By Luke Sumpter Reviewed by: Carles Doménech

The common cold and flu can spread through an office or campus like wildfire. Sit next to the wrong person, and you could find yourself coming down with something the next day. Sure, minor colds might give you a stuffy nose for a few days. At the same time, if you get a bad case of the flu, it can knock you down for a couple of weeks.


Now, most people reach for acetaminophen and copious amounts of tea when feeling under the weather. Those are all great, but there might be other (read: more fun) options to help take the edge off. What’s better, those options come in the form of delightful cannabis buds.

WHAT CAUSES THE COMMON COLD?

Over 200 different viruses can cause symptoms of the common cold. Old wives' tales blame chilly weather as the culprit, but the condition could actually be underpinned by hundreds of different microorganisms. Nowadays we know that over 200 different viruses can cause symptoms of the common cold.

People come down with symptoms of the common cold after breathing in viral particles. These pathogens usually enter your lungs after you’ve been near someone coughing, sneezing, or simply breathing. You’re also vulnerable if you touch a contaminated surface and wipe your mouth/pick your nose without washing your hands.

The common cold can strike at any time, but infection rates increase dramatically during autumn and winter. The start of the academic year, which occurs as the months grow colder, typically involves less-effective ventilation and more people in close proximity, which also helps cold viruses to spread.

Several risk factors also increase a person’s chances of catching a cold. These include:

• Being young or old: The youngest and oldest people are most at-risk for serious cases
• Having a compromised immune system
• Being a frequent smoker

HOW COMMON COLDS AFFECT THE BODY

Cold viruses cause upper respiratory infections. When viral particles first enter the airways, your immune system rises to the occasion.

White blood cells—macrophages and lymphocyte helper T cells—will first differentiate between pathogens or foreign particles and the body’s own cells. Once they identify the enemy, these white blood cells—including other kinds of leukocytes and natural killer cells—begin to wage war (cellular response). Soon after, the adaptive immune system kicks in with the humoral response.

White blood cells—lymphocyte B cells—manufacture antibodies specifically designed to combat the new pathogen. This second mechanism is the one providing “memory” to the immune system. This means that the body can defend itself against future infections by the same pathogen using the same pre-designed proteins.

HOW COMMON COLDS AFFECT THE BODY

You’ll experience many physical symptoms during this microscopic war. These usually include:

• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Hoarseness
• Cough
• Earache
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue

Most people recover before anything else happens. It doesn’t fade as easily for everyone, though. Symptoms of an advanced cold include secondary processes like:

• Ear infection
• Sinusitis
• Strep throat
• Chest infection

CAN CANNABIS HELP RELIEVE COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS?

No cure exists for the cold. You simply need to endure it until the body defeats the pathogen. However, conventional approaches like painkillers and decongestants could reduce symptoms. Alternative treatments such as zinc, vitamin C, and other herbal remedies could apparently also help in some cases.

Cannabis, as it turns out, might belong in the latter category. Humans have used the herb to address many different ailments for thousands of years. Sceptical of ancient practices, though?

Modern scientific analysis has also shown that many of the phytochemicals in cannabis possess therapeutic potential.

That being said, little to no evidence exists that cannabis can alleviate the common cold. No human trials have demonstrated if the herb helps or hurts the body as it works to eliminate the virus. However, certain chemicals within the plant show the potential to help tackle some of the symptoms.

INFLAMMATION

A substantial amount of the symptoms of the common cold stem from inflammation[1]. Your immune system—not the pathogen—interacts with other systems, causing symptoms such as a sore throat and runny nose. The body instigates an inflammatory response for a key reason: to allow white blood cells to fend off the infection.

Although inflammation serves a purpose, it can lead to uncomfortable sensations. Hence, anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs are often advised to reduce cold symptoms. As it happens, cannabis also produces molecules with anti-inflammatory potential.

Research published in the European Journal of Pharmacology[2] in 2019 tested the effects of CBD on airway inflammation in mice with asthma. After administering CBD, they found the cannabinoid to not only decrease inflammation symptoms, but to improve their airway remodelling processes. CBD was believed to exert these immunomodulatory effects by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors, to different degrees.

Previous research published in 2015[3] found CBD to improve lung function and inflammation in mice with acute lung injury. Additional research published in Immunopharmacology[4] examined the effects of THC and CBD on cytokine production in human immune cells. Cytokines are signalling molecules used to drive inflammatory responses. Fortunately, both THC and CBD were observed to strongly inhibit the production of some cytokines.

CAN CANNABIS HELP RELIEVE COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS?

PAIN

Along with inflammation, CBD may help to reduce cold and flu-related pain. For example, a 2007 study[5] found CBD to act as an orally effective therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain in mice.

However, it might work better for pain when taken alongside THC. Researchers found that CBD enhanced[6] and prolonged THC’s pain-reducing effects when the two cannabinoids were given to mice in combination.

Neither of these studies say anything about how these treatments will work for humans. Considering that, though, they’re promising starting points for future research.

POOR-QUALITY SLEEP

Lack of sleep seriously disturbs immune function. In fact, people who are sleep deprived are more likely to get sick[7] after being exposed to a common cold virus. In turn, getting a good amount of sleep while sick can also change how fast your body recovers.

Adding another potential benefit to the checklist, studies suggest that CBD may help people autumn asleep[8] and stay asleep. Researchers believe these effects are partly caused by a reduction in anxiety that otherwise keeps people awake.

THC may also help to decrease the amount of time[9] it takes to autumn asleep. However, heavy and long-term use appears to actually decrease sleep quality[10] by reducing REM sleep.

Many cannabis strains also produce high levels of the terpene myrcene. The molecule displays soporific effects, with research[11] showing it to enhance muscle relaxation and increase sleep time in mice.

DOES SMOKING CANNABIS MAKE A COLD OR FLU WORSE?

So far, we’ve been making a good case for cannabinoids. The act of smoking, however, is another issue.

Of course, letting carcinogenic compounds into your airways when you have a respiratory illness won’t do your body any favours. There is no evidence to suggest that doing so will make your condition worse, which also doesn't mean evidence of neutrality or benefit, but it makes sense to avoid it.  Harsh smoke might exacerbate an already sore and dry throat, ultimately making those symptoms worse.

Using Cannabis While Having a Common Cold

If you decide to use the herb while you have a cold, there are methods available that don’t involve passing hot smoke down your sore, cold-ridden throat.

Cannabis Tea

In turn, adding a touch of cannabis to the mix might be just what some people need to ease their symptoms. Cannabis tea allows users to avoid inhaling anything, and it produces more intense effects than smoking.

Here is a simple recipe to prepare an aromatic cannabis tea.

MAKE YOUR OWN CANNABIS TEA

CANNABIS TOPICALS

The common cold often causes fatigue and aching muscles. Since you’re applying it directly to the skin as a gel, lotion, or balm, it’s able to more directly target the source of the issue.

CANNABIS EDIBLES

Edibles allow users to bypass smoking, sending cannabinoids directly through the GI tract and into the bloodstream.

Edibles take longer to set in due to their extended metabolic pathway, but the effects are often much more pronounced.

You can even make cannabutter at home to infuse your favourite dish with small amounts of THC, CBD, or both.

VAPING

Unlike smoking, vaping’s low temperatures preserve every cannabinoid in the bud or concentrate. By only heating a bit past the decarboxylation point, the cannabinoids and terpenes can be vaporized without burning plant matter. This lack of combustion makes inhaling cannabinoids much less harsh on the throat.

DOES CBD OIL HELP WITH THE COMMON COLD?

Well, we don't have any evidence that CBD oil will help cure your cold. However, the studies above offer valid reason for further exploration into using CBD for this purpose. More studies are needed to examine how CBD alone performs against cold symptoms, and how the cannabinoid might work synergistically with other cannabis constituents in this regard. 

SHOULD YOU USE CANNABIS IF YOU HAVE A COLD OR FLU?

The jury is still out. Really, the answer to this question depends on the individual. If you decide to use the plant, carefully dose out your cannabinoids and pay attention to see if your symptoms begin to reduce.

External Resources:
  1. How stress influences disease: Study reveals inflammation as the culprit -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com
  2. Cannabidiol reduces airway inflammation and fibrosis in experimental allergic asthma - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Cannabidiol improves lung function and inflammation in mice submitted to LPS-induced acute lung injury - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Δ9 Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol alter cytokine production by human immune cells - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com
  5. The non-psychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an orally effective therapeutic agent in rat chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com
  6. Cannabidiol-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol interactions on acute pain and locomotor activity - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com
  7. Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick? - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org
  8. Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t - Harvard Health Blog - Harvard Health Publishing https://www.health.harvard.edu
  9. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  10. Sleep Disturbance in Heavy Marijuana Users https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  11. Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: