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A recent review published by a Canadian scientific research team suggests that cannabinoids may play a role in preventing and treating COVID-19 and long-term COVID.

In a comprehensive review, a group of Canadian scientists provides interesting insights into the potential role of cannabinoids in combating the COVID-19 virus. The study, titled “Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System in Early SARS-CoV-2 and Chronic COVID-19 Patients,” was authored by Cassidy Scott, Stefan Hall, Juan Zhou, Christian Lehmann and others and published in the Journal of SARS-CoV-2″ magazine.

Clinical Medicine. By analyzing extensive data from past studies, the report discusses how components of the cannabis plant can play a key role in preventing the onset of COVID-19 and mitigating its long-term effects. The findings suggest that cannabinoids, particularly those extracted from the cannabis plant, can inhibit viral entry into cells, reduce harmful oxidative stress, and suppress the often fatal immune response seen in severe cases. The study also highlights the potential role of cannabinoids in addressing various ongoing symptoms of long-term COVID-19.

According to the study, cannabinoids have potential in preventing viral entry, alleviating oxidative stress and mitigating the cytokine storm associated with the COVID-19 virus. Research shows that specific cannabinoid extracts can downregulate levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in key tissues, thereby preventing viruses from entering human cells. The researchers note that this is crucial given ACE2′s role as the primary gateway for viral entry. The report also discusses the role of cannabinoids in addressing oxidative stress, an important factor in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

By converting free radicals into less reactive forms, cannabinoids such as CBD can help mitigate the harmful effects of oxidative stress in severe cases of COVID-19. According to the study, cannabinoids may also have beneficial effects on cytokine storms, the severe immune response triggered by COVID-19. Cannabinoids have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammatory cytokines, suggesting their potential in managing such immune responses.

 Long COVID refers to the condition that typically occurs as COVID-19 transitions to the chronic stage. The research reveals the potential of cannabinoids in treating ongoing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, pain and loss of appetite. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in the interaction of various nervous systems, making it a target for the treatment of these neuropsychiatric symptoms.

The study also explored the various consumption methods and different types of cannabis products used by consumers. Research shows that ingestion through inhalation may have negative effects on people with respiratory conditions, counteracting its therapeutic effects. “While smoking and vaping are often the preferred methods for cannabis patients because they have the fastest onset of action, the potential benefits of cannabinoid therapy may be offset by the negative effects of inhalation on respiratory health,” the researchers said. Study Shows “Patients who use cannabis vaporization experience fewer respiratory symptoms than smoking because the vaporizer device does not heat the cannabis to the point of combustion.” The report’s authors stress the need for further research in this area. While the preliminary findings are encouraging, they caution that they are preliminary and stem from studies that are not specific to COVID-19. Therefore, more targeted and comprehensive studies, including clinical trials, are crucial to fully understand the role and efficacy of cannabinoids in treating early and acute phase SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, the authors advocate for more in-depth research into the pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of the endocannabinoid system and urge the scientific community to rigorously explore this approach.