CBD oil: an ally against the coronavirus? The verdict is in: the coronavirus has been relegated to pandemic status. Measures to protect the population are being stepped up at both global and federal level, and in these exceptional times, many are giving in to panic. This can be seen in the shortages in food stores, or in the contradictory information on the use of so-called miracle cures to counter COVID-19. It's against this backdrop that articles are emerging advocating the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for the Coronavirus. Let's be clear: to date, there is no cure for COVID-19. And CBD, in oil or flower, does not protect against this scourge. Nevertheless, this component of cannabis retains its usual benefits. So let's take a look at how CBD can help in these times of global crisis.
Coronavirus: what are we talking about?
These days, it's impossible to miss the coronavirus surge. It's all over the news, and the reason is the unprecedented impact of this virus on our lives. One week after the federal council closed down all gathering places, what do we know about COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that have probably always existed. They infect animals and can then be transmitted to humans. Many diseases ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory problems are caused by these viruses. COVID-19, the latest disease to be derived from a coronavirus, first appeared in Wuhan (China) in December 2019. The main difference between this virus and others in its family is its rapid spread.
Coronavirus: the symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 often include fever, difficulty breathing, dry cough and headache. However, this list is not exhaustive and not all of these signs appear in all sufferers. In fact, according to several studies, it seems that a large proportion of those infected do not show any symptoms. This is probably a major factor in the spread of the coronavirus, as even an asymptomatic patient can transmit the disease.
A treatment, a vaccine?
According to theWorld Health Organisation (WHO), there is no evidence to date that current drugs are useful in preventing or curing COVID-19. Self-medication should also be avoided. It is important to emphasise this information given the plethora of Fake News that is infesting the internet at the moment. From disinfecting garlic to hot water and vinegar to beat the infection, there are plenty of articles and social media posts touting this or that miracle remedy that will prevent you from catching the coronavirus. And CBD, which is becoming increasingly popular, is not to be outdone. This component of cannabis, whose anxiolytic properties are praised in several studies, seems to be effective in many situations. But from there to considering CBD as a remedy against COVID-19?
More info: World Health Organization
CBD: what is it?
Cannabis consists of a very large number of active ingredients. The most known are tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The latter, unlike THC, does not produce any psychotropic effects and is increasingly recommended for its therapeutic benefits.
CBD appears in different ways: in flower of course, but it is more and more in the form of oil that we find it. This natural plant extract comes from the fibers, stems, leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant; and this thanks to an extraction process by which CO2 at low temperature and high pressure allows the preservation of the active principles.
See: What are the benefits of CBD on our body and mind?
How does CBD work?
As the democratisation of its use is a new phenomenon, there are relatively few studies on the subject at present. However, these studies have already attributed a number of virtues to CBD.
Our brain is made up of a multitude of neuroreceptors that will be influenced by the different chemical solutions that are naturally present. CBD, a component already present at the neuronal level, acts on the CB1 and CB2 neuroreceptors that regulate the perception of pain, stress and anxiety.
CBD: benefits, virtues?
The undeniable psychosomatic effects of CBD have been highlighted by Professors Shannon and Opila-Lehman in their studies on the use of CBD oil to combat THC addiction and to reduce anxiety in children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Some of the therapeutic benefits of using CBD oil are as follows:
See also: The effect of CBD on the body
CBD oil: a cure for coronavirus?
The World Health Organization has already said it, and we'll say it again: there is currently no cure for COVID-19. CBD is not an antiviral agent and would therefore have no effect on this virus in any case. But, as highlighted by the studies mentioned above, cannabidiol does have anti-stress properties and can help with sleep difficulties. Useful properties during this anxiety-inducing period, the duration of which has yet to be determined.
