The news about cannabis and its benefits just continues to get more and more interesting. Thankfully, now with more relaxed laws and regulations around marijuana and its use, more people will be able to experience the healing benefits that this plant has to offer. Many have believed for a long time that marijuana is more than just the “devil’s lettuce”… not just a mechanism for getting high.
Cannabis can offer some very real benefits for a variety of different ailments, and it looks like we can add another one to the list. In a recent study published by Frontiers In Pharmacology, we learn that THC, which is the main psychoactive aspect of the cannabis plant, may protect against the lethal symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. (1) This is a lung disorder that has been associated with COVID-19, influenza, and more. For now, the research has only taken place in mice. But still, in light of all the fear and uncertainty around the times we live in right now, what a wonderful ray of hope!
THC May Protect Against Lung Disease Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome? Also known as ARDS, this lung disease affects millions of people each year. It involves rapid inflammation of the lungs and causes severe shortness of breath. This often occurs following an infection of the lungs, such as with the flu or COVID-19. ARDS is fatal in up to 50 percent of people who get it, and at this point, any and all remedies are welcome. This research suggests that THC may be just the ticket.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. ARDS could be thought of as a literal storm in the lungs. That’s a lot of inflammation. It goes like this:
Cytokines are messengers for the immune system. Sometimes their message is pro-inflammatory, telling the body to blast an infection with immune cells. Sometimes it is anti-inflammatory, stopping immune cells from doing too much damage. Where respiratory disease is concerned, sometimes the immune system overreacts. It releases too many cytokines of the pro-inflammatory kind, causing a massive amount of inflammation in the lungs. This can lead to death. This is a cytokine storm. (2)
The anti-inflammatory properties in THC could counter that.
To test the theory that this could be the answer, a team of researchers treated mice who were afflicted with ARDS, with THC. The results were astounding: in 100 percent of the cases, THC offered protection against the lethal symptoms of a cytokine storm. By blocking the pro-inflammatory cytokines that rush the immune cells to the area and cause damage, the inflammation was controlled. The severe damage that cytokine storms can normally cause, was a non-issue. (2)
It bears repeating that this study was performed in mice, and there is a lot more rigorous testing that needs to take place before this will be considered a viable treatment. But this is fantastic news and a possible light at the end of the tunnel for those who suffer from ARDS and other types of lung disease. There is nothing scarier than not being able to breathe, feeling like you can’t get enough oxygen. What a wonderful thing to be able to possibly lift that burden for so many people who are suffering. Not to mention the implications for a possible COVID-19 treatment. Three cheers for THC!
