During the height of the pandemic and the world’s recovery, the innate health benefits of cannabis naturally brought out questions of if the plant could aid in the prevention of COVID-19. While scientific research has been executed on the topic, there is still mass speculation on if cannabis and Covid prevention have a positive correlation.
Does Cannabis Prevent or Effect Covid-19?
In March of 2021, the University of Chicago performed primary research to see if CBD could help prevent the contraction of COVID-19. The researchers found that a group of patients who had previously taken CBD had significantly lower SARSCoV-2 infection incidence than the general population.
The researchers also found that “CBD acts after cellular infection, inhibiting viral gene expression and reversing many effects of SARS-CoV-2 on host gene transcription.” Their data collection led the researchers to conclude that Cannabidiol (CBD) Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Promotes the Host Innate Immune Response.
Several other studies performed this year point towards cannabis and Covid prevention. The research performed by Augusta University suggests a “potential protective role” for CBD that may aid in the treatment of COVID-19 by reducing the cytokine storm, protecting pulmonary tissues, and re-establishing inflammatory homeostasis.
This particular study found that cannabinoids may function as immune modulators, limiting the adverse effects of inflammatory diseases. It concluded, “Therefore, it is very reasonable to investigate whether cannabinoids can be as therapeutic agents to treat severe viral respiratory infections including current COVID-19 and ARDS symptoms.”
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
Buying Weed in the COVID-19 Era
The potential of cannabis in aiding COVID-19 prevention has created a higher demand for the plant, but buying it looks a little different than it did in the past.
Across many states, including Washington and California, masks are worn by budtenders to keep customers safe. Dispensaries like KushKlub in Washington State have hand sanitizer readily available along with a consistent schedule for cleaning and disinfecting each day. Additionally, many dispensaries have an online pre-order menu for customers so that they don’t have to spend a lot of time in close contact with other customers. Moreover, delivery and curbside pickup options are also common.
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