Well, according to a lab study published in the Journal of Nature Products this past January, 2 cannabinoids found in the weed plant stopped the virus that causes Covid from penetrating healthy human cells.
If you’re unfamiliar with cannabinoids, they’re the compounds found in the cannabis plant. The most common one, of course, is THC; the infamous compound responsible for getting you high. However, the cannabis plant contains hundreds of different cannabinoids, and scientists are discovering more cannabinoids as the plant becomes more mainstream.
The 2 cannabinoids in this lab study are CBGA and CBDA, which are found in the hemp part of the cannabis plant. In this study, the cannabinoids attached themselves to the spike proteins found on the virus that causes Covid-19 and blocked the virus from progressing and infecting people.
Now, before you go running out to your nearest dispensary to stock up, keep in mind that this is promising research, but very preliminary. Expect to see trials involving people taking supplements, and studies on control groups comparing infection rates in people using supplements compared with people who don’t, before the medical community puts forth any official statements.
That said, this is great news on the Covid prevention front for weed enthusiasts. Expect the stoners in your life to make the argument that they’re making healthy life choices. But this is also a positive for people who want the benefits of cannabinoids in hemp, including CBD, but don’t like the effects of THC. Overall, this is a positive for cannabis in general.
Sources: New York Times, Journal of Nature Products, Molecules, National Library of Medicine