CBD Companies Launch Products to Prevent COVID-19 Despite Lack of Clinical Evidence
A recent study published in the Journal of Natural Products and completed by two Oregon universities shows that cannabinoid acids from hemp may have the potential to stick to the spike protein that leads to COVID-19 infection and prevent entry into human cells.
“These cannabinoids, isolated or in hemp extracts, have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2,” write the Oregon researchers in the report.
A more recent study published by the University of Chicago shows that closer examination is required before CBD can be considered further or even explored as a therapeutic lead for COVID-19.
“In light of our findings suggesting that other cannabinoids, such as THC, might act to counter CBD antiviral efficacy, this essentially eliminates the feasibility of marijuana serving as an effective source of antiviral CBD, in addition to issues related to legal status,” the Chicago researchers write in the report.
Although more research is needed, such as conducting a human clinical trial to fully determine if a cannabis product can stop COVID-19 infection, companies that sell cannabis products, like Hometown Hero, are already beginning to move forward in marketing products as COVID-19 treatments. In a recent press release, Lukas Gilkey, the CEO of Hometown Hero, announces that new products, like a CBD hemp-derived 30 ml tincture, are “product(s) that can help the world get through these difficult times.”
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