THC: Potential Therapy For Deadly COVID-19-Induced ARDS

Ever since the beginning of the ongoing viral risk, many have wondered whether or not cannabis could benefit COVID-19 treatment. 

While perhaps not the miracle cure many hoped for, groundbreaking news has proved the efficacy of THC in treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). 

THC beats ARDS

While the coronavirus may have a high survival rate, ARDS has up to a 40% mortality rate. It is one of the leading causes which leads to death from COVID-19. Research done at the University of South Carolina, Columbia was done on mice on the topic. 

The treatment of mice with THC led to a 100% survival, decreased lung inflammation, and the suppression of cytokine storm. 

In the mice model, 100% of the mice with ARDS induced by Staphylococcal enterotoxin B died. Throughout the course of the study, the researchers analyzed the mice for survival, ARDS, cytokine storm, and metabolome. According to the study, “The treatment of SEB-mediated ARDS mice with THC led to a 100% survival, decreased lung inflammation, and the suppression of cytokine storm.” 

In addition to other factors related to ARDS which were analyzed because of their similarity to human coronavirus symptoms, the study has built a convincing case for potential human trials. Either way, the subject deserves further consideration, even if it takes time to be integrated into therapies. 

THC vs. cytokine storms

Cytokine storms are when the body overreacts when fighting against an infection. In the face of too large an infection, the body releases too many cytokines to combat them, which end up hurting the body due to creating too much inflammation. This inflammation leads to ARDS, and so it makes sense that THC could help. 

With enough coverage, accuracy, and safety, cannabis is poised to win big in the world of pharmacology. 

Previous research has found THC to be a potential anti-inflammatory agent, which may be why it can help with the symptoms of ARDS. Either way, with the FDA already having greenlit clinical trials using synthetic cannabinoids for treating ARDS, it seems appropriate to push forward with organic-derived compounds as well. 

CBD: Another anti-inflammatory agent

Apart from THC, CBD was already shown to have potential as a novel therapy for coronavirus. Interestingly, studies have also found CBD as a potential anti-inflammatory agent. 

In the face of rising health risks, perhaps cannabis has only started giving in terms of its ability to combat modern ailments. In fact, CBD has also been found to combat superbugs. 

CBD was already shown to have potential as a novel therapy for coronavirus.

While certain legislation is slow on allowing the development of novel therapies, it’s unlikely that they will stop cropping up. With enough coverage, accuracy, and safety, cannabis is poised to win big in the world of pharmacology. 

Text: Karhlyle Fletcher

Cannabis Therapy – online magazine for cannabis patients and experts alike. Issue No.2 coming soon! In the meantime, check out the issue no. 1 HERE.