Why smoking weed won’t protect you from COVID-19

According to a study by Oregon State University, marijuana users feel pretty good. It was reported yesterday that researchers discovered two cannabinoids that blocked the COVID-19 virus in human cells. It’s a cause worth celebrating, but one that’s easy to misunderstand in the age of social media.

The OSU study suggests that in the future, with enough research and money invested, compounds in cannabis could be used to combat and even prevent COVID-19, which is both exciting and justifying. In an interview with Vice, one of the researchers said that taking a gummy bear or a supplement containing these elements could be a path to work toward. Still, it’s important to understand that it’s too early to make assumptions, especially when people are claiming on social media that their cannabis use is the reason they haven’t had COVID-19.

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Photo by Artem Xromov via Unsplash

The study, published in the Journal of Natural Products, identified two non-psychoactive cannabis cannabinoids that could prevent further development of the virus – CBD-A and CBG-A. These compounds were derived from hemp because cannabis is a regulated substance and researchers weren’t legally allowed to study them, information that was conveniently omitted from most headlines.

Even if you were to consume these cannabinoids in their raw form, buy them from pharmacies or online, there is still not enough information to suggest whether this would work or not. The study was conducted in a petri dish, so there is a big difference between an inanimate object and the human body.

Photo by Add Weed via Unsplash

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While it’s disappointing to learn that one joint isn’t enough to stave off the pandemic, this study is good news for marijuana users and advocates alike, and adds further evidence that marijuana deserves the time and investment of researchers from a multitude of reasons is worth. For now, cannabis only helps you relax during stressful times.