One topic you’ve likely never heard addressed about Cannabidiol or CBD has been its potential to combat viruses. This is a new topic that has come up because of the current situation that our world is in. COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, has spread throughout the world and everyone is looking for a way to protect themselves as well as their friends and family. With all this uncertainty, people are looking everywhere for ways to help. But, CBD? Can a plant help protect against a virus? Great question. It has piqued our curiosity and hopefully yours too! Read on to see what Panacea Life Sciences has researched and now understands about CBD and viruses.
Why put CBD in a hand sanitizer?
Let’s define what CBD is and what it is not. The most common misunderstanding of CBD is that it is THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol. These are two of the compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. THC is the component that creates a “high” in users when ingested in an large amount. THC has been in the spotlight for longer than CBD because of the inebriating aspect. CBD is the component that users often describe as giving a sense of calm. Another difference between the two is that THC is not legal everywhere in the United States, but CBD is. The 2018 Farm Bill gave all 50 states the ability to grow the hemp plants to create CBD products derived from industrial hemp. For a Cannabis sativa plant to be a hemp plant it must contain less than 0.3% of THC. This amount does not get users “high.” There are states that are able to grow marijuana legally and sell certain THC products for medical use or recreational use. If you don’t already know, do some research to see what the laws are in your state.
What is a Virus?
To understand what a virus is and whether or not CBD can help ward it off, we first need to know what a virus is. Viruses are the most simple life forms on Earth. And there are many types of viruses on Earth. A virus outside of a cell can practically do nothing, but once a virus reaches a cell, it harnesses the cell to replicate and either kills the cell or stops the cell from performing normal function. Some viruses have greasy coats called envelopes. These are the viruses that hate soap, because it disrupts the greasy membrane and minimizes the ability of the virus to not only survive but to enter into your body . This is why washing your hands is important to minimize viral infections. For a virus to spread, it must make its way into a cell, and this is no easy task with a healthy individual. However, those who are immunocompromised may have weaker cells and therefore, are more susceptible to getting a virus. A virus is only able to penetrate when given a pass of sorts and this often happens by the virus “tricking” the cell into believing it is not a virus.
What are CBD’s antibacterial properties?
Alright, let us add the two together. It is important to note before reading that there is a difference between bacterial infections and viral infections. In this article, they found that CBD may be a great addition to antibiotics to help fight against some bacterial infections. There is still more research to do, but this is good news!
- What is the difference between a virus and a bacteria?
We know they are different, but what is the difference? One simple difference is that viruses cause viral infections and bacteria causes bacterial infections. There are bacteria living in your body right now and they likely will not cause any harm to you. Some will cause infections including, but not limited to STREP throat, UTI’s (urinary tract infections), and tuberculosis. Viruses on the other hand require a living host (you) to spread. Commonly known viral diseases include the chickenpox, AIDS and the common cold! Now that we know the difference between a virus and a bacteria — read on to learn more.
- Can CBD ward off a virus?
The simple answer is: we do not know. There is still little research on CBD in general, let alone about viruses and CBD. There needs to be more research done on CBD and viruses before we can give a solid answer.
- What about COVID-19?
Now the question you have all been waiting for, does CBD help fight off the coronavirus? Well, we still do not know yet. It is likely that you have read about the mysteries of COVD-19 and they are still ongoing. There are things we do know. The best way to avoid a viral infection is to stop the virus from entering your body in the first place. CBD has antibacterial properties and has been reported to cut through biofilms bacteria produce so may have a similar effect on enveloped, or greasy, viruses. CBD hand sanitizer or soap will wash the greasy virus from your hands if it has come in contact with it. COVID-19 is a virus that has the envelope around it that despises soap and water. So, wash your hands!
CBD Hand Sanitizer
That’s right! CBD hand sanitizer is a real product. This cannabinoid is added to a type of alcohol (we use ethyl alcohol) to create a hand sanitizing product. You can find our products here. Remember that our skin is a barrier that prevents material and viruses from entering our body, so CBD will not reach the bloodstream through the skin. Instead, CBDIt is absorbed through the pores in your skin. Panacea Life Sciences offers a regular CBD hand sanitizer as well as a Cleansing CBD Creme for cleaning and moisturizing. The Creme is especially useful to keep skin from getting dried out by repetitive hand washing.
Learn more about ways to keep your home clean and healthy in our article, CBD Hand Sanitizer: Why It’s a Smart Home Choice.
Other ways to ward off a virus
Always follow CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations regarding a virus. The CDC has recommended that we –
- Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizer)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell
- Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell – the best way to prevent illness is to be not exposed to the illness, which is why the CDC recommends staying at home and only leaving for essential trips.
- Don’t touch your face before cleaning your hands properly because you never know what can be on your hands.
Building up your immunity to viruses may help with warding off COVID-19. Doing your exercise routine at home, eating well, making sure you are getting the proper nutrients, etc. Keeping your home properly disinfected can go a long way as well. In this current state, it is important to keep up with the CDC’s recommendations. For updates on COVD-19 as well as other health recommendations, click here.
Other types of CBD products
Besides Panacea Life Science’s new hand sanitizer and cleansing hand creme, what other products do we offer? What do we not offer? Here is a list:
Orally:
Tinctures – Tinctures are taken orally (generally administered under the tongue) and are immediately entered in the bloodstream from the mouth.
Sublingual tablets – these are administered orally as well and then enter into the bloodstream from the mouth immediately, like tinctures.
Softgels – these are also administered orally and then travel through the digestive tract to reach the stomach and then disintegrate there into the bloodstream.
Edibles – edible are similar to soft gels and their bioavailability is the same but, instead of a pill, gummies or candies can be eaten for a tasty way to get CBD into your daily routine.
Skin:
Topicals – salves, creams, or lotions can be administered on the skin for potential benefits. Applying a topical liberally is necessary to feel effects but, never enter the bloodstream but are absorbed by the pore in the skin.
Other:
Vapes – although Panacea Life Sciences does not advocate for the use of vapes, it is a way to get CBD. The smoke is inhaled and the CBD is brought into the bloodstream by the lungs. But like other types of smoking and or vaping it can be harmful to the lungs and then overall health. We also do not carry CBD water.
Other uses of CBD
There are more than just one use of CBD products. CBD can be used to promote any of these issues but, speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD products. Here are a few other uses to consider for you, your friends, family members or even a furry friend.
- Epidiolex: Epidiolex is one of the FDA-approved medications that contains CBD. It is used for two different types of epilepsy Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. This treats seizures and is approved to be administered to children and adults two years and up.
- Other FDA approved CBD drugs: Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone). These approved drug products are only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- May promote a sense of calm: CBD has been described to assist those who may have an overall sense of anxiousness to feel a sense of calm. This has been described by CBD users, and pet owners who have given CBD to their furry friends.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: CBD has been known to reduce joint inflammation in many studies, including this one that watched and tested the effects CBD had on rats with osteoarthritis. Panacea Life Sciences has also done a study regarding the use of CBD and dogs with osteoarthritis. This study showed increased mobility in dogs who were administered CBD as told by pet owners.
- May improve skin health: CBD has been described to improve skin health for those with existing skin conditions as well as those without them. In this study they used several categories to test the skin before and after the use of CBD skin products. It used a hydration test, an elasticity and a transepidermal water loss test. Photos were taken to further the reliability of the study. They found that the administration of a topical CBD ointment is a beneficial way to improve skin health.
- Mental wellbeing: This reason for using CBD is tied to a sense of calm. This is because if users are feeling a sense of calm, their overall mental state may be improved.
Where do I get CBD?
There are many places where one can find CBD products. If you live in a location where the use of marijuana products are legal you can find CBD at your local dispensary, but, keep in mind that it may contain more traceable amounts of THC. Local grocery shops and health stores may sell CBD products. One of the more popular places to purchase CBD is online (from retailers like us, Panacea Life Sciences). It is important to know if your CBD retailer is a quality one. Reputable companies will put their labels for their products on their websites. You should also look out for the tests which the company goes through to make sure their products are high quality. As always, doing research on the companies will eliminate the non-reputable ones.
So, can CBD ward off a virus?
With all of this new information on CBD, viruses as well as bacteria, we hope that we have been helpful in your journey with CBD. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before using any type of CBD product. During these uncertain and scary times, it is essential to continue your own research as well as strictly follow the CDC’s guidelines. Panacea Life Sciences is committed to giving our customers the best and most up-to-date information that we can. We have added our own CBD hand sanitizer and CBD cleansing cream to keep our customers safe and as well as we can. If you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact us at 1 (800) 985-0515 or email us at [email protected]. Stay home, safe and wash your hands!
Links:
https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/2018-farm-bill
https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2020/04/02/whats-a-virus-anyway-part-1-the-bare-bones-basics/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45200487_Cannabinoids_and_Viral_Infections
https://www.healtheuropa.eu/can-cannabis-and-cbd-affect-coronavirus/98732/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747004/
https://panacealife.com/product/cbd-hand-sanitizer/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5690292/
https://www.clinicaterapeutica.it/ojs/index.php/ClinicaTerapeutica/article/view/377
