THC in cannabis could help with COVID-19 complications

Researchers at the University of South Carolina revealed that THC in cannabis could assist in the treatment of serious complications caused by the Coronavirus. Scientists tested the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana, namely or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), on mice suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Coronavirus occurs when fluid builds up in the tiny, elastic air sacs in the lungs, preventing them from filling with enough air. This means less oxygen reaches the bloodstream, depriving organs of the oxygen they need to function.

The condition is one of the most common and serious complications brought on by COVID-19 and can be fatal in humans.

The Scientists ran tests to see if THC in cannabis, which has shown to act as a potent anti-inflammatory, could be effective at protecting mice from ARDS.

A toxin that triggers the disease was given to the mice and one group were then given THC to see if it would block the strong immune response that leads to ARDS.

The three studies found that all the animals who were not treated with THC died after developing the disease. The mice treated with THC all survived.

Although not conclusive, the researchers said the THC in the marijuana plant showed promising results. The compound could potentially be used to treat complications caused by COVID-19.

Another study conducted in Israel used a unique terpene formulation found in cannabis. It found promising results for the treatment of viral infections, including coronavirus.

Scientists found that using the terpene combination with CBD was twice as effective as Dexamethasone, which has been used in patients with severe complications caused by COVID-19.