Let's Look at Cannabis from This Angle: COVID-19

Abstract

Cannabis sativa (Cannabis=hemp) contains cannabinoid-derived main components. Cannabinoids exert biological effects by stimulating cannabinoid receptors distributed throughout the body. Cannabis products affect various systems in the body such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and immune systems. They show analgesic, antiemetic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antitussive and cardioprotective effects. COVID-19 affects different organ systems in the body and causes symptoms depending on the mutation, such as dry cough, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and sense of smell. In this article, effectiveness of C. sativa and its components on COVID-19 have been evaluated, based on the fact that components or the extracts can affect the whole body due to cannabinoid receptors. Although cannabis and its components have potential beneficial effects for the entry of COVID-19 through the receptors into the body and the symptoms, further studies are needed for their safe use. Appropriate formulation and administration routes should be determined to eliminate the side effects and risk of addiction.