Somewhat recently, CBD has been in the news as a potential prevention and treatment for COVID-19. After the release of several promising studies, the media seemed to have jumped on the CBD bandwagon. With both COVID-19 and CBD already hot topics individually, the hype just continues to grow. To date, there has been some research that suggests CBD may have the potential to either help prevent or treat COVID-19, and these studies are, of course, exciting.

However, it’s because of this that it’s particularly important for us to step back, check out what the studies are actually saying, and exercise caution – especially when it comes to something as serious as the recent pandemic.

So, what is the research telling us so far? What do we know and what do we still have to learn? Should we all start drinking CBD oil by the bottle? The short answer: probably not.

Below, we’ve outlined some of the studies and ways CBD has been investigated as a potential COVID prevention and treatment method. This way, we’re able to clearly establish what we know so far and what we don’t.

Cell Defense

When a virus enters our cells, they have their own defensive measures before the immune system even kicks in. This may be done in a process called apoptosis, which is a kind of controlled cell death that gets rid of infected cells to stop or slow the rate of infection. However, our cells’ defensive measures don’t appear to react well to COVID, hence the high rates of infection. The study that was conducted with CBD specifically noted that CBD was able to interact with the cells in a way that heightens their defense response. Ultimately, this study suggests that CBD may have the potential to increase our cells’ defense response against viruses like COVID-19. However, it’s important to note that this study hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet. Additionally, the study appears to have investigated cells in isolation. Until more clinical trials have been conducted, human applicability is a bit harder to assess due to the complexity of our bodies.

Cytokines

Cytokines are proteins that can help fight infections as part of the immune response, but when too many are released into the bloodstream, fevers, inflammation, fatigue, and nausea can result. Cytokine storms, as they’re called, can be life threatening, and seem to be a symptom of Covid-19. One study conducted found that some strains of cannabis may have the potential to reduce the effects of a cytokine storm, namely through reducing TNFa and IL-6 cytokines. Another study also suggests that CBD may be able to help stop or minimize these cytokine storms. However, the first study was conducted with cannabis and not specifically CBD. It also noted some limitations, namely that certain strains of cannabis appeared to be ineffective. The second study was conducted with animals, so human relevancy is more difficult to assess.

ACE2 Receptors

One study found that CBD may be able to help regulate the expression of a receptor called ACE2. This is relevant because the disruption of this receptor (when it’s not operating normally) may help to spread of COVID-19 through the body. The same study also found that CBD may help regulate TMPRSS2, which also seems to play a role in COVID-19’s spread.

Another popular study also found that CBD may be able to block or slow COVID-19’s entry through ACE2 receptor regulation, but, the study focuses on the effects of cannabinoids CBGA and CBDA specifically. If you’ve heard anything going around about CBGA, CBDA, and COVID prevention, this is probably why.

Inflammation

Going back to the idea of cytokine storms, inflammation is listed as one of the key features of COVID. Since this is the case, known anti-inflammatory drugs and other anti-inflammatory treatments are one way doctors have been trying to combat COVID.

More specifically, CBD has previously been researched for its anti-inflammatory potential. Part of this is due to the way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system and other receptors and transmitters throughout our bodies, which we’ve spoken more about here. We’ve also discussed CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties in our posts about arthritis and migraines. Additionally, supporting compounds, like specific cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids may also exhibit potential anti-inflammatory effects.

To summarize this information: CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory effects are being investigated as a potential way to combat the inflammation associated with COVID. However, more research is needed, particularly within the context of CBD and COVID, before we really know what impact, if any, CBD can have on reducing inflammation symptoms.

Gaps in Research

While the above studies do seem promising, it’s important to note that the research done so far has been pre-clinical and preliminary and contain numerous limitations. Additionally, many of the studies conducted were either done on animals or in-vitro (petri dish experiments), which don’t necessarily translate to human bodies due to their complexity. Contrary research exists as well, like one study investigating whether patients with mild COVID-19 would show improvements with CBD usage. Unfortunately, the patients taking CBD fared slightly worse than the controlled, placebo group did.

Due to COVID-19’s targeting of the lungs and respiratory system, smoking anything, CBD or otherwise, is definitely not recommended either.

While there is more research currently being done, what we know so far is not enough to justify claims about CBD being able to prevent or treat COVID-19. Being excited about promising research is one thing, especially when it’s about something so many people are passionate about – CBD. However, we can’t make claims into its effectiveness yet, and it’s important to differentiate between promising studies and definitive cures.

TL;DR

Some of the initial science we have into CBD and its potential to prevent and treat COVID-19 does seem both promising and exciting. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these trials are pre-clinical, often in-vitro, and aren’t enough for us to be making any definitive claims yet. While we’re all hoping for a cure and solution to the pandemic, drinking bottles of CBD oil is not it. Instead getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and following the advice of our local health authorities is the way to go.