These Cannabis Compounds Can Prevent Infection By Covid-19 Virus

Compounds in cannabis can prevent infection from the virus that causes Covid-19 by blocking its entry into cells, according to a study published this week by researchers affiliated with Oregon State University.

The study suggests two compounds found are commonly found in hemp Marijuana: cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) prevents coronavirus from entering cells that typically line internal organs and skin in a lab setting.

Study found that these acids were able to bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein which is the same target used in COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapy. By binding to the spike protein, the compounds can prevent the virus from entering cells and causing infection, thus, offering new avenues to prevent and treat the disease.

The study was led by Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center in the College of Pharmacy and Linus Pauling Institute, in collaboration with scientists at the Oregon Health & Science University.