CBD and COVID: An Update
As the global COVID pandemic continues, interest in new prevention methods is surging. Many are looking to cannabidiol (CBD) to boost the immune system and avoid COVID infection. But users shouldn't place that faith in CBD, and COVID prevention remains a far more serious social issue.
Granted, there may be some cause for optimism, if not celebration. New research suggests that there could be a link between CBD use and COVID prevention. But let's be very clear: this research is NOT conclusive, and users absolutely should not rely on CBD as their principal anti-COVID tool.
In this article, we cover what you need to know about this emerging research, the new trends of CBD and COVID prevention, and why you shouldn't believe everything you hear about new supposed "COVID cures".
New Research on CBD and COVID
In March of 2021, a new research study on CBD and COVID emerged and brought renewed focus onto the possible use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a COVID prevention tool.
The study found several encouraging observations:
- CBD was found to "potently block SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells".
- CBD "inhibit[ed] viral gene expression and revers[ed] many effects of SARS-CoV-2 on host gene transcription".
- "A cohort of human patients previously taking CBD had significantly lower SARSCoV-2 infection incidence of up to an order of magnitude relative to matched pairs or the general population".
The study concluded that CBD and its metabolites could be practical tools for COVID prevention and, potentially, an effective treatment to minimize severity after early infection. It's an exciting opportunity, and it's one that more and more CBD users are rallying behind.
But does this mean that we should place our faith in CBD to prevent COVID infection and end the global pandemic?
Absolutely not.
Cause for Optimism, Not Celebration
As heartening as these results are, CBD has not been proven to be an effective anti-COVID prevention or treatment.
In fact, the study's findings may very well turn out to be mistaken or misleading.
At the time of this writing, the CBD and COVID study in question is in pre-publication and has not yet been peer-reviewed. Put bluntly, that means that nothing in the study has been verified by outside researchers, and the study's results should not be taken as gospel truth.
Until outside research, peer review, and placebo-controlled clinical trials have verified the study's findings, the link between CBD and COVID prevention is unproved.
In short, this new research suggests a new possible link between CBD and COVID treatment but does not conclusively establish that link.
That's to say, nothing has changed about CBD for COVID prevention, and users shouldn't rely on CBD as a miracle cure or preventative tool.
What You Can Do to Avoid COVID Infection
CBD shouldn't be your go-to COVID prevention tool, but there are many things that you can do to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community healthy.
- Get vaccinated and encourage others to do the same
- Wear face coverings when in public
- Maintain social distance of six feet where possible
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid touching your face
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
We know: there's nothing romantic or novel in those recommendations. But the simple fact of the matter is that these precautions make a difference, and every bit helps.
The most important tool we have is, by far, COVID vaccination. In the US, 53% of the population is fully vaccinated as of September 15th. These vaccinations have dramatically altered the rate of infection, but the US still has close to the most new daily cases of any country in the world.
Vaccination is a crucial step for fighting COVID. We encourage all unvaccinated persons to speak to their doctor about becoming vaccinated and about any reservations they have with the available vaccines.
Can CBD Play a Part in COVID Prevention and Treatment?
Until more research is conducted, users absolutely should not put their faith in CBD as a COVID treatment. But the available data is encouraging, so it makes sense that many users are considering making CBD a part of their prevention regimen.
If you are interested in incorporating CBD into your health and wellness regimen, it's important to talk to your doctor about CBD and its effects. Especially with issues as serious as COVID, it's vital not to take everything into your own hands. Trust the experts.
But even ignoring the new research's suggestion of CBD as a COVID preventer, this cannabinoid might serve a role in making some symptoms more tolerable.
CBD has several clinically-backed applications, including:
- CBD for pain relief
- CBD for nausea
- CBD for anxiety and stress
- CBD for skin health
Each of these uses has implications for treating symptoms of COVID. And while CBD should not be used as a COVID prevention tool, it could help take the edge off some of its symptoms.
But again, it's always a good idea to consult a professional before introducing a new wellness tool like CBD. Your health is too important to make uneducated decisions.
CBD and COVID: Coronavirus Coverage at CBD Choice
CBD Choice is committed to providing you with the very best in the CBD market. That means bringing you only the very best in CBD oil tinctures, capsules, topicals, and more — all backed by our industry-leading CBD Choice Selection Criteria.
But, now more than ever, that also means bringing you frank, honest, research-based information about the role that CBD can have in our lives.
As more research into CBD and COVID emerges, we'll continue to give straightforward, fact-based reports without spin or hype. As industry leaders, it's our responsibility to provide you with only the best products and the most transparent information; it's a responsibility we take seriously.
Until then, remember what you can do to help fight the pandemic, keep yourself safe, and prevent the spread of further infection.
And above all, encourage your friends and loved ones to become vaccinated against COVID-19. It's the single most important tool we have and the best way by far to do your part to protect your community.
