A study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that certain compounds in cannabis can help prevent infections from COVID-19.
The study, “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants,” was published on Jan. 10. Researchers affiliated with Oregon State University found that cannabis compounds block the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human epithelial cells.
“Cannabinoid acids from hemp (Cannabis sativa) were found to be allosteric as well as orthosteric ligands with micromolar affinity for the spike protein,” the steady read. “In follow-up virus neutralization assays, cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells by a pseudovirus expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and prevented entry of live SARS-CoV-2 into cells.”
Cannabinoids block cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the emerging variants — Cannabis compounds show the ability to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells https://t.co/rpYXyvHBX3
— Alfons López Tena (@alfonslopeztena) January 13, 2022
Marijuana lovers near and far had fun with the news on social media. “The Late Show” also weighed in and joked that famous cannabis connoisseurs Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson and Seth Rogen have never contracted the virus. Other Twitter users noted they had also smoked a fair amount of ganja and have never gotten COVID.
“Compounds found in cannabis may help combat Covid-19. Three people who’ve yet to contract the virus are Seth Rogen, Willie Nelson, and Snoop Dogg. Coincidence? #LSSC.”
Compounds found in cannabis may help combat Covid-19. Three people who’ve yet to contract the virus are Seth Rogen, Willie Nelson, and Snoop Dogg. Coincidence? 🤔 #LSSC https://t.co/0OBg2vjNag pic.twitter.com/Fxa21OaMgX
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) January 13, 2022
I smoke cannabis every day and I’ve never had covid— Just sayin.
— SassyTammy (@SassyTammy4) January 13, 2022
Me, a Muslim, using the medicinal marijuana loophole to keep my family safe from Covid. https://t.co/UO6gD4q5FI pic.twitter.com/cn2bbFB7Cx
— Moneybagg Kho (@KhoDysseus) January 12, 2022
So I read a report that says cannabis might prevent covid…..damn, I feel like Wonder Woman now! pic.twitter.com/vqnYj4RXd5
— Lisa Ann (@MillionDolrSmle) January 15, 2022
Stay Safe😷
Covid is outside💨 #cannabis pic.twitter.com/xsO4QaWZ4t— Bl★ck🎲🎭 (@TheBlackOla) January 12, 2022
Love these articles that are coming out about how cannabis might help repel covid!!!
— Charlie (@nudog71) January 14, 2022
Richard van Breemen of Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center in the College of Pharmacy and Linus Pauling Institute led the study with scientists at the Oregon Health & Science University.
Van Breeman said cannabinoids studied by researchers are familiar and readily available. The scientist also noted that cannabis compounds effectively treat other viruses, such as hepatitis and HIV-1.
“These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts,” van Breemen said. “They are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and have a good safety profile in humans….They have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.”
