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Dr. Jason Winkelmann

Review: Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants

How hemp can be used as a therapy for COVID-19


New research, published January 10, 2022 has shown hemp to be an affective therapy and preventative measure for Covid-19.


The researchers found that certain cannabinoids actually bind to the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, imparting its ability to bind to the ACE2 receptor, its main target for infection. Specifically, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) which are both found in the seeds of the hemp plant (cannabis sativa) had an affinity for the spike protein.


In order for an infection to occur, the spike protein on the coronavirus must attach itself to the ACE2 receptor found in the lungs. CBGA and CBDA were both found to bind to the spike protein which interfered with the biding of the spike protein to the ACE2 receptor.


The best part is that these results held up across all variants of the coronavirus. Due to the nature of vaccines, they can be subjected to lesser effectiveness as new variants emerge. Quoted from the researchers,


One of the primary concerns in the ongoing pandemic is the spread of viral variants, of which there are many, with some of the most concerning and widespread being B.1.1.7 and B.1.351. These variants are well known for evading antibodies against early lineage SARS-CoV-2, which is particularly concerning due to the fact that current vaccination strategies rely on the early lineage spike RBD as an antigen. Our data show minimal impact of the variant lineages on the effectiveness of CBDA and CBGA, a trend that will hopefully extends to other existing and future variants.

Therefore, hemp seeds and hemp seed oil appear to be an affective therapy for Covid-19.


Unfortunately, smoking cannabis and consuming CBD do not provide the same therapy. CBGA is the mother cannabinoid with CBDA being the inactive form of CBD not found in either the former or latter.



Hemp seeds can be purchased at your local health foods store, while the more concentrated hemp seed oil can be found here. Click on Wellevate and search for "Hemp Seed Oil." The best product currently available is by Manitoba Harvest. There is no specific dosing available, so sticking with a dose of 3 soft gels per day should be a good starting place.



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