People are asking, “What can be done about COVID?” Researchers are pushing hard to find out what can be done to boost immunity and fight the disease. Moreover, many people are speculating as to the effectiveness of products containing CBD or hemp oil extract and COVID19 mitigation.
Scientists working for Pathway Rx have published research related to their study of Cannabis (with emphasis on legal hemp and CBD) that shows significant potential as a possible treatment of COVID-19. At the same time, consumer watchdog groups and those interested in blocking cannabis as a health option have been expressing concern over any unproven medical claims related to hemp.
This tug-of-war has been confusing for customers who are seeking natural set of tools to help individual health situations such as immunity boosting, discomfort from pain or anxiety or even insomnia.
It’s important to note that there is only one specific drug containing a high dose of purified cannabidiol (CBD) that has been approved for use as a medical treatment (of a particular set or seizure disorders). While the FDA has made it clear that no business selling cannabinoids and other natural products can make claims as to whether their products actually help people, businesses are able to describe limited aspects of the benefits of the products. Many consumers find many naturally occurring cannabinoids, contained within hemp oil extract products have helped alleviate discomfort. While these are purely anecdotal, people are discovering that Hemp does help.
While hemp oil from hemp seed pressing is not included in the study, hemp oil extract from various Canadian-government approved Industrial hemp strains were. A small portion of this study group proved to be worthy of additional scrutiny.
Is Hemp ok for COVID19?
Even though the testing is still in place, preliminary findings are positive. Pathways Rx is continuing their study into the various cultivars which are showing promise in reducing the impact of the COVID19 infections.
Data collected from previous studies conducted in collaboration with Swysh and commercial partner Sundial Growers reveals that some medical cannabis cultivars can help reduce the severity and complications of COVID-19 disease
The recent study, written by six researchers, examined 400 Health Canada-approved strains of cannabis. A group of 13 strains that were rated as sativa with a high in CBD concentration may be useful and helpful in reducing the impact of COVID19 infections.
The research paper was submitted recently for peer-review, a vital step in assuring the broader acceptance of cannabis products for acknowledged health benefits. When the reviews have been completed, who knows what will happen with CBD and cannabinoids with COVID19 treatments, given today’s very odd political and emotional environment.
The first study suggests that a limited sample (from the 13 strains) of high CBD Cannabis Sativa extracts modulate ACE2 gene expression and ACE2 protein levels in “gateway tissues of the COVID-19 causing virus and also have the potential to inhibit its entry into cells, curtail disease spread and reduce mortality.” The entire study was conducted using artificial human 3D models of oral, airway, and intestinal tissues.
The second study examines the use of cannabis extracts for taming the cytokine storm will be published soon.