According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Dalhousie University in Canada, cannabis and its compounds show potential in limiting the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infections. The study also highlights their effectiveness in treating long COVID symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and decreased appetite. The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine last month.

The comprehensive review of scientific literature focused on marijuana as a preventive therapeutic during both the early and post-infection stages of COVID-19. The study indicates that cannabinoids have the ability to prevent viral entry, mitigate oxidative stress, and alleviate cytokine storms associated with early COVID-19 infections.

Moreover, the research suggests that cannabinoids have shown promise in treating symptoms commonly experienced in post-acute long COVID-19, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and decreased appetite.

While the research acknowledges a knowledge gap in understanding how the modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) affects patients during different stages of infection, it concludes that cannabis and cannabinoid-based drugs could potentially be used as preventative approaches to limit the severity and susceptibility of COVID-19 infections. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal dosages, dosing schedules, and safety of ECS modulation in the context of COVID-19.

The study also highlights a separate research conducted in 2022, where certain cannabinoids were found to potentially prevent the entry of COVID-19 into human cells. However, it is important to note that this research was conducted in a laboratory setting and did not assess direct marijuana smoking by patients themselves.

Previously, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, some cannabis advocates made claims, albeit unsupported by evidence, that marijuana or CBD could prevent, treat, or possibly cure coronavirus infections. Such claims were considered premature and dangerous by several advocates and experts.

As the findings from this study provide promising insights, the authors acknowledge limitations, including the lack of standardization in cannabis products and the potential differences in how cannabinoids affect adults and youth. Therefore, further research is required to fully understand the efficacy, safety, and potential side effects of cannabinoid-based drugs in the context of COVID-19.

In conclusion, while cannabis compounds hold potential in limiting infection severity and aiding in the treatment of long COVID symptoms, more research and well-designed studies are needed to fully establish the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and ECS modulation in COVID-19 prevention and long COVID-19 symptom management.