Brazilian Scientists to Study If CBD Can Treat Post-COVID Syndrome

The cannabis company Verdemed has received approval from Brazilian authorities to sell its CBD oil in the country’s pharmacies. However, the company is going beyond commercial sales and has provided a batch of its oil to researchers at the University of São Paulo to study whether CBD can be used to treat “chronic coronavirus.”

Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo

The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) has approved CBD oil produced by the Latin American cannabis company Verdemed in partnership with Colombian cannabis cultivator Clever Leaves. Their product, which contains CBD at a concentration of 50 mg/ml, will not only be available for prescription sales in pharmacies but will also be the subject of research at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo.

Verdemed announced that it will provide its oil to this academic institution so that scientists can conduct a clinical study of CBD as a potential treatment for post-COVID syndrome—a condition in which a coronavirus infection becomes chronic.

“Now, after Anvisa’s approval, doctors and patients can feel even more confident. This will also increase the credibility of our results,” said Edimar Bocchi, the coordinator of the upcoming study.

What Is Post-COVID Syndrome?

Previous studies have shown that about 10% of all people infected with COVID-19 suffer from post-COVID syndrome. This diagnosis is made when symptoms persist for more than 60 days after infection. The syndrome includes sudden bouts of weakness, insomnia, daytime sweating, unsteady gait, and tremors in the limbs. Patients may also continue to experience coughing or a feeling of heaviness in the lungs. Sometimes, cognitive abilities decline, depression develops, and even suicidal thoughts may occur. In particularly severe cases, the syndrome can end in sudden cardiac death.

The First Study of Its Kind in Brazil

The Heart Institute’s research will be the first in Brazil to investigate CBD as a treatment for post-COVID syndrome. The exact start date and timeline for the experiments have not yet been announced.

“We are waiting for the green light to begin clinical trials as early as November this year,” explained José Bacellar, CEO of Verdemed. “Problems related to COVID are urgent.”