CBD and COVID - Can CBD Cure COVID?
NO, NO and NO! And if someone claims that there’s any PROVEN benefit of CBD in fighting the Coronavirus, aka COVID-19, how shall I lay it down gently… that’s a crapload of BS. Note the word proven.
Obviously, many hustlers out there are taking advantage of the current panicky atmosphere and sell you whatever you want to hear.
Just like the loads of ineffective facial masks that supposedly protect you from the virus and are sold for unreal prices.
Saying the above, however, CBD, or rather, CBD-rich full-spectrum hemp oil, has value in the ongoing support of your immune system. This understanding is based on our knowledge of how cannabinoids (like CBD) interact with our bodies.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System
As discussed previously (Is CBD Psychoactive and some other misconceptions), our bodies have what’s called – the endocannabinoid system. That’s a network made up of cell receptors and corresponding molecules in the nervous system, organs, immune system, connective tissues, and glands.
The endocannabinoid system has two primary receptors – CB1 and CB2. When certain cannabinoids bind with these key cannabinoid receptors, they relay messages and give cells specific instructions.
- CB1 receptors: are essential for a healthy functioning brain and are one of the most common receptors in the entire nervous system. Depending on what region of the brain they are located in, they can be moderators of your memory, mood, motor function, or your perception of pain.
- CB2 receptors are most often found on the cells of our immune system. They help moderate inflammation and our immune response to pathogens (bacterium, virus, or other microorganisms that cause diseases). Did someone say viruses?
Our bodies naturally produce some cannabinoids, while other cannabinoids, or rather Phyto cannabinoids (cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant), can be complementary to our owns’. CBD (along with THC) is one of the two most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
While some cannabinoids bind with the CB1 and/or CB2 receptors, CBD does not directly trigger either of the two receptors.
Instead, CBD modifies the receptors’ ability to bind to cannabinoids. This quality was found to allow CBD to act as an immune system modulator, and that means it can act as a regulator and turn the level of activity down or up, depending on the body’s needs. CBD helps reduce self-harming autoimmune and inflammatory responses.
CBD and immune system support
Remember how we began? Claims of CBD as proven in being beneficial in fighting Corona = BS.
BUT- I also mentioned CBD’s value in the ongoing support of your immune system. And at least when it comes to regular flu, CBD has been found to help support the immune system and ease symptoms.
And Getting back to our beloved Coronavirus. Although CBD won’t cure it, it might be helpful in tackling some side effects like nausea and vomiting which might be induced by the virus.
Now, everyone (including search engines) is hyped about CBD, however, I keep on stressing, as mentioned above – full-spectrum hemp oil. I previously discussed the difference between a CBD-only substance and a full-spectrum one, but, in a nutshell, consuming the full-spectrum substance allows you to enjoy the full composition of cannabinoids in the plant (e.g. CBG and CBN). The combination of all these creates what’s called the “entourage effect” and this is what gives the entire health-supporting effect of the plant. For me, the entourage effect helped with a chronic autoimmune condition.
Hydroxychloroquine and COVID
And finally, an interesting anecdote, going back to unproven medical claims that leave people clinging for hope. There's a hype now about a medication called Hydroxychloroquine (
Plaquenil) with claims that it is FDA approved to treat COVID-19. Well, that's dead wrong.This drug is only FDA approved to treat malaria and rheumatoid arthritis and it's only investigational for treating the virus. I actually took it for quite a few years. It didn't really do much for my Arthritis but, hey, at least I didn't have malaria...
Then where did this piece of info come from...? you guessed right - from the king of fake news, President Trump.
Discussing the drug at a televised press conference, President Donald Trump said that it had shown “very, very encouraging early results” and incorrectly suggested that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had already approved it for the treatment of covid-19. So if the emperor has no clothes, why shouldn't everyone go around making false claims. Anyway, that's off-topic.
Anyway, we encourage you to visit coronavirus.gov to learn ways to keep you, your family, and your community safe for the latest information and updates.