VitaminCBD™

COVID-19 v Cannabis

Raphael Mechoulam, PhD starting working  with Cannabis back in 1962-63.  His lab in Israel was noted to have encapsulated CBD and THC over 60 years ago. It took another 30 years until 1992 when the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) was understood as a biological system for neurotransmission of synaptic agents, i.e. serotonin, dopamine, etc. keeping the body in homeostatic balance. However, this mammalian biological system was not taught in the clinical healthcare professional schools for the next 50 years. There was an illegality attached to it by executive order, where Cannabis sativa L was designated a narcotic and a schedule one drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970. 

This above designation retarded, slowed down, and almost eliminated most of the research being done on cannabis in America. During that prohibition, only the University of Mississippi was authorized by the federal government to grow and study cannabis. This above covenant did not include the lawmaker, “The Federal Government”. Four research scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found in their Cannabis research that CBD had three health benefits for the brain, they were: Neuroprotective, Neuroproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. 

A patent was applied for these breakthrough findings and was granted in 2003 given to the parent institute known as Health and Human Services (HHS) of the federal government. The patent number for your review is #6630507. Now the Farm bill of 2018 made hemp legal and free of the 1937 Tax Act for the first time in 85 years. However, many countries around the world continued to study cannabis and there has been a major uptick in all of the clinical findings related to the cannabis plant.  

For decades, Israel has been a pioneer in investigating the potential mechanisms of action and uses of cannabis and its derivatives for a wide range of medical conditions. A biotech company in Israel is a research and development start-up, that is committed to the research and development of novel cannabidiol (CBD)-based treatment solutions which will potentially benefit millions of patients. Work is on the way to achieve further know how in its quest for more effective treatments for COVID-19 patients, among other conditions.

In May 2020, Canadian researchers from the University of Lethbridge conducted a study that resulted in  strains of cannabis” having the potential to prevent or even treat those affected by COVID-19. Apparently, their study reveals that high CBD levels are 70% capable of “blocking the proteins” that allow the coronavirus to access the body when passing through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) receptor. The virus enters the body through the nose and mouth which is why masks should be worn to minimize the spread.  In their study taking CBD in high concentrations created a higher chance of not getting the virus and being able to survive it but this does not imply it being completely prevented. Much more work needs to be done.

America now appears back in the game with review articles from major universities every week.  Late week (January 22) was big for Cannabis and its possible blocking effect of the coronavirus. Recent research has revealed that CBD increases the body’s levels of glutamate and serotonin which help control the brain’s function and mood. Approximately one week ago, there were a number of United States based studies published that emerged,  one out of Oregon State, one out of Chicago, another out of Canada, all talking about early results of research that may connect the cannabinoids as a preventive measure or a mitigating force against COVID-19.  

The article out of Oregon State talked about what Raphael Mechoulam, PhD had denoted in November of 2019. In a podcast, Dr. Mechoulam said to study the acid forms of this cannabis plant, CBDA CBGA and others because they had much more to offer. Oregon State’s paper states CBD compounds block viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 through spike binding. Neutralization of spike protein’s pseudotyped lentivirus and multiple variants of live SARS-CoV-2 virus was blocked by cannabinoids CBDA and CBGA. 

Importantly, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) were equally effective against the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant B.1.1.7 (Delta) and the beta variant B.1.351 (Omicron).  Cannabis has a long history of safe human use, these cannabinoids, isolated or in hemp extracts, have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2 according to this research. Please note that these studies were done in petri dishes and in laboratories and not in mammals. Do not jump off the bridge yet!  

As preliminary research is today, tomorrow is coming quickly. We need to remember that we have this biological system that needs supplementation and is the function of a vitamin.  VitaminCBD™ is our brand of organic hemp products with emphasis on the acid cannabinoids, CBDA and CBGA. “A Daily Dose of Wellness” can be started at www.dailyvitamincbd.com.  Get your bottle and “Let That Genie Out.”

Please and thank you. 

Eric I Mitchell MD FACPE