Cannabis COVID Treatment Still in Early Stages
“Cure” Unlikely but Long-Term Cannabis COVID Treatment Possible – LPC
A version of the story previously appeared at leaderpost.com
Almost immediately after the COVID pandemic broke out, researchers started searching for a cannabis COVID treatment. Scientists at the University of Lethbridge investigated a possible COVID-19 cannabis treatment that prevents COVID by protecting the lungs. A Toronto-based retailer tested a COVID-19 cannabis medicine that could help with inflammation associated with COVID.
So far, this last one might be closest to the mark. Recent research found that COVID can trigger a “cytokine storm” in the lungs. This medical term basically means that the immune system overreacts to the point of actually harming the person. Proteins – called cytokines – trigger inflammation in the lungs to fight the infection. But the inflammation itself can overwhelm the immune system.
“COVID-19 is especially fatal when patients experience cytokine storms,” stated the authors in one study.
In theory, CBD-based cannabis COVID treatments could reduce inflammation as it does in other areas of the body. But as this article stresses, it’s only a theory. What complicates matters is that CBD might also do the opposite. CBD could actually make it easier for COVID and other infections to take over the body.
“A high dose of cannabinoids may overtly suppress the immune response,” said Dr. Prakash Nagarkatti. That in turn “may make a normal individual more susceptible to COVID-19 infection.”
A cannabis COVID cure seems very unlikely at this point. Despite the possible risks, a cannabis COVID treatment might be possible. As always, more cannabis research is needed. But it is hopeful to think about.
Click here to view full story at leaderpost.com
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