CBD Won’t Cure the COVID-19 Coronavirus, but It May Help Ease Flu Symptoms

Make no mistake, CBD is not seen as a cure for the coronavirus in humans, but it has numerous important properties that address issues felt by individuals who contract cold and flu illnesses.

At Leafwize Naturals, we do not support the spreading of false claims that CBD can kill viruses. There is no real evidence of this. While not a cure, when combined with other best practices like frequent hand washing, social distancing, and getting plenty of rest, CBD can be a key part of your flu-fighting arsenal.

CBD for Immune System Support
Even though more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the immune system and endocannabinoid system, it’s thought that CBD may help reduce self-harming autoimmune responses. CBD has been found to act as an immune system modulator, which means it’s like a thermostat—it can help moderate the levels of activity, depending on the body’s needs.

Calming the Cytokine Storm
From ProjectCBD.com…  “Secreted by immune cells, cytokines are a group of proteins that regulate inflammatory responses to disease and infection. There are both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. CBD acts to reduce cytokine production and inhibiting overactive immune cell function.

Overproduction or excess secretion of pro-inflammatory messenger molecules can trigger a dangerous cytokine storm and other aberrant conditions.”

“It’s well documented that stimulation of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor by THC and its endogenous counterparts can [influence the inflammatory response]. Cannabinoid receptor signaling confers therapeutic effects by downregulating inflammatory cytokine expression.” Read full article here: https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/cannabis-cbd-covid-19

Cannabis as a Bronchodilator
Cannabis can also have the effect of opening the airways of the lungs by relaxing bronchial muscles. If you’re congested with phlegm, using a vaporizer to slowly inhale flower or a cartridge with a high concentration of the terpene alpha-Pinene, Borneol (camphor) or Limonene are all known bronchodilators, could support easier breathing.

CBD and CBG as an Antibacterial
There has been research into the antibacterial activity of all five major cannabinoids, but a recent study led by McMaster University found that cannabigerol (CBG) is particularly effective in treating antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. “CBG proved to be marvelous at tackling pathogenic bacteria. The findings suggest a real therapeutic potential for cannabinoids as antibiotics.” (Note: Covid-19 is a virus and not a bacterial infection.)

CBD as a Pain Reliever
CBD is popular for its effectiveness, especially full-spectrum products made from the whole plant, with the entire range of cannabinoids—including trace levels of THC—and terpenes intact. Research indicates whole-plant formulated products are much more effective.

What Does Cannabis Medicine Have to Do With the Immune System?

When consumed, cannabis and hemp cannabinoids act like natural compounds we already have in our bodies. Everyone has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that creates and uses cannabinoids. We usually talk about cannabinoids that appear in cannabis and hemp, which we know as phytocannabinoids. But, the ECS creates it’s own cannabinoids called endocannabinoids, as well.

Phytocannabinoids work like endocannabinoids and increase endocannabinoid activity. In other words, the cannabinoids we get from cannabis act just like compounds we already make in our bodies.

How Does Cannabis Effect the Immune Response?

As part of the ECS, we have cell receptors called CB1 and CB2. They activate when cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) attach to them. Certain areas of our bodies have more of these receptors than others, including our immune cells. Immune system cells have plenty of CB2 receptors ready to take in cannabinoids. When the CB2 receptors activate, they suppress the immune response by reducing the number of substances like T cells.

You may wonder why someone would want to reduce their immune system’s ability to fight foreign substances. After all, doesn’t it protect us from disease? While our immune systems help us out when it works properly, it can also harm us when it doesn’t. An overactive immune system works similarly. In addition to attacking dangerous cells, it also goes for healthy cells. As a result, the normal cells become damaged. Reducing an overactive immune response with cannabis helps your system leave healthy cells alone.

So while there’s no clinical research yet that says CBD has any specific effect on COVID-19 (a flu-like virus), we do know CBD and other cannabinoids have a number of potential benefits for those suffering from colds and flu and for those trying to stay as healthy as possible, there is a wealth of potential medicinal benefits. The best course of action right now is to mind your coughs, avoid large crowds, and to keep vigorously washing your hands, but if you find yourself feeling under the weather, these few things to know about how CBD might help ease symptoms.