Two key compounds in particular, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), were found to block covid spike proteins from entering cells and causing infection. (Related: THC is also beneficial for health.)

Study lead Richard van Breemen, who also works at the Linus Pauling Institute, determined that these and other cannabis compounds "show the ability to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells." His paper was published in the Journal of Nature Products.

What CBGA and CBDA do is bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, meaning they function almost like a natural "vaccine" without causing any harmful side effects. The same cannot be said for the injections that millions of people are getting in order to keep their jobs and go to the movies.

"These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts," van Breeman said.

"They are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and have a good safety profile in humans. And our research showed the hemp compounds were equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2, including variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the United Kingdom, and variant B.1.351, first detected in South Africa."