New Research Shows CBD May Prove Useful In Treating Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in COVID-19 Patients

EARLY EVIDENCE SHOWS CBD MAY HELP COVID-19 PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATION HELPING TO AVOID MECHANICAL VENTILATION AS WELL AS DEATH

MIAMI, Fla., AUG 3, 2020 – LifeCannMD, dedicated to the evaluation, education, and treatment of patients who qualify for Medical Cannabis, today announced that it is closely following early research where the application of cannabis in the treatment and prevention of Covid-19 infection is taking place. The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University has already released findings that Cannabidiol, or CBD, may help reduce the cytokine storm and excessive lung inflammation that plagues very ill COVID-19 patients.

Scientists from all corners of the world – and politicians for that matter – are scrambling for a therapeutic that will help in severely impacted COVID-19 sufferers. A hallmark of the novel virus is an overactive inflammatory response, referred to as a  ‘cytokine storm’, that leads to acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS) in which the lungs are damaged and patients fight to breathe. Cannabidiol (CBD) which has been researched for a variety of other conditions, has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects. By harnessing this ability researchers hope to curve the overwhelming, destructive immune response of the virus by taking advantage of what CBD as well as cannabis has to offer. Doctors at Miami-based LifeCannMD are familiar with the innate curative qualities of CBD and cannabis – in particular its potential as an antiviral and its ability to reduce ACE-2 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine production to fight lung inflammation.

“Researchers at the university of Nebraska and the Texas Biomedical Research are studying the application of cannabis in the treatment and prevention of Covid-19 infection.“ said Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende, a Board Certified Internal Medicine Doctor and Cardiologist 

In the study from researchers at Augusta University in Georgia, mice were first given a treatment called Poly(I:C) to artificially induce ARDS resulting in symptoms similar to severe COVID-19 sufferers. This created the cytokine storm in the mice and reduced their blood oxygen saturation by 10% as well as producing structural damage to their lungs. CBD was then administered to the mice with the final results being a total or partial reversal of symptoms. Importantly, the mice showed a reduced expression of IL-6, an tell-tale cytokine storm marker, and also showed increases in lymphocyte levels – white blood cells that are important for fighting off infections. 

“Covid-19 infection is characterized by a cytokine storm and CBD is a major anti- inflammatory agent and may be of great therapeutic value.” adds Dr. Sende.

While this research is a long way from being a tried and tested cure-all for the novel virus that has circulated the globe in its lethal wake – and sufferers of COVID-19 are not urged to use CBD or Cannabis as any type of treatment – the efficacious qualities of CBD and cannabis deserve to be in the mix as all potential angles and curatives are explored. Florida’s top-rated medical marijuana referral clinic, LifeCannMD, sees these therapeutic features manifest daily in their over 5,000 satisfied patients. Their prescriptions have helped a number of patients out of pain and illness and the hope is that the elements of CBD may be able to do the same for world-wide sufferers of the global pandemic soon.

For more information, please visit www.lifecannmd.com, email monika@lifecannmd.com or call (833) 543-3226. 

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About LifeCannMD

LifeCannMD was founded by Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende, and is dedicated to the evaluation, education and treatment of patients who qualify for Medical Cannabis. Since June 2017, Florida residents with certain qualifying conditions can obtain a Medical Marijuana prescription for treatment. If you suffer from a debilitating condition and are ready to get your life back, Medical Cannabis may be the best solution for you. Schedule a free, 10-minute phone consultation with our patient care team today.

Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende is a Board Certified Internal Medicine and Cardiologist with more than 30 years of experience in the medical field. He obtained his internal medicine training at Mercy Catholic in Philadelphia, where he was Chief Medical Resident, and during his fellowship in cardiology at Mount Sinai in Miami Beach, where he also practiced as an attending cardiologist and was involved with teaching.