New Study Finds Better Covid-19 Outcomes for Cannabis Users

A recent study conducted by researchers at Northwell Health in New York has found that cannabis users had significantly better outcomes during COVID-19 infections compared to non-users. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, suggest that cannabis users were less likely to experience severe COVID-19 outcomes, including intubation and death, than non-users.

Cannabis Users Show Lower Rates of Severe COVID-19 Infections

According to the study, cannabis users exhibited lower rates of severe infections, intubation, and death. Researchers analyzed hospital admissions data from the National Inpatient Sample Database, separating patients into two groups—cannabis users and non-users—based on their usage of the drug prior to being admitted with COVID-19.

“Cannabis users had better outcomes and lower mortality rates compared with non-users,” the authors wrote. “The beneficial effect of cannabis use may be attributed to its immunomodulatory effects.” The study highlights the potential for cannabis to influence immune responses, which could reduce the severity of COVID-19.

The data revealed that 28.2% of cannabis users experienced severe COVID-19 symptoms, compared to 46.6% of non-users. Similarly, the mortality rate was lower among cannabis users, at 2.8%, compared to 5.1% for non-users. Additionally, intubation rates were lower among cannabis users (7.1%) compared to non-users (9.7%).

Cannabis and Shorter Hospital Stays

The study also found that cannabis users had shorter hospital stays, averaging 6.4 days compared to 7.0 days for non-users. The study’s authors suggest that the immunomodulatory properties of cannabis may have contributed to the shorter recovery times.

In an analysis reported by Marijuana Moment, the authors wrote that cannabis users had “significantly lower rates of severe COVID-19 infection, intubation, ARDS [acute respiratory distress syndrome], acute respiratory failure, severe sepsis with multiorgan failure, mortality, and shorter length of hospital stay.”

Cannabis and Inflammation: Potentially Life-Saving Benefits

Dr. Benjamin Caplan, a medical marijuana specialist and author of The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook, noted that while the results are promising, there are limitations to the study, such as the lack of data on the types of cannabis products used and the inflammation levels of the patients. However, he believes the findings suggest cannabis could play a role in reducing the severity of COVID-19 by lowering inflammation levels.

“By lowering inflammation and reducing certain immune responses, cannabis could help prevent severe COVID-19 symptoms, especially the overreaction of the immune system known as a cytokine storm,” Caplan explained. This overreaction is one of the leading causes of severe complications in COVID-19 patients. He added that by calming the immune system, cannabis may help prevent dangerous inflammation that can worsen COVID-19 outcomes, potentially saving lives for those at higher risk.

Previous Research Links Cannabis to COVID-19 Outcomes

The latest findings align with previous research that suggested cannabis might play a role in preventing or treating COVID-19. In October 2023, preliminary results of the study were presented at the annual conference of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) in Honolulu, where similar positive outcomes for cannabis users were reported.

A 2022 study by researchers from Oregon State University found that certain cannabinoid acids—cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)—can bind to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. This binding action could potentially block the virus from entering human cells and causing infection. The Oregon State researchers noted that these compounds, commonly found in hemp, have a long history of safe human use and could potentially offer new ways to both prevent and treat COVID-19.

Earlier this year, Canadian researchers also found that cannabinoids could reduce the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infections by limiting viral entry and mitigating the dangerous immune responses, such as oxidative stress and the cytokine storm, associated with severe COVID-19 cases.

Conflicting Research and the Need for More Studies

Despite these positive findings, not all research has shown a beneficial relationship between cannabis use and COVID-19 outcomes. A 2023 study from the University of Washington suggested that cannabis use could increase the risk of severe COVID-19 in some individuals. The researchers found that marijuana use was associated with a higher likelihood of severe illness, contradicting the findings of the Northwell Health study.

Moreover, no studies to date have definitively proven that cannabis can prevent or cure COVID-19. Many studies, including this latest one, emphasize the need for more research to fully understand the relationship between cannabis and the virus. While the data suggest some potential benefits, it’s clear that cannabis should not be seen as a substitute for conventional COVID-19 treatments or vaccinations.

Looking Forward: Cannabis Research and COVID-19

As the cannabis industry grows and medical marijuana continues to gain wider acceptance, studies like this one are vital in understanding the broader health impacts of cannabis use. The immunomodulatory effects of cannabis could offer exciting avenues for future treatments, not just for COVID-19 but for other conditions where inflammation and immune response play a critical role.

However, much remains to be explored, including how different types of cannabis (such as THC- or CBD-dominant strains) affect COVID-19 outcomes and whether other factors—such as dosage, frequency of use, or method of consumption—might influence results. Until further research is conducted, the role of cannabis in COVID-19 treatment will remain a topic of interest but with limited conclusions.

The latest research from Northwell Health adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that cannabis users may experience better outcomes when battling COVID-19. While the findings are encouraging, more studies are needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis in managing severe COVID-19 infections. As researchers continue to explore the relationship between cannabis, the immune system, and viral infections, cannabis users and non-users alike should be cautious and seek medical advice before considering cannabis as part of their COVID-19 treatment plan.