CBD and Covid-19, what’s the link? Articles are doing the rounds across the internet, including some very interesting ‘clickbate’ titles with salacious wording. Most seem to have been created in haste by people who don’t actually understand the hemp plant. Suggesting Cannabis could be the answer to all our Coronavirus problems might be a bit of a stretch, but at least its got people talking.
This all began on the 10th of January with a peer-reviewed study published in The Journal of Natural Products. Proposing Cannabis compounds CBDA and CBGA ‘Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants’.
'Study finds Cannabis compounds prevent infection by Covid-19 virus'
At Hempen, we can’t give out medical advice or support these claims. However, we can help separate fact from fiction and provide you with the information from recent studies, so you can make up your own mind.
Full spectrum CBD Oil products contain a variety of compounds. CBD is often considered to be the strongest, which is why it’s used as an indicator of strength in an oil. Some companies choose not to value other compounds and only focus on the most popular one, CBD. The compounds which are now gaining attention are CBDA and CBGA, which are found in our Organic Cold Pressed CBD. Good thing we value all those compounds equally.
Heating or smoking cannabis, is not an efficient way of consuming these compounds. When heating or burning the plant, the CBDA and CBGA nutrients are lost. Therefore, companies that use solvent or heat in their oil extraction process will not contain CBDA or CBGA. These compounds are harnessed best through a cold pressed extraction method, using mechanical pressure to release the plant’s natural oils.
Can cannabis prevent covid-19?
The recent study does find that CBDA & CBGA found in full spectrum CBD Oils prevent Covid-19 and in particular new variants, though researchers suggest more studies are needed. Though this study is not the first of its kind, back in January 2021 a ‘study found cannabis may “tame” or reduce the severity of Covid-19’. In October 2021 researchers found ‘potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)’. Behind mounting evidence that cannabis regulates how our immune system responds in general with its innate ability to regulate homeostasis, a state of balance in the body.
Cannabis is a complex plant, with over 400 organic molecules or compounds of which around 100 are cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, CBDA & CBGA. All these compounds continue to prove their importance to our overall wellbeing. Yet, there’s still not enough research on the subject. Many papers have raised the point that ‘more studies are needed’ in order to be absolute on the scientific benefits of Cannabis.
These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts,” said lead author Richard van Breemen of OSU’s Global Hemp Innovation Center.
The research so far is very promising. If you also take into account all the people who are currently taking CBD Oil and speak out of the incredible ways in which it’s helped them. We have to question why more research and credibility is not given to hemp and its effect on our bodies.
For this reason, we want full spectrum natural products to gain the recognition they deserve and protection in UK legislation and food standards, to stop the move towards synthetic, manipulated products. All our products are lab tested and certified organic by the Soil Association. We need top quality standards for clean food, water, air and soil to provide us with sustenance for a healthy life. We must be able to access the best that nature has to offer, especially in these trying times.
What is CBDA & CBGA?
When you are consuming raw hemp, you meet the ‘mother of all cannabinoids’ the aforementioned CBGA! Hemp tends to contain more CBGA than other cannabis strains, which have higher levels of THC. CBDA is actually one of the most prevalent cannabinoids in Cannabis.
The techy bit, CBGA is a more acidic form of cannabinoid, which is why mechanical pressure is needed to preserve the plant’s natural oils. Converting inactive compounds into active ones essentially unlocks the potential for your body to absorb it all. All whilst protecting the raw and delicate nutrients. CBGA is a critical building block in the formation of cannabinoids THCa, CBDa, CBCa, and CBG. There have been a number of studies sighting neuroprotective effects to its potential to treat acute nausea.
Hemp or Cannabis?
Hemp is a type of Cannabis, it’s just the low THC stain and currently what’s legal to consume in the UK. There are many strains of Cannabis and hemp, from all over the world.
Hemp is, essentially, a leafy green vegetable or, as we like to say, ‘an essential herb.’ It is loaded with protein, fibre, good fatty acids, iron, antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. For this reason, it’s an essential food source.
The recent studies of compounds found in Cannabis are further arguments for moving beyond inhaling or burning Cannabis for its benefits. Instead, seeking new methods of processing the plant, for a more organic, raw nutrient rich way to enjoy what the plant can offer us.
The potential for all strains of this plant seem unlimited, just held back by investment into studies and strict regulations that also delay research.
