COVID-19 is staring you in the face. You are sitting in your chair contemplating your next calculated move during isolation. Looking to your right, you notice your bowl and proceed to take a puff. From here thoughts take flight. Maybe your contemplation is deep and murky, maybe lighter, happier thoughts come to mind, or maybe you just close your eyes and slip into bliss. Whatever kind of high you are looking for, you may be unknowingly protecting yourself from coronavirus.Canadian researchers have been studying the effects of cannabinoids, which seem to effect ACE2 pathways the virus uses to access the body. According to research printed in Preprints, “high-CBD C. sativa extracts may be used to modulate ACE2 expression in COVID-19 target tissues.” Researchers believe “they can be used to develop easy-to-use preventative treatments in the form of mouthwash and throat gargle products for both clinical and at-home use.”What does that then say for the average user? Nothing. This is all in the research stage and there is no hard evidence that it will or will not work against COVID-19. The research that is being done is testing CBD extracts, rather then THC. Most of what you are getting from the dispensary is high THC and little-to-no CBD. There are certain strains out there that are a good balance of the two, but those are generally used for pain reduction and sleep issues and you most likely breeze right past them on the menu.Terpenes are another angle that is being examined to fight the Rona. The Medical Cannabis Network said, “In previous research undertaken since the outbreak of the SARS virus in 2002, cannabis terpenes have been found to be effective potential antiviral agents, and specific terpenes that came into contact with the SARS virus were found to reduce its severity and impact by withholding a certain protein that replicates the RNA – preventing it from penetrating healthy cells and using them as hosts for its replication.” COVID-19 is related to SARS so there is a chance.We know inflammation plays a big role in COVID-19. There are certain strains that have high anti-inflammatory terpenes. These may or may not play a roll but let me give you a brief insight into some strains that meet the criteria.Myrcene, which is the most common terpene in cannabis, is suggested to have anti- inflammatory effects on the human body. Grape Ape, Blue Dream and AK-47 are some common strains to look for.Limonene is another terp to keep you eye out for. While helping with inflammation it can also be uplifting. Some strains to look out for are Cookies and Cream and Emerald Jack.Last for this list and certainly not the least, Pinene. While working on the inflammation your anxiety will be put at ease at the same time with this terp. Some strains you might find are OG Kush and Critical Mass.No, the evidence is not clear yet. No one is telling you to run out and grab a bag and get to smoking. But, then again, they aren’t saying not to either. Do it! Find your favorite, sit down and have a toke. It’s not killing you and it just may save you in the end.
Cannabis Saves?
Research Into Coronavirus And Cannabis
3 min read
