Individuals who consumed cannabis and subsequently contracted COVID-19 demonstrated a notable decline in the need for ventilators, respiratory complications, and deaths compared to those not partaking in marijuana.
This information emerged from a recent research discussion at The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) gathering in Honolulu.
“Marijuana users had better outcomes and mortality compared to non-users,” the document outlines. This leads to speculation that such evident benefits may be attributed to cannabis’s “potential to inhibit viral entry into cells and prevent the release of proinflammatory cytokines.”
“The significant decrease in mortality and complications warrants further investigation of the association between marijuana use and COVID-19,” was noted in an additional section of the CHEST Journal.
The contributors of the research offered clarity on their findings during an event on Wednesday, accompanied by a visual exhibit at the annual CHEST meeting.
Detailed Analysis of Cannabis Use and COVID-19 Complications
The research delved into entries from 322,214 subjects within the National Inpatient Sample, an official archive that surveils hospital activities and results. Out of this group, 2,603—a shade below 1 percent—confirmed they used cannabis.
When assessing the two groups, it appeared that cannabis consumers “were younger and had higher prevalence of tobacco use,” according to the collective findings of the seven-member investigative assembly. Those abstaining from cannabis showed increased occurrences of other health concerns, like obstructive sleep apnea, being overweight, hypertension, and diabetic conditions.
Moreover, those using cannabis displayed fewer health setbacks related to COVID:
“On univariate analysis, marijuana users had significantly lower rates of intubation (6.8% vs 12%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (2.1% vs 6%), acute respiratory failure (25% vs 52.9%) and severe sepsis with multiorgan failure (5.8% vs 12%). They also had lower in-hospital cardiac arrest (1.2% vs 2.7%) and mortality (2.9% vs 13.5%).”
Utilizing a 1:1 comparative methodology that juxtaposed cannabis users to those not using, considering variables such as age, ethnicity, gender “and 17 other comorbidities including chronic lung disease,” the group discerned that cannabis consumers experienced fewer medical complications.
The evaluation exempted individuals below 18 years or those missing data in the national ledger.
While the research employs the term “smoking cannabis,” it also recognizes participants as “marijuana users.” The clarity about whether the research primarily concerns inhaled cannabis or also contemplates other modes of intake like vaporizers and food items remains unresolved.
The main contributor to the research, Fasih Sami Siddiqui, was not available for prompt comments when approached by Marijuana Moment.
The study concedes that there’s a significant void in grasping “how cannabis impacts the progression of COVID-19.” There’s been limited extensive scrutiny regarding the interplay between cannabis intake and COVID-19 infection.
An inquiry in 2022 proposed a different perspective, suggesting that cannabis might decrease the likelihood of acquiring COVID but might amplify the severity of the infection.
Comparative Studies and Additional Considerations
Another separate analysis in the same year also identified “lower COVID-19 severity” and “significantly better health outcomes” for hospitalized subjects.
In 2022, an experimental study helmed by Oregon State University interestingly proposed that specific cannabinoid components could potentially prevent COVID-19 from invading human cells.
However, as mentioned by professionals at UCLA, this particular exploration revolved around CBG-A and CBD-A in controlled environments, excluding firsthand patient experiences.
