Your ReThink-Rx™ Doctor Will Help
One thing is sure: the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. With new variants constantly arising, like Delta and Omicron, the devastating spread and effects of this disease continue. Prevention is difficult: not everyone is vaccinated, those who are vaccinated aren’t completely protected, and new variants continually challenge the effectiveness of available vaccines. Treatment is difficult: we have learned a lot, but we still lack completely effective therapies and medicine.
So, worries continue. And Omicron just adds to that.
But can cannabis help? Absolutely. Read on.
One thing is sure: the psychological effects of the pandemic are real. As the measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 continue to evolve, social norms and responsibilities remain in great flux. Do I mask? If so, when? Why are others not masking? What about travel restrictions? What about Omicron?
There are no good answers.
These uncertainties are unsettling for everyone. For those with anxiety disorders, uncertainties like these can be crippling. The results are increased anxiety, depression, and isolation for many people. Even the term “social distancing”, has come to be associated with fear of the invisible enemy. Social restrictions are likely to continue and, as new variants spread, very likely to increase again. These waves of disease also bring waves of despair for many.
Cannabis has proven helpful for a great many people in managing the stress, anxiety, and depression associated with the pandemic. The use of Marijuana, primarily to help manage the psychological fallout, has increased dramatically in the general population over the past year and a half.
But can Cannabis actually help prevent or treat COVID-19? Read on to find out!
With new strains like Delta and Omicron identified almost daily, it is clear we need long-term strategies to help manage the spread and destruction. But can cannabis actually help? There is now some evidence that components in cannabis may help protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection and may help as a therapy, especially for early disease.
The science on this is still very young, and many questions remain unanswered. But the studies are underway, and evidence is mounting.
A recent study by the NIH has identified that certain components of cannabis have the ability to inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and may promote the natural immune response to fight off the disease. These researchers propose that CBD and its metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, may offer protection against infection and provide therapeutic benefits in early disease. There is also theoretical evidence that these elements may help reduce the likelihood of a deadly “cytokine storm”.
Researchers in Oregon have also just published another paper in The Journal of Natural Products that further supports the idea that compounds in Cannabis can protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In a Q&A with Vice Magazine, the researchers went as far as promoting Cannabis as a preventative measure against disease. “We go to meet a friend, and the friend tells us later they’ve tested positive for COVID. Then, we’re all worried about getting sick. That’s the time I would recommend taking a supplement that has the capability of preventing infection,” says lead author Dr. Richard Van Breeman. “I envision oral administration in the form of a dietary (cannabis) supplement like a pill, an oil, or a gummy,” he added.
So, what does this mean? The anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects of cannabis are being used to help many immune-based diseases like arthritis, diabetes, Lyme’s disease, and others. These same remarkable qualities of cannabis, it is now theorized, may also help reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, or may offer an additional treatment in some cases. While the gold standard for prevention is current vaccination and masking, and new and promising therapies emerge almost daily, components in cannabis are also being investigated as a possible benefit. Research is now underway to validate whether these theoretical benefits can be demonstrated in people.
Understanding the therapeutic principles of cannabis and how they relate to SARS-CoV-2 infection and anxiety management is very important. The information about COVID-19 and cannabis is constantly updated as news comes out. Your ReThink-Rx doctor will help you understand the latest information and recommendations and explain how this works for you.
Together, we will help you develop a strategy that best aligns with your goals. Schedule your online visit today and let’s get started!
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or medical conditions.
Dr. Nicholas Marsh is board-certified by the American Board of Anesthesiologists and has over 37 years of healthcare experience. Recognized by FindaTopDoc.com for clinical excellence, he now focuses on educating, supporting, and certifying patients for medical cannabis.