cannabis compound could potentially prevent covid infection.

According to a laboratory study published in the Journal of Nature Products, cannabis components blocked the virus that causes Covid-19 from reaching healthy human cells. 

Cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA, two chemicals often found in hemp, were identified as having potential to battle coronavirus during a chemical screening attempt, according to researchers from Oregon State University. They bonded to spike proteins detected on the virus in the study and stopped the disease from infecting individuals.

In a lab setting, the researchers assessed the chemicals' effectiveness against alpha and beta viral strains. The study didn't involve giving patients the supplements or comparing infection rates between those who used them and those who didn't. 

Hemp is used in cosmetics, body lotions, dietary supplements, and food as a source of fibre, food, and animal feed, and extracts are extensively used in cosmetics, body lotions, nutritional supplements, and food. 

"These chemicals may be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans," said Richard van Breemen, a researcher with the Global Hemp Innovation Center at Oregon State University. "They have the potential to both prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infection," he stated in a statement