By Ellen Kasper, RN
Although Corona Viruses such as the Common Cold, have been around for a long time, The Novel Corona Virus 2019 is new. From mild cold symptoms, to pneumonia, to serious effects on many organs, debilitating acute and long term symptoms, this virus has scientists scrambling to understand, treat and eventually prevent it.
As Medical patients who rely on Cannabis for health and wellness what are considerations, any research or news regarding cannabis use during this time of COVID? Scientists are now confident that the COVID virus is spread via droplets expelled when breathing from mouth or nose and shared between persons in close contact (less than 6 ft) over a prolonged period (15 min) of time. Thus mask wearing, social distancing, avoiding crowds, handwashing, avoiding touching your face/eyes/nose as well as “keeping your medicine to yourself” are all recommended ways of decreasing the risk of transmission.
Scientists also know that COVID enters the body via the respiratory tract, attaches to ACE2 receptor cells throughout the tract, especially plentiful in the lower lungs, then replicates and spreads from there. Studies have shown that CBD has an ability to downregulate ACE2 receptor gateways and are exploring the use of CBD mouth rinses, and gargling solutions as a potential preventative measure. The fact that COVID enters via the respiratory tract, causing pulmonary effects of varied severity, may have implications for the route you choose to medicate. Inhalation could be an irritant to the respiratory tract. But consider also, that studies have shown THC causes bronchodilation or relaxing and opening of large airways. Scientists have found COVID’s damage to organs is fueled by a widespread immune response to inflammation called the “Cytokine storm” where, rather than just fighting off the virus, the body starts to attack it’s own cells/tissues.
CBD, with it’s well known anti-inflammatory properties along with the body’s widespread Endocannabinoid system, may quell this exaggerated immune response better than Dexamethasone (corticosteroid) and with less side effects. Cannabis as treatment/prevention for COVID requires further study and points to a need for Descheduling of Cannabis from a Schedule 1 drug (considered to have NO currently accepted medical use, high abuse potential, alongside Heroin, LSD for example. This would ensure greater access to Cannabis for research. See link below for information and tracking of legislation of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act.
In the meantime, as you incorporate Cannabis into your life, make sure to follow best practice guidelines to prevent COVID spread and take measures to support your immune system. Get adequate sleep, maintain a healthy diet, adequate hydration, take time to relax, engage in physical activity as able, and try and maintain a positive outlook in the midst of all the upheaval.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Removal_of_cannabis_from_Schedule_I_of_the_Controlled_Substances_Act
COVID