Cannabis potential effects to prevent or attenuate SARS-COV2 contagion

Abstract

AbstractMedical cannabis has gained an exponential interest in recent years. Therapeutic targets have been broadened from specific applications over pain control, chemotherapy side effects, treatment-resistant epilepsies and multiple sclerosis, among others. Several in vitro and animal studies, along with few human controlled studies, suggest cannabinoids have a potential therapeutic role over medical conditions comporting inflammatory mechanisms. Given the tremendous world-wide impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, research efforts are converging towards the use of cannabinoids to attenuate severe or fatal forms of the disease. The present survey aims to explore possible correlations between cannabis use, either recreational or medical, over the presence of SARS-COV-2 contagion, along with the symptom’s severity. 4026 surveys were collected via electronic form. Results suggest a relation between any type of cannabis use and a lower risk of SARS-COV-2 contagion (p=0,004; OR=0,689, IC95% 0,534-0,889). Despite several methodological limitations, the present survey steps up the urge to expand our understanding on cannabinoids potential use on human controlled studies, that can better arm us in the fight against the current COVID-19 pandemic.