A group of Canadian scientists has called for further investigation into whether cannabinoids could safely and effectively treat Covid-19 and long Covid, following a series of encouraging findings in the field.
A scoping review conducted by researchers at Dalhousie University examined how cannabinoids might play a therapeutic role in reducing both a person's susceptibility to the disease and its severity, both before and after infection.
The team found that cannabinoids may have the capacity to block viral entry into cells, reduce oxidative stress, and dampen the cytokine storm — a dangerous overreaction in which the body floods itself with cytokines in an attempt to fight the virus — which is widely considered the primary driver of Covid-related deaths.
The researchers were careful to point out, however, that most of the existing studies were carried out in settings unrelated to Covid-19, meaning "extrapolation of these findings… requires caution".
They urged the scientific community to pursue further clinical trials and mechanistic studies to clarify optimal dosing schedules, underlying biological processes, and the safety profile and possible side effects of modulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS) during viral infections.
"Despite the promising outlook, a comprehensive understanding of these aspects is crucial for establishing the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and ECS modulation on the onset of Covid-19 and lingering symptoms associated with long Covid," they added.