Could cannabis have untapped potential against COVID-19?
Researchers are zeroing in on CBDA and CBGA—two rare compounds in raw cannabis that might help block the virus.
But is it the real deal? Here’s what makes CBDA and CBGA so intriguing—and why they might be worth a closer look.
Key Takeaways
- CBDA and CBGA might block COVID-19 from entering cells by targeting the spike protein.
- Early studies show promise but were done in lab settings, not on human subjects.
- High doses or specialized delivery methods may be required for effectiveness.
- CBDA and CBGA could complement vaccines, not replace them, if proven effective.
Understanding CBDA and CBGA
CBDA and CBGA are the “raw” or acidic forms of CBD and CBG. Think of them as CBD and CBG’s unprocessed, all-natural versions.
They’re found in freshly harvested cannabis but get converted into CBD and CBG when exposed to heat, like when you smoke or cook it.
- CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is the precursor to CBD, loaded with potential but usually overshadowed by its better-known cousin.
- CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) is often called the “mother cannabinoid” because it’s the building block that eventually becomes other cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
While we know a lot about CBD and CBG, CBDA and CBGA haven’t had their moment in the sun—until now.
Recent studies hint that these raw cannabinoids could be game-changers in blocking the COVID-19 virus from getting into our cells.
Recent Research Findings
In early 2022, scientists at Oregon State University ran a study that got the cannabis world talking. They discovered that CBDA and CBGA might actually help prevent COVID-19 infection by binding to the virus’s spike protein.
Why is this a big deal? Well, the spike protein is like a key that the virus uses to unlock and enter your cells. By attaching themselves to the spike protein, CBDA and CBGA could potentially jam the lock, stopping the virus from getting in.
This means that, at least in a lab setting, CBDA and CBGA seemed to make it harder for COVID-19 to do its thing.
But it’s important to know that these findings are from lab experiments. They haven’t been tested in humans yet, so we don’t know if CBDA and CBGA will work the same way outside a petri dish.
Mechanism of Action
How exactly do CBDA and CBGA throw a wrench in COVID-19’s plans? The answer is all about the spike protein.
COVID-19 uses its spike protein to latch onto human cells. This is the “key” it uses to get inside and start spreading.
But CBDA and CBGA might have a way of blocking this key. The cannabinoids attach to the spike protein, which could stop the virus from connecting with our cells. It’s like throwing a wrench in the virus’s plan before it can even get going.
Other treatments, like vaccines and certain antiviral drugs, also target the spike protein. But what makes CBDA and CBGA unique is that they come from a natural source. However, this doesn’t mean you should swap out vaccines for cannabinoids.
More research is needed to understand how effective this method really is in humans.
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While CBDA and CBGA sound promising, there are some things you should keep in mind before loading up on raw cannabis:
1. Lab Results Aren’t Real-World Results
The Oregon State study was done in vitro, meaning it was conducted on cells in a lab, not in live humans. And as much as lab results can be exciting, they don’t always hold up in real-world scenarios.
We’ll need clinical trials to see if CBDA and CBGA can actually prevent COVID-19 infections in people.
2. Dosage and Bioavailability
Even if CBDA and CBGA can block COVID-19 in theory, it’s unclear how much you’d need to take for it to be effective.
The body absorbs cannabinoids differently depending on the form they’re in—raw, oil, capsule, etc.—so you might need a pretty high dose to see any real effect.
Plus, not all of that dose might make it to your cells, thanks to the digestive process.
3. Possible Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Like with other cannabinoids, CBDA and CBGA aren’t without risks. Some people experience side effects like dry mouth or fatigue, and cannabinoids can interact with certain medications.
If you’re on other meds, especially ones that mention avoiding grapefruit, talk to your doctor before trying these cannabinoids.
Comparing CBDA and CBGA with Other COVID-19 Treatments
Vaccines
The current COVID-19 vaccines train the immune system to recognize the virus’s spike protein, which prepares your body to fight off an infection. CBDA and CBGA don’t train your immune system; they might simply block the virus from entering cells.
If they work in humans, they could theoretically be used alongside vaccines for an added layer of protection.
Antivirals
Drugs like Paxlovid stop the virus from replicating once it’s already in the body. CBDA and CBGA, however, could potentially act as a first line of defense, preventing the virus from taking hold in the first place.
Future Prospects
If CBDA and CBGA turn out to be as effective in humans as they were in the lab, it could open up new possibilities in COVID-19 prevention.
Here’s what we could see in the future:
Clinical Trials
Human trials will be essential to determine if CBDA and CBGA are safe and effective outside the lab.
These trials would tell us how much of each cannabinoid is needed, how often you’d need to take it, and what side effects, if any, might come up.
New Delivery Methods
While oils and capsules work fine for CBD and CBG, CBDA and CBGA might need other forms—like inhalers, nasal sprays, or even IV drips—to reach the levels needed to be effective.
Potential for Variants
COVID-19 variants keep changing the spike protein, which means it’s possible that CBDA and CBGA could have different effects depending on the strain.
If they work on one variant, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll work on all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get CBDA and CBGA from smoking cannabis?
No, smoking cannabis typically converts CBDA and CBGA into CBD and CBG through heat. To consume CBDA and CBGA, you need raw, unheated cannabis or specialized products like tinctures or capsules containing the acidic forms.
Are CBDA and CBGA the same as CBD and CBG?
Not exactly. CBDA and CBGA are the unheated, “raw” forms of CBD and CBG. They have different chemical structures and may interact with the body in unique ways compared to their “activated” versions.
Can I buy CBDA and CBGA products legally?
In many places, yes. CBDA and CBGA products are legal in areas where CBD products derived from hemp are permitted, as they typically contain very low levels of THC.
Are there any foods or drinks that naturally contain CBDA and CBGA?
No, CBDA and CBGA are unique to raw cannabis. However, some people incorporate raw cannabis leaves into smoothies or juices to consume these cannabinoids in their natural form.
Conclusion
Though it’s too soon to say if cannabis can treat COVID-19, early research on CBDA and CBGA looks promising.
These cannabinoids might eventually play a supporting role in preventing the virus from entering cells, but more studies are needed to confirm their real-world effects.
For now, CBDA and CBGA could be helpful additions to your wellness routine, offering benefits that go beyond COVID-19.
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