Research Indicates Cannabinoid Precursors Prevent Entry of COVID-19 into Human Cells

Findings of study led by Richard van Breeman of Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center published on January, 10th 2022 in the Journal of Natural Products indicate that a pair of cannabinoid acids bind to SARS-COV-2 spike protein. Ultimately, blocking a critical step in the process the virus uses to infect people. The compounds are cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, CBDA, and the spike protein is the same drug target used in COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapy. Ironically, CBGA and CBDA also happen to be the precursors to the cannabinoids in DankeSuper’s newly released 1:1 CBG CBD balance gummies. We are not claiming our gummies serve as a therapeutic treatment or cure. Regardless, we found the timing ironic, and always enthralled to learn of new potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis. 

“CBDA and CBGA are produced by the hemp plant as precursors to CBD and CBG, which are familiar to many consumers. However, they are different from the acids and are not contained in hemp products,” van Breemen said. “These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts,” as reported on KTV. “They are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and have a good safety profile in humans”. It’s important to note: “The benefit for preventing viral infection of cells must come from cannabinoid acids, which are heat sensitive and must not be smoked, or it would convert them to CBD and so forth.” In other words, if you’re looking to dose CBDA and CBGA super critically extracted full spectrum CBD oil tinctures are probably one’s best bet. 

Oregon State’s research on CBDA and CBGA was not the first discovery related to cannabis and COVID. In fact, research indicates cannabidiol (CBD) may serve as a potential therapeutic intervention for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This makes logical sense given CBD, along with CBG and THCv, exhibit strong anti-inflammatory qualities. Furthermore, the highly concentration of terpenes in C. Sativa / Hemp offer a slew of synergistic anti-inflammatory benefits. In fact, cannabis offers a wealth of entourage effects from the interaction of its phytochemical compounds including over 110+ cannabinoids, and high concentrations of flavonoids and terpenes.