Since the arrival of the pandemic, cannabis consumers have been reflecting on whether cannabis can help or worsen the symptoms of Covid. While experts are conducting research on the topic of weed and Covid-19, they have yet to come to a definite conclusion. Research suggests that cannabis may have the potential to both help and harm those who have Covid-19. Because of limited research on both sides of the discussion, we laid out some pros and cons as a resource to consider.
Weed and Covid-19 Pro #1
Some novel approaches from experts propose that the cannabis derived chemical known as CBD could be a possible treatment during severe cases of Covid-19. Cannabidiol (CBD) could be beneficial in fighting the cytokine storms in Covid-19. Cytokines are proteins within the body that play an essential role in immune response. Since the body increases inflammation as a reaction to infections, CBD makes sense as a medical aid since it has proven time and time again that it is assists the body against inflammation.
When an infection is severe, the body sometimes releases too many cytokines into the blood too quickly, known as a cytokine storm. The dangerous overflow of cytokines has reportedly led to the deaths of many Covid-19 patients. This is where CBD comes in—it has the ability to reduce inflammation that causes cytokines.
Con #1
The other side of this research urges that general cannabis use has the potential to increase the risk for Covid-19 patients.
In today’s actively pro-cannabis society, this presents a conflict of interest as smoking cannabis has grown to become a widely socialized activity that involves sharing joints, pipes, vaporizers, etc. The problem is that sharing can realistically open the door to a Coronavirus infection. The same goes for socially hanging out with people and friends.
When smoking cannabis, the throat and chest receive some degree of inflammation due to the smoke and carcinogens. With a Covid infection, these same airways tend to become inflamed as well. Smoking weed can increase inflammation which also increases your risk of health complications should you contract the virus.
Dr. Mitchell Glass, a pulmonologist and spokesperson for the American Lung Association said that “the problem is that the last thing you want during a pandemic is to make it more difficult for a doctor to diagnose your symptoms.”
Should I Continue Smoking or Avoid At All Costs?
At the end of the day, only you know your body best. You should do whatever you feel is healthiest and best for you.
The end of the Covid-19 pandemic is unknown but seemingly the world is opening back up. This may not be the last virus we will have to deal with in our lives. It’s necessary to study and research the potential of alternative medicine, such as cannabis. Smoking weed could possibly deliver benefits to some who are infected with Coronavirus, but there are many conflicting studies that might suggest otherwise.
