Lead with Science

News that two cannabinoids, CBDA and CBGA, were shown to bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and prevent the virus from entering human cells in vitro made headlines all over the map in January. The idea that a couple of hemp compounds could potentially prevent or shorten COVID-19 infections is surely worth excitement, but also much more analysis.

Given the volatility in hemp markets, it’s natural that stakeholders would capitalize on the news, especially after a period of decline. One consumer brand told me that its CBDA product line—launched before the research out of Oregon State University—has flown off shelves without any marketing. Still, industry needs to be careful. It won’t serve long-term interests to be seen as profiteering off COVID-19 news. So tread carefully on the marketing front, but keep pushing down the scientific path.

There are nearly 28,000 peer-reviewed articles on cannabis in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, noted Matthew Lowe, PhD, director of research for the Realm of Caring Foundation (RoC), a non-profit that has been facilitating mainstream acceptance of cannabinoid-based therapies since its inception in 2013.

“In partnership with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, our Observational Research Registry is the largest cannabinoid therapy research program in the U.S.,” said Lowe. “The therapeutic potential of cannabis is now well known, but its mechanisms of action on the human nervous system, treatment effectiveness, and safety are still being explored.”

Our publication may be titled CBD Inside & Out, but we know the cannabis plant is more complicated than any single derivative. There are more than 500 cannabis-based compounds, including about 125 phytocannabinoids that produce pharmacological effects, Lowe noted.

The remaining non-cannabinoid constituents include terpenes, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and more. “The therapeutic benefits of cannabis are dependent on the interplay between various cannabis constituents,” Lowe said. “While researchers are still examining precisely how these constituents interact to produce distinct effects on the body, it has become increasingly apparent that both cannabinoids and non-cannabinoids have significant therapeutic potential.”

CBD has been an entry point—a starting block. The runway ahead is vast. Sasha Kalcheff-Korn, executive director of the RoC Foundation described a domino effect of sorts. “A consumer realizes the potential of this one singular cannabinoid then begins educating themselves on the potential of the many other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that have therapeutic properties of their own. Understanding the mechanisms of action of CBD through research is paving the way for opportunities with the additional compounds of the Cannabis sativa plant as well.”

Sean Moloughney, Editor
smoloughney@rodmanmedia.com