Can Cannabis or Plant Extracts Be Used to Treat the Common Cold?
As autumn reaches its peak—with its damp weather, mud, first frosts, and drafts—it becomes all too easy to catch a mild cold or even a more serious illness like the flu just by stepping outside or visiting any public place. Even people with strong immune systems sometimes end up bedridden with sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose due to unfortunate circumstances. Interestingly, as medical research shows, the common cold can rival the flu in terms of duration and discomfort. However, unlike more serious infections, the cold virus has no effective treatments or protective vaccines, forcing those infected to endure a certain period of illness each time.
Of course, for both infections, unpleasant symptoms—especially a runny nose and coughing fits—can be eased with various pharmaceutical suppressants. This has led some cannabis users to wonder: if cannabis is known to suppress nausea and vomiting, could it also help with other bodily reactions like coughing and a runny nose during a cold or flu, possibly by modulating the neurological and physiological causes of these symptoms?
Surprisingly, despite the use and testing of cannabis and its components for a wide range of acute and chronic physical and psychological conditions, there has been little research into the effects of cannabinoids on the symptoms of the most common seasonal illnesses. Based on what is known about the confirmed therapeutic properties of cannabinoids, cannabis has notable anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Technically, this could help reduce inflammation in the throat and bronchial areas, as well as relieve pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, THC and CBD are known to have a general mood-boosting effect and can modulate the functioning of various biological systems at the microscopic level.
Methods of Use and Expert Opinions
Experts in cannabis medicine suggest that the overall effect of using cannabis to treat mild infectious diseases depends on the method of consumption. In other words, it is clearly a very bad idea to smoke or vaporize cannabis or its oils when you have irritated airways and a runny nose, as this puts extra stress on already inflamed mucous membranes. On the other hand, many medical professionals agree that cannabis is unlikely to cause complications with the illness, provided it is consumed without producing smoke, vapor, or other combustion byproducts.
“The only truly controversial factor when using cannabis with respiratory infections is that it should not be burned or heated during consumption. Instead, opt for products like edibles, drinks, or capsules containing already-activated compounds,” notes Medical News Today in response to reader questions about the advisability of using cannabis or plant extracts to treat the flu and common cold.
Alternative Consumption Methods and Safety Tips
In addition to the methods mentioned above, in some parts of the world—particularly the U.S. and Canada—you can now find products like sublingual cannabis sprays designed for rapid therapeutic effect, as well as more exotic options like soups and hot drinks infused with healing cannabinoid extracts, specially prepared by certain establishments.
It’s also important to remember basic hygiene when using cannabis: if you smoke or vaporize the plant, use personal devices to avoid the risk of spreading or contracting various bacteria. After all, statistics show that smoking devices contain up to 50% more microbes than toilet seats, mainly due to contact with the human mouth, which is a major source of disease-causing microorganisms.