How cannabis helps against coronavirus

In 2017, the World Health Organization recognized the therapeutic value of cannabis. Its components are effective for pain, nausea, cramps and spasms. A number of studies have shown the benefits of marijuana in the treatment of various forms of cancer, Alzheimer's, hepatitis C, schizophrenia, glaucoma. There is evidence that it reduces the risk of developing diabetes and protects the body from the effects of alcohol intake. It seems that if there is something like a "cure for all diseases", then it may well be cannabis. And now, when the world is faced with a new threat - the coronavirus infection COVID-19 - there is a chance to see again the benefits of cannabis for humans.

How marijuana helps

Stabilizes the psychological state

So far, we know very little about COVID-19 to talk about the direct benefits of marijuana in the fight against it. However, already now there is something very important, with which cannabis has long and successfully helped to cope. In countries with legalized medcon, cannabis or preparations based on it are actively used to alleviate various mental conditions, including those associated with severe stress.

We know that coronovirus can be deadly for people with immunodeficiency and chronic diseases, with reduced immunity, the risk of complications increases. Stress, that is, strong feelings and panic conditions, negatively affects our immune system. They weaken it, make us vulnerable to viruses. People with depression and anxiety disorders have an even harder time accepting what is happening, and the damage to their immunity increases. Marijuana helps relieve this burden. It stabilizes the psycho-emotional state, helps to calm down and think critically: if the basic rules of hygiene and self-isolation are observed, the risk of getting sick and getting complications is minimal.

Strengthens the immune system

There is evidence in the scientific community that marijuana does indeed boost the immune system, including in people with HIV. In the early 2000s, the journals Annals of Internal Medicine and Summary for Patients wrote about it, and in 2014 an article was published in Research on AIDS and Human Retroviruses. In it, scientists once again confirmed that cannabis substances increase the number of CD4 and CD8 cells that fight the disease. Otherwise, there are currently no reliable studies that would show the harmful effects of marijuana on the immune system.

Does not affect the lungs

Since COVID-19 affects the lungs, smokers may be the first to be affected. But studies say this doesn't apply to marijuana users. In 2013, the Annals of the American Breast Society published an article that, after reviewing the scientific literature, refuted the high risk of developing lung cancer, COPD, emphysema, and other similar diseases. Marijuana has little or no effect on the lungs, even with regular smoking. This was also confirmed a few years later by researchers at Emory University in Atlanta. They examined the effects of marijuana on the lungs in people aged 18 to 59 using data from the past 20 years.