The science is preliminary and was conducted in a lab study, not on the actual lungs of Christian Slater or any other suitable test monkey. Clinical trials are expected to soon begin, but what scientists have found so far sounds promising, and yes, a little bit stoned.

Not that the weed jar replaces the conventional stabby stab. Go get vaxxed, you over there in the Reynolds 2 Piece Heavy Duty Wrap hat. The science is 110% on that. Getting vaccinated, as well as being boosted like a super stereosonic throbbing bass woofer, is clearly your best shot at lowering your risk of severe sickness and death from COVID.

Nobody wants to wind up like a right-winger freak DJ on Rachel Maddow.

But yes, a little ganja might help too. And that’s good news, since weed tastes a hell of a lot better than horse paste, my dudes.

Ganja-zilla vs. COVID-19

According to a study published in the Journal of Natural Products, scientists found that hemp compounds identified via a chemical screening technique invented at OSU might block COVID-19 infections. 

Basically, a couple lab nerds looked at some wiggly viruses under a microscope stacked against the Great Ganja-zilla, and their four eyes popped. They found a pair of cannabinoid acids can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and block the virus from infecting people.

The compounds found in cannabis and hemp are cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, CBDA. The spike protein is the same drug target used in COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapy.

“The study’s implication is that some hemp-based consumer products have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection from the novel coronavirus,” said senior author Fikadu Tafesse, Ph.D., assistant professor of molecular microbiology and immunology in the OHSU School of Medicine.

The cannabinoid compounds can be present in both cannabis and hemp and are thought to be equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2, including the alpha and beta variants.

It’s not the only study to suggest weed can ward off the COVID blues. A study in Future Science found that cannabinoids may help reduce inflammation associated with infection, improving recovery. Another study in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology found weed may help mental health and neurological complications of COVID-19.

Ganja Pizza Toppings introducing the Talking Heads

It’s not surprising – herbs have an amazing way of protecting and healing our bodies in ways we don’t expect. Cannabis and hemp are loaded with medicines. They naturally sync with our immune systems and are good for what ails us.

Not that you should just start puffity puff puffing and smoke out the COVID. The key ingredients CBDA and CBGA decompose at high temperatures. It turns out edibles are the golden ticket to reaping their benefits.

And not all strains will be high in CBDA and CBGA. Just as some are higher in THC, others in CBD, certain strains may be better for COVID protection than others. If you’re in a legal state, there’s a menu with a list of active ingredients. Ask for certificates of analysis and read the fine print.

Ganja’s like pizza. Pick your toppings. 

And if you want to stop Sars in its tracks, make sure your weed edibles come topped with ingredients that sound like the birthplace of New York City’s punk scene and the start of the Talking Heads. “Psycho Killer, Qu’est-ce que c’est?”