Cannabis May Protect Against Coronavirus

American scientists have found that cannabis compounds are able to prevent the penetration of coronavirus into human cells. The results of the study were presented in the Journal of Natural Products.

Hemp is known to be a source of fiber that can be used in food and animal feed. Numerous extracts and compounds of hemp are added to cosmetics, body lotions, and nutritional supplements.

A team of researchers from the University of Oregon discovered that a pair of cannabinoid acids binds to the spike protein SARS-CoV-2, blocking the infection process. The compounds are cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, CBDA, and the spike protein is the same drug target used in COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapy.