Hemp demand rises after OSU study, but available CBD not strong enough to prevent Covid
EUGENE, Ore. — Some cannabis dispensaries are seeing new interest in hemp after an Oregon State University study found hemp compounds could prevent a COVID-19 infection.
The hype sounds good in theory, but we're learning what's currently on the shelves won't help anyone.
The CBD that's readily available just isn't strong enough to prevent Covid.
While some local dispensaries are seeing increased interest, there's not enough evidence currently available.
The FDA has only approved one CBD product - a prescription for seizures.
But local retailers like Moss Crossing dispensary are having to meet growing interest into new OSU research on hemp's effects on Covid.
"We've had some customers calling in to see what we know on the subject, and to see if we have any products of that type," says Moss Crossing CEO and co-owner, Heidi Fikstad.
The study found acidic hemp compounds have been found to bind to the Covid spike protein, blocking a critical step in the viral entry process.
Those compounds have been identified as CBDa and CBGa.
And while Fikstad says they have those products, "nothing in our store has the levels of those compounds that were studied in the study," she says.
Research on CBD is fairly new, and dispensaries cannot market the potential health benefits.
But with studies like OSU's showing promise, Fikstad is hopeful.
"And that's the way that we can move forward, with cannabis being more accepted and studied more - being really honest about what is actually going on."
OSU says this type of treatment has been helpful for people with other viral infections like HIV and hepatitis, and they hope this research could lead to clinical trials.
