Scientists say cannabis could help treat Covid-19 and those with ‘long-covid’

Scientists say cannabis could help treat Covid-19 and those with ‘long-covid’

Feb 25, 2024 | Cannabis, Chronic Pain, Inflammation

SCIENTISTS SAY CANNABIS COULD HELP TREAT COVID-19 AND THOSE WITH ‘LONG-COVID’

By Dan Taylor, Trilogy Marketing Coordinator

ELLICOTT CITY, Md- Scientists are seeing a direct correlation when it comes to cannabis helping patients with COVID-19 and what’s been called “long-covid” or people who experience symptoms for months.

According to a report in Leafly, frequent cannabis users who inhale the product, were able to suppress what’s called “cytokine storms”. This occurs in patients with COVID and can lead to severe respiratory distress and organ failure.

Although many patients recover from COVID just fine, not everyone does. Some of the “Long COVID” or “long haulers” have symptoms that include heart issues, fatigue, PTSD, and decrease appetite. But the article also points out that there were mixed results in several other separate studies that suggested cannabis use increased infection rates or caused more people do die from the respiratory disease.

Scientists say in this latest study by MDPI, a particular enzyme receptor called ACE2 binds to SARS-CoV-2, but certain cannabinoids found in cannabis, help block or reduce the virus’ ability to infect people.

Authors of the study do caution that these studies are in their early stages and that more research needs to be done

Read more on how cannabis may be able to reduce your chances of infection by limiting some of these factors.

Arthritis & Cannabis- How to Relieve your Pain Naturally

Arthritis & Cannabis- How to Relieve your Pain Naturally

Nov 14, 2018 | Cannabis, Chronic Pain, Inflammation

Those who suffer from arthritis daily often depend frequently on over the counter medications to help give them some relief. But did you know that all-natural cannabis can provide adequate relief without all the potential side effects?  

Arthritis currently affects an estimated 31 million Americans [arthritis.org] and is only expected to increase with time. Signs and symptoms associated with arthritis include:  

  • Stiff Joints
  • Mobility Issues
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Inability/Difficulty doing everyday tasks

While many over-the-counter and prescription medications can help alleviate the pain momentarily, they are sometime accompanied with unwanted side-effects, and are not necessarily good to take long-term.  

Cannabis on the other hand contains potent compounds that can help alleviate both pain and inflammation and can provide relief at very low doses. Cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, such as THC and CBD, contain pain relieving qualities that can also help reduce inflammation.  

In an article in the Journal of Rheumatology, studies have shown that those who suffer from arthritis have an increased level of CB2 receptors in their joint tissue, and since cannabis interacts with these receptors, it can help reduce inflammation and even help repair the joint.   

While cannabinoids have been shown to provide an array of benefits, terpenes (the plants aromatic oils) also provide their own unique benefits. Terpenes such as Humulene and Caryophyllene contain anti-inflammatory and pain reducing benefits, and provide antioxidants as well.  

A huge benefit of cannabis is that they contain all these different compounds (acidic cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other minor constituents) that produce an entourage effect; meaning they provide high medical value and affect a wide array of symptoms. 

For those who need quick pain relief, inhalation provides the fastest onset of about 5 minutes. For those in need of long-lasting relief, using a tincture can provide relief up to 2-8 hours but takes a little longer to kick in (~1 hour). There are also a variety of topical products that are great for localized pain and do not cause any psychoactive effects.  

There are a variety of cannabis products on the market now for every type of patient. Patients are no longer required to rely on inhalation as their only method of consumption. Products like tablets, tinctures and elixirs are now available, as well as topicals and high CBD products that provide little to no psychoactivity. Come by Trilogy Wellness and talk with our Wellness Advisors to learn about the different products and strains that can help alleviate your pain.