Research collected over the last 20 years suggests that cannabidiol – the primary cannabinoid in CBD oil – has anti-inflammatory properties that may offer relief to some people. A 2020 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Antioxidants discovered that the endocannabinoid system in the human body could be responsible for some inflammation, which is why cannabidiol has an anti-inflammatory property. The study concluded that there is hope to find “the perfect derivative that provides a close to ideal therapeutic effect.”
While these studies show a lot of promise for the future of CBD, some have twisted them to suggest that CBD oil could be effective in battling the novel Coronavirus pandemic. The resulting rumors and misinformation leave many with confusion and frustration, as they struggle to find an answer to a virus the world has never seen before.
Is there any research that suggests CBD oil can aid in the fight against Coronavirus? What is the truth about CBD as an anti-inflammatory agent? Before trying CBD oil, here are the facts that everyone needs to understand.
The Theories Behind the CBD Connection
Research on cannabidiol – better known by the acronym CBD – offers a lot of insight on how our bodies work, and why ancient and medieval medical practitioners found anecdotal benefits from cannabis and hemp. Over the last 20 years, studies suggest that regular use of CBD could help both humans and animals control seizures, reduce hypertension and better deal with anxiety.
There’s also evidence that CBD and how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system could help regulate anti-inflammatory actions. A 2010 peer-reviewed study published in Future Medical Chemistry noted: “Manipulation of endocannabinoids and/or use of exogenous cannabinoids in vivo can constitute a potent treatment modality against inflammatory disorders.”
The natural conclusion to leap to is that through its properties, CBD could be used to treat all types of inflammatory diseases – including COVID-19. Because CBD interacts with natural systems in the body, it could potentially be used to curb inflammation in the lungs and ultimately reduce damage and reduce the viral outbreak.
Unfortunately, that’s not exactly how CBD works as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body.
The Confusion with CBD and Coronavirus
Although it’s true that CBD may work as an anti-inflammatory agent, the truth is that anti-inflammatories may not work against the novel Coronavirus. However, health authorities around the world are.
In March 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about the use of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of COVID-19. The advice came from a letter published in The Lancet Medical Journal, which noted NSAIDs contain an enzyme which could complicate symptoms and treatment of COVID-19.
Early in the fight against the novel Coronavirus outbreak, the same advice was offered by Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). However, by April 2020, they reversed that opinion in a seven-page policy statement made available to health care providers and the public, the NHS determined: “There is currently no evidence that the acute use of NSAIDs causes an increased risk of developing COVID-19 or of developing a more severe COVID-19 disease.” However, the statement was limited to use of NSAIDs for the treatment of COVID-19, not the long-term or chronic use of that classification of drugs by patients.
Until more research is done to determine the role of anti-inflammatory medications in the treatment of COVID-19, there’s a lot of questions left for the public to sort out. Because of the confusion, it can be inferred that CBD cannot be used for the potential fight against the novel Coronavirus.
Can CBD Offer Any Benefit?
Although CBD doesn’t necessarily have the properties to fight against COVID-19, it doesn’t mean that it can’t provide any benefit for users. Studies suggest that the use of organic, full-spectrum CBD oil may offer benefit for users who contend with heightened anxiety or reduced sleep during this difficult time. If you're looking for American made CBD, then Wtphemp is an option that may suit your needs.
One peer-reviewed study focused on CBD and anxiety was published in 2015 by the medical journal Neurotherapeutics. In a thorough review of current research and anecdotal results, the study concluded: “Current evidence indicates CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders, with need for further study of chronic and therapeutic effects in relevant clinical populations.”
Those findings were furthered in a 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal, focused on how CBD oil may affect those contending with sleep disorders. Among a testing pool of 72 adults, the majority of those who used CBD reported reduced anxiety in the first month. Furthermore, two-thirds of patients reported improved sleep scores after using CBD for one month.
Although the claims that CBD oil can fight against the novel Coronavirus pandemic are far-fetched, there are benefits for those contending with the state of the world today. Through understanding all the potential pros and cons, anyone can make an educated decision if they want to buy CBD oil in COVID times.
