Cannabinoids and the Coronavirus

Every week, I have the privilege of working with physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists all over the world to provide education and training in cannabinoid-based medicine. In the midst of this truly global pandemic, practitioners everywhere are starting to have patients ask them about cannabinoids as they relate to Covid-19.

I’ve shared a few soundbites below, from a well-balanced new article by Dr. Kevin Hill on Cannabinoids and the Coronavirus. I encourage all practitioners to read the full article if you have time (it’s a quick 5 min read.)

Here’s what you should know:

• Limited evidence demonstrates a possible role for cannabinoids in treating viral illnesses; however, there are studies to suggest that CBD is a reasonable candidate to be studied in pre-clinical models. 
• We are very far from the level of evidence required to consider using cannabinoids as pharmacotherapy for viral illnesses, but the perpetual high level of interest in cannabinoids as medicine presents an important opportunity for clinicians. 
• Being able to converse with patients openly on these issues and having a benefit-to-risk discussion with them will increase the chances that they receive evidence-based treatment, which may or may not include the use of cannabinoids.
• If we can combine sensibility, empathy, and an evidence-based approach in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, we can have a significant impact on many patients' lives.

Read the full article here.