A glimmer of hope in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 has emerged from a recent study published in the journal *Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research*. The study, conducted by Northwell Health, suggests that individuals who use marijuana may experience improved outcomes when battling the virus, including a lower risk of severe infection and a reduced likelihood of requiring intubation or even death. This promising finding points to the potential immunomodulatory effects of cannabis, which could help to dampen the dangerous inflammation that can occur during infection.
The study analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample Database, comparing hospital admissions for COVID-19 among cannabis users and non-users. After accounting for factors such as age, gender, and pre-existing health conditions, the researchers observed a significant reduction in mortality and severe complications like lung failure among cannabis users. Specifically, the mortality rate among non-users was 5.1%, almost double the 2.8% observed in cannabis users. Additionally, cannabis users tended to experience shorter hospital stays, averaging 6.4 days compared to 7.0 days for non-users.
While these results are encouraging, experts urge caution. Dr. Benjamin Caplan, a cannabis expert and author, highlighted potential limitations of the study, such as the difficulty in perfectly matching study subjects and the absence of critical data, including patient inflammation levels and the specific types of cannabis products used.
The study’s preliminary findings, along with previous research, support a potential association between cannabis use and reduced COVID-19 severity. A 2022 study conducted by researchers at Oregon State University demonstrated that certain cannabinoid acids found in cannabis could potentially prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus from entering human cells in vitro by binding to its spike protein. This suggests a possible preventive role for cannabis against the virus.
However, earlier research cited in the Forbes article presents a more mixed picture. Some Canadian studies suggest that cannabinoids might reduce COVID-19 severity by hindering viral entry and alleviating oxidative stress. Conversely, a study conducted by the University of Washington linked marijuana use with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 complications. It’s important to note that no evidence currently supports the use of smoking cannabis as a preventive or curative measure for the virus.
As research into the relationship between cannabis and COVID-19 continues, further studies are crucial to fully understand the potential health benefits and risks associated with cannabis use, particularly given the long history of prohibition that has hindered scientific exploration in this emerging field.
