Will Cannabis Save Us From This Pandemic?
Start writing a post
News

Will Cannabis Save Us From This Pandemic?

Previously dismissed as a joke-serious studies are in now in progress

1900
Large broad leaf cannabis plant close up.

The back and forth about cannabis and COVID-19 has been going on as long as the virus has been publicized in the western world. However, the jokes may not all be fun and games, there could be a serious answer in this botanical medication.

There are scientists acting on some of those theories now.

Long known to be at the forefront of medical cannabis research, Israel is once again leading the way in the investigation of cannabis and COVID-19. At least two studies concerning the virus and the herbal medication have been instigated in that country.

At the Ichilov Hospital, a study was recently started that is focused on easing symptoms of the virus. It is overseen by Dr. Barak Cohen, a senior anesthesiologist and is unrelated to other studies. Dr. Cohen emphasized, "this is a novel approach to treating some of the symptoms, using a component of the cannabis plant that is considered safe and non-addictive."

There are also rumors the same hospital will be investigating marijuana's antiviral properties.

Professor Daniel Offen, a researcher studying Neuroscience and Exosome technology at Tel Aviv University, partnering with InnoCan, will lead a team collaborating to treat COVID-19 by using Cannabidiol (CBD) loaded Exosomes ("ICLX").

"CBD-Loaded Exosomes hold the potential to provide a highly synergistic effect of anti-inflammatory properties and help in the recovery of infected lung cells. This product, which is expected to be administrated by inhalation, will be tested against a variety of lung infections."

In the United States, the University of Miami is studying cannabis users via a web form. According to the site advertising the study, it is their intention to study the effect of COVID-19 on the disabled and chronically ill via the patient's use of the herb.

"A large portion of medicinal cannabis users are people with compromised immune systems or chronic medical conditions. These are also many of the same traits that people most vulnerable to COVID-19 share."

The studies in Israel focus on helping patients recover or prevent infection, whereas the study in Florida collects anecdotal data from users about how they've been effected by the virus and asks questions about their personal or medical use of cannabis. Florida's study focuses on vulnerable populations, yet not on assisting those same populations.

April 20, 2020 has been highly anticipated by cannabis advocates for decades, is it possible that this recent pandemic could be the tipping point for the herb? Could marijuana finally be taken seriously as an antiviral once these studies have been conducted? We shall have to wait and see.

Puff, Puff, Wave. Happy 4/20, indeed.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

88293
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

55287
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments