Medical cannabis and COVID-19

More than two years after the world has completely stopped, united all in the fight against the global pandemic generated by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and when in the world there are almost 5.5 million deaths caused by it and more than 313 million infected by COVID-19, the global medical system has united in the search for solutions like never before and under enormous pressure. “However, this desperate search for an unknown enemy has led to solutions being explored where there may not be,” says Dr. Mafer Arboleda, an anesthesiologist specializing in chronic pain and palliative care and an expert in medical cannabis.

Information on the possible benefits of consuming cannabinoids for the management of COVID-19 was recently released. Is this true? Where did it come from? Dr. Mafer explains in-depth and, despite how exciting this news might sound at first, it is premature to consider that the use of marijuana, in any of its presentations, can prevent the spread and treat the complications of this terrifying and complex disease.

“However, this in no way means that smoking marijuana or consuming cannabinoids will prevent or solve the health problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic we are currently experiencing,” says Dr. Mafer Arboleda.

“Although the results of some research are promising, there is still a lack of good quality human studies to verify the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection,” he says. With all the impact that this pandemic has generated, not only in terms of physical health and the

significant loss of life but also in terms of mental, emotional, affective, and economic stability, it is customary to look for different solutions and alternatives. And although cannabis for medicinal purposes is ultimately an excellent ally for various ailments still being investigated, this does not mean that it is a miracle drug, something Dr. Mafer emphasizes.

What is certain is that thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory effect, cannabidiol or CBD, one of the main components of the Cannabis sativa plant, can help control the “cytokine storm,” as it is called the exaggerated release of molecules and pro-inflammatory substances in the body, which produces damage at the lung level (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and multi-organ failure, the result of suffering from COVID-19 disease.

On the other hand, CBD has also been shown to decrease inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis in animal models with asthma[1]. “However, it is crucial to note that these studies have been in animals and cell tissue, not humans. These are promising results, but more clinical research is still needed,” says Dr. Mafer.