Implications of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Use in COVID-19: Scoping Review

Pereira, Caroline Figueira; Vargas, Divane de; Toneloto, Fernanda Lima; Ito, Victor Daichi; Volpato, Rosa Jacinto

doi:10.1590/0034-7167-2020-1374

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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Section: Therapeutic Targeting Of the Endocannabinoid Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Promise with cannabinoids as a therapeutic intervention for respiratory ailments has also been seen as recently as with the COVID-19 pandemic, although with some conflicting outcomes ( Pascual Pastor et al, 2020 ; Malinowska et al, 2021 ; Paland et al, 2021 ; Beasley, 2022 ; Pereira et al, 2022 ). Recent publications have reported therapeutic cannabis has shown protective effects at preventing contracting COVID-19 ( Pascual Pastor et al, 2020 ; Malinowska et al, 2021 ; Pereira et al, 2022 ), the ease of COVID-19 symptom severity ( Pascual Pastor et al, 2020 ), as well as increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and exacerbation of COVID-19 symptoms ( Paland et al, 2021 ; Beasley, 2022 ; Pereira et al, 2022 ). These contradicting results further highlight the importance and need of further research aimed at understanding all the ways in which cannabis and the EC system can be utilized therapeutically, and where possible cultivation manipulations stand to increase the safety of cannabis consumption through targeted manipulations in the cannabinoid makeup and profiles of cultivated cannabis.…”

Section: Therapeutic Targeting Of the Endocannabinoid Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The endocannabinoid system and breathing

2023

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Recent changes in cannabis accessibility have provided adjunct therapies for patients across numerous disease states and highlights the urgency in understanding how cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid (EC) system interact with other physiological structures. The EC system plays a critical and modulatory role in respiratory homeostasis and pulmonary functionality. Respiratory control begins in the brainstem without peripheral input, and coordinates the preBötzinger complex, a component of the ventral respiratory group that interacts with the dorsal respiratory group to synchronize burstlet activity and drive inspiration. An additional rhythm generator: the retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory group drives active expiration during conditions of exercise or high CO2. Combined with the feedback information from the periphery: through chemo- and baroreceptors including the carotid bodies, the cranial nerves, stretch of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, lung tissue, and immune cells, and the cranial nerves, our respiratory system can fine tune motor outputs that ensure we have the oxygen necessary to survive and can expel the CO2 waste we produce, and every aspect of this process can be influenced by the EC system. The expansion in cannabis access and potential therapeutic benefits, it is essential that investigations continue to uncover the underpinnings and mechanistic workings of the EC system. It is imperative to understand the impact cannabis, and exogenous cannabinoids have on these physiological systems, and how some of these compounds can mitigate respiratory depression when combined with opioids or other medicinal therapies. This review highlights the respiratory system from the perspective of central versus peripheral respiratory functionality and how these behaviors can be influenced by the EC system. This review will summarize the literature available on organic and synthetic cannabinoids in breathing and how that has shaped our understanding of the role of the EC system in respiratory homeostasis. Finally, we look at some potential future therapeutic applications the EC system has to offer for the treatment of respiratory diseases and a possible role in expanding the safety profile of opioid therapies while preventing future opioid overdose fatalities that result from respiratory arrest or persistent apnea.

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Section: Therapeutic Targeting Of the Endocannabinoid Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Therapeutic Targeting Of the Endocannabinoid Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

The endocannabinoid system and breathing

2023

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“…There is a growing body of international research reporting mixed findings regarding changes in THC-containing cannabis use patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic (Chong et al , 2021; Pereira et al , 2022). A 2021 scoping review on cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic by Chong and colleagues (2021) identified 33 studies reporting changes in cannabis use before and during the pandemic.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shifts in cannabis use at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic among Global Drug Survey respondents from 13 countries

Puljević

Cossart

Davies

et al. 2023

DHS

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Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted cannabis distribution, access and usage worldwide. This study aims to describe self-reported changes in cannabis use and related outcomes following COVID-19-related restrictions among an international sample of people who use drugs. Design/methodology/approach Using data from the Global Drug Survey COVID-19 Special Edition, the authors identified 20,417 respondents from 13 countries who reported whether the number of THC-containing cannabis usage days changed compared with February 2020 (before COVID-19 restrictions). Using descriptive statistics and a multinomial multivariable logistic regression, the authors investigated the impact of changes in cannabis use on respondents’ mental health, physical health, relationships, finances, work/study performance and cannabis-related pleasure/enjoyment. Findings Similar proportions of respondents reported that their cannabis use had stayed the same (38.2%) or increased (38.3%) compared with February 2020, while 21.9% of respondents reported a decrease. The most common reason for increased use was having more time (68.4%), while decreased use was associated with having less contact with people they use cannabis with (58.4%). The likelihood of reporting worse mental and physical health, finances, and work/study performance following COVID-19 restrictions was highest among those who reported increased cannabis use. Research limitations/implications These findings provide a unique understanding of the short-term international impact of initial COVID-19 restrictions on cannabis use, and highlight the need for policy to address the ongoing and improved provision of evidence-based mental health and other support for people who frequently use cannabis. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the world’s largest international study exploring the impacts of these changes in cannabis use following initial COVID-19 restrictions on individuals’ mental health, physical health, relationships, finances, work/study performance and cannabis-related pleasure. This study is also unique in comparing these changes across multiple continents.

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SARSCoV-2 antibody prevalence and titers in persons living with HIV cared for at a large tertiary reference center in Mexico City

Soto-Nava,

Dávila-Conn,

Venancio-Rocha

et al. 2023

Virol J

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Objective To assess SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence and titers in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) on antiretroviral treatment (ART) enrolled at a tertiary reference hospital in Mexico. Methods Two plasma aliquots per person, used for HIV viral load follow-up between 01/2020 and 09/2021, were used to assess total anti-N and neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Sociodemographic, clinical, and SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk information were collected. The risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 exposure and associations with antibody titers were analyzed with logistic, Cox, and linear multivariable models. Results 803 PLWHIV participated; 233 had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (prevalent cases), and 132 seroconverted (incident cases). Overall, the adjusted prevalence was 46.45%, with an incidence rate of 3.78 cases/100 person-months. Factors associated with prevalent cases included lower age, location (western zone of Mexico City and the neighboring Mexico State), use of public transport, attendance at meetings without social distancing, and higher CD4 + T cell counts (p < 0.05; multivariable logistic model). BNT162b2 vaccination reduced incident cases (Cox adjusted HR = 0.4; p = 0.013). Notably, previously infected and vaccinated individuals showed maximization of neutralizing activity (p < 0.001). No associations between SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and HIV-related variables (CD4 + T cell counts, viral load, number of years in viral suppression, ART regimen) were found in multivariable analysis. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with community risk rather than HIV-associated variables in PLWH on ART and clinical follow-up. Antibody neutralization activity in vaccinated participants was maximized with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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Implications of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Use in COVID-19: Scoping Review

Cited by 4 publications

References 42 publications

The endocannabinoid system and breathing

The endocannabinoid system and breathing

Shifts in cannabis use at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic among Global Drug Survey respondents from 13 countries

SARSCoV-2 antibody prevalence and titers in persons living with HIV cared for at a large tertiary reference center in Mexico City

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