A narrative review found that cannabinoids, particularly CBD and cannabigerolic acid, have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that could theoretically help with COVID-19, but clinical evidence is lacking.
Researchers studying cannabinoid pharmacology, immunologists, and anyone curious about the cannabis-COVID-19 claims.
Multiple receptor pathways beyond CB1/CB2 contribute to anti-inflammatory effects
What the researchers found
Cannabinoids interact with multiple receptors (GPR55, TRPV1, PPARs, 5-HT1A, adenosine, glycine) beyond CB1/CB2 to produce anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. Since SARS-CoV-2 triggers excessive immune response and inflammatory cascades, cannabinoids' ability to regulate these processes suggests theoretical potential for COVID-19 treatment. Secondary cannabinoids like cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and terpenes also showed anti-inflammatory and antiviral potential.
Why it matters
During the pandemic, many claims circulated about cannabis and COVID-19. This review consolidates what is actually known about the biological mechanisms while making clear that clinical evidence is absent.
The numbers in context
Multiple receptor systems identified: CB1, CB2, GPR55, TRPV1, PPARs, 5-HT1A, adenosine, and glycine receptors. CBD and CBGA highlighted as most promising compounds.
How the study worked
Narrative review of literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on cannabinoid anti-inflammatory and antiviral mechanisms potentially relevant to COVID-19.
What this study cannot tell us
No clinical trial data for cannabinoids in COVID-19 patients. Evidence based entirely on in vitro studies, preclinical models, and theoretical mechanisms. Anti-inflammatory effects in a lab do not guarantee clinical benefit.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review based on preclinical and in vitro evidence without any clinical trial data for the COVID-19 application.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
The review highlights the entourage effect, noting that secondary cannabinoids and terpenes may contribute to anti-inflammatory properties, challenging the focus on CBD and THC alone.
Questions still open
- Will clinical trials of cannabinoids for COVID-19 ever be conducted? Could cannabinoid anti-inflammatory mechanisms be useful for other viral infections beyond COVID-19?
Common questions
Can cannabis help with COVID-19?
Which cannabinoids might fight viruses?
Read the original research
Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral Effects of Cannabinoids in Inhibiting and Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection.
International journal of molecular sciences, 23(8)
Citation
Janecki, Marcin; Graczyk, Michał; Lewandowska, Agata Anna; Pawlak, Łukasz. (2022). Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral Effects of Cannabinoids in Inhibiting and Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection.. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23084170
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