According to a new study, cannabis compounds prevented the virus that causes COVID-19 from penetrating healthy human cells.
Researchers from Oregon State University said two compounds commonly found in hemp were identified during a chemical screening as having the potential to combat coronavirus. The two compounds are called cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA.
While in a laboratory, the researchers tested the cannabis compounds' effect against alpha and beta variants of the virus. However, the study didn't compare infection rates in those who use the compounds to those who don’t.
“These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans,” said Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center.
“They have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.”