2 Weed Compounds May Stop COVID From Entering Cells But Vaping, Smoking Weed Won't, Says Study

Would you believe if someone tells you that cannabis compounds can prevent COVID-19 infection? This might just be true. A latest groundbreaking study conducted in the United States claims that Cannabis can be the key to Covid prevention, as the plant contains compounds that can stop the virus from entering human cells.

Findings of the study

The two compounds commonly found in hemp ¡ª called cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA ¡ª were identified during a chemical screening effort as having potential to combat coronavirus, researchers from Oregon State University said. In the study published in the Journal of Nature Products, they bound to spike proteins found on the virus and blocked a step the pathogen uses to infect people.

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Hemp is also a source of fiber, food and animal feed, and extracts are commonly added to cosmetics, body lotions, dietary supplements and food. Previous researches in the field have also shown that the Cannabigerolic acid and Cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells by Covid-19-causing SAR-CoV-2.

Smoking or vaping weed won't help

The researchers in no way say that smoking cannabis or weed could protect you from Covid-19. The study focuses on two compounds that are found in cannabis. The researchers tested the compounds¡¯ effect against alpha and beta variants of the virus in a laboratory. The study didn¡¯t involve giving the supplements to people or comparing infection rates in those who use the compounds to those who don¡¯t.

WIRED

"These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts. They are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and have a good safety profile in humans. And our research showed the hemp compounds were equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2, including variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the United Kingdom, and variant B.1.351, first detected in South Africa," Richard van Breemen, scientist at the universityniversity told The Chronicle Online.

¡°These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans,¡± said Breemen. ¡°They have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2,¡± he said in a statement. He added that advise from your local doctor or hospital is suggested in the case though.

Verywell Mind

While this study is a breakthrough in research pertaining to medical methods of Covid prevention, with stern laws against use of cannabis in several countries, how useful this discovery would be in future is a matter of concern.

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