Researchers are looking into the possibility that cannabis can help reduce some of the damaging inflammation to the lungs that occurs in severe COVID-19 cases, CBS News reports.
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, helps to inhibit the production of a key protein called cytokines, which promote the inflammation of tissues as a way to fight off infection. COVID apparently causes an overproduction of cytokines, which end up causing severe organ damage and respiratory problems.
“Cytokines will normally help to create inflammation to fight off infections,” Emily Earlenbaugh, a Forbes contributor and co-founder of Mindful Cannabis Consulting, said. “But in these extreme cases, you see so much cytokines being released into the system that it creates a cytokine storm. You might see high fever, inflammation, severe fatigue and nausea, and in serious cases, it can lead to death through organ failure.”
Researchers from the University of Nebraska and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute are encouraging further investigation into CBD as a treatment because it is a known an IL-6 cytokine inhibitor from previous research. CBD also helps reduce anxiety and promotes the production of interferons, a type of protein that fights infections.