Note: Cannabis has not been proven to cure COVID-19 or stop you from contracting the virus. This article is meant to be used for educational purposes to highlight the homeopathic benefits of cannabis that can be used to alleviate some of the symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19.
With the Omicron variant rapidly spreading across the globe, COVID-19 is once again surging. Even with the vaccine, most people are still at risk of contracting the virus and may still experience various symptoms from COVID-19. According to the CDC, some common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Though it hasn’t been proven to protect you from getting COVID-19, cannabis can certainly help ease or eliminate some of the symptoms associated with the virus. It’s well documented that marijuana consumers have historically used medical marijuana to help with body aches, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and to sleep better.
Cannabis Relieves Body Pain
For many people, cannabis has reduces the sensation of pain. A report published by an ad hoc committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found there was "conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective in the treatment of chronic pain in adults."
More specifically, cannabidinol (CBD) can help reduce pain. CBD has been proven to be anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and can also limit anxiety associated with pain. If you’re suffering from body aches, joint pain, nerve pain, or headaches due to COVID-19, you may find relief with cannabis — specifically high CBD weed products.
Curb Nausea with Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana also has a long history as a treatment for nausea leading back to chemotherapy patients in the 1970s and AIDS patients in the 1980s. Cannabis’ anti-nausea effect is likely due to its ability to block receptors in the 5-HT or serotonin family.
Both THC and CBD have antiemetic properties, meaning they can decrease vomiting and nausea. Jacob Vigil, associate professor, UNM psychology department, explained that "THC, typically associated with recreational use, seemed to improve [nausea] treatment among consumers of Cannabis flower." Look for strains and products with a balanced level of CBD and THC, such as a 1:1.
Medical Marijuana for Anxiety & Sleep
Medical marijuana has been shown to help people achieve a better night’s sleep. Sleep can be difficult when you are not feeling well, either because you feel pain, or are experiencing other symptoms. In particular, the anxiety caused by contracting COVID, can keep you awake. Not knowing what is going to happen next, and the sudden onset of symptoms, like losing taste and smell, can be anxiety-inducing.
CBD has been shown to help alleviate acute anxiety in medical marijuana patients. Some scientists believe that CBD works well at reducing anxiety, because of the way it interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain; lack of serotonin may be a principal cause of anxiety and depression. And CBD may act similarly to prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. This makes serotonin more available in the synaptic space (the space between neurons in the brain), increasing serotonin signaling.
THC and CBD have been shown to help many people get a better night’s sleep, while also decreasing the feeling of anxiety. Cannabis works by triggering receptors in our endocannabinoid systems. These triggers help regulate hormones, immunity, pain, hunger, and (You guessed it!) sleep! There are several reasons that cannabis can help with a good night’s sleep and the secret is in the cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis Sativa plant (marijuana), which help cause medicinal and therapeutic effects. Three of the cannabinoids that are well-known for inducing a sleep-filled night are THC, CBD, and now, CBN.
Cannabis and Your Immune System
You can even bolster your immune system with medical marijuana. If you’d like help fighting off additional illnesseses, both THC and CBD possess antiviral and antifungal properties to help your immune system. Antiviral substances work by inhibiting the development of target pathogens instead of merely killing them, similar to antibiotics.
While you’re quarantining, adopt a daily cannabis regimen to keep your immune system strong. Rather than vaping or smoking, which may irritate your lungs, try edibles.
Top Cannabis Products for COVID-19 Symptoms
To combat COVID-19 symptoms, look to these three cannabis products:
Proof 1:1 Tincture
Proof 1:1 Tincture provides the balanced benefits of CBD and the psychoactive impact of THC. This product is perfect for those seeking relief from COVID-19 symptoms like headache, sore back, or body aches without an especially strong "high." You can find this tincture across many California retailers, check out Proof’s website for exact locations.
Kiva Camino Midnight Blueberry Gummies
Kiva Camino Midnight Blueberry Gummies can help you fall asleep when fevers and aches are keeping you restlessly awake. These gummies offer a calming combination of 5 MG of THC, 1 MG of CBN and relaxing terpenes with chamomile and lavender extracts to promote restful sleep. You can find these gummies in California and across the U.S. in specific states.
Dosist’s Relief
Dosist’s Relief cannabis vape pen is a 2:1 THC to CBD formula designed to ease mild to moderate aches and pains naturally. It will help bring on instant relief from your COVID symptoms and can help you get out of bed or ease you to sleep — depending on what suits your needs most. The pen is available in a 200 dose/500mg dosist formula pod and in a 100 dose/250mg dose pen and can be purchased at select retailers in California.
Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Marijuana
It’s easy to get your medical document with the online Telehealth service HelloMD. Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.
