that cannabis is mainly used for recreational purposes. Cannabis compounds and delta 8 weed have been shown to block cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants – which means they could help fight the coronavirus pandemic in future years if further research confirms their efficacy against all types of viruses. With continued study into this promising development, it may even lead to cannabinoid treatments becoming an accepted form of combatting viral infections across the board, but starting with taking out COVID-19 wouldn’t be a bad item to add to the ol’ resume.
