We live in, to be gentle, some interesting times.

Throughout the world, the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is wreaking havoc on supply chains, markets, and some of our most crucial and vital institutions. That's to say nothing of the human toll this global pandemic has taken and will continue to take in the coming weeks and months.

As of March 19, 2020, there have been nearly 240,000 confirmed COVID-19 infections and nearly 10,000 deaths resulting from this alarming outbreak. In the U.S. alone, the Centers for Disease Control report over 10,000 confirmed cases and 150 total deaths. And while the increasingly strict social distancing, isolation, and quarantine restrictions hold promise to limit further damage and loss of life, experts tell us that things are likely to get worse before they get better.

While it's important to acknowledge the severity of the crisis and do what we can to prevent spreading the infection to those most vulnerable in our society, it's just as important to keep a level-head, prevent overreaction, and make informed decisions for our health and wellbeing.

Unfortunately, there are many out there who are looking to exploit the crisis for their own gain, peddling misinformation in the hopes of turning a profit. Sadly, some of these bad actors are in the CBD industry.

We're here today to dispel some of that misinformation with a frank, honest discussion of the current crisis, our favorite plant, and the healing compound that comes from it, cannabidiol (CBD).

Can CBD be used to prevent, cure, or otherwise treat the novel coronavirus?

Let's be completely frank here: absolutely not.

In recent days you may have seen reports and claims suggesting that CBD is an effective treatment, preventative measure, or even cure for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. Many such claims are from small actors who clearly have profit on the mind. Some of these claims even seem to have come from reputable sources.

We at CBD Choice, our customers, and the ever-growing number of CBD users throughout the world swear by CBD's potential to better our health and wellness. However, any and all claims that CBD is an effective measure against COVID-19 are simply false.

The search for a COVID-19 cure continues

CBD, for all the good it can do for your body, is NOT an adequate means to treat, cure, or prevent the novel coronavirus. It's important not to be taken in by the claims of bad-actors seeking to mislead you about potential treatments.

CBD Choice is committed to holding the CBD industry to a higher standard. Your health and wellbeing, and that of your loved ones, are far too important.

Researchers across the globe are pouring their efforts into developing an effective treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic. Several such studies are showing promise. Favilavir, for instance, has recently been approved by the Chinese National Medical Products Administration as an experimental treatment for COVID-19 patients.

However, truly effective treatments are still likely a long ways away. According to the FDA, the availability of COVID-19 treatments are still many months off. The prospect of a vaccine that works as a truly effective prevention or cure is even more distant. Even optimistic experts estimate that no such vaccine will be forthcoming for at least 12-18 months.

Don't be caught up in the promises of those selling cure-alls, panaceas, or DIY treatments to address the outbreak. There is no substitute for expert medical opinion. Experts on the cutting edge of medical treatment and research throughout the world are working tirelessly for our benefit, and progress is being made.

What can you do to stay healthy and safe

In the meantime, the best thing that you can do for the health, safety, and happiness of yourself and your loved ones is to follow the advice of experts. Practice social distancing, work from home if you are able, wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching your face, eyes, or mouth whenever possible.

If you believe you or a loved one may be infected with COVID-19, don't panic. In the vast majority of cases, reported symptoms are mild and time to recovery is relatively short.

Testing kits for COVID-19 are now widely available throughout the U.S. Locations include a number of drive-through testing centers that help you to limit your exposure and prevent potentially passing the infection to others in your area.

COVID-19 Signs and Symptoms

Like all members of the coronavirus family, COVID-19 primarily affects the human respiratory system. The World Health Organization reports that the disease's symptoms are nonspecific, range in severity from no visible symptoms to severe pneumonia, but most typically present symptoms similar to the flu.

The most common symptoms include:

•  A dry cough
•  Fever
•  Shortness of breath
•  Generalized fatigue
•  Sore throat
•  Headache
•  Chills
•  Nasal congestion
•  Nausea and vomiting
•  Muscle and joint pain

If you or a loved one are showing similar symptoms, don't panic. Again, the vast majority of cases are mild and non-life-threatening. Moreover, many of these symptoms also manifest with other common, very mild conditions such as the common cold. Several can even be caused by simple stress — which most of us are experiencing throughout these trying times.

Do, however, take precautions to ensure that you do not spread any potential infection to others. Particularly, limit your exposure to the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions known to compromise the respiratory or immune systems.

The role of CBD in the time of COVID-19

We reiterate that, as of now, there are no cures or clinically-proven treatments for COVID-19. As with any medical condition, however, some of the symptoms that result from this disease can be alleviated by a bit of well-informed self-care.

CBD is absolutely NOT an adequate treatment, cure, or preventative measure for the novel coronavirus. It may, however, still have something to offer in the days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While there is no substitute for expert medical advice and treatment, CBD users have long turned to this natural plant extract to address several of the symptoms that can commonly result from COVID-19. Even outside of treating symptoms, some of CBD's traditional uses may benefit those suffering from anxiety and other issues resulting from the current crisis.

CBD for Pain Relief

One of the most common reasons that users report taking CBD oil is to help them manage acute or chronic pain, both in humans and in pets. The full efficacy of CBD as a pain-relieving analgesic is still being researched. However, several clinical reports and an overwhelming number of users' anecdotal accounts suggest that a moderate dosage of cannabidiol is a potent and effective option for users seeking relief from muscle, joint, and chronic pain.

If you find that CBD treatment has helped to take the edge off your own past pain symptoms, then continued use could potentially help to alleviate some of the discomfort resulting from COVID-19 exposure or from quarantine conditions.

CBD for Nausea

Although it's not a topic we've focused on much in the past, several studies have found that CBD may be an effective means for reducing nausea. Far more is known about THC, CBD's psychoactive cousin, and its interactions with nausea and vomiting. Cannabis users have long lauded the plant's potential to curb both nausea and vomiting and to promote a healthy appetite. Because these symptoms are a significant portion of the discomfort that accompanies COVID-19 and other flu-like ailments, those suffering from nausea might consider CBD as a means to minimize the severity of their symptoms.

In general, full spectrum products may be preferable to broad spectrum or CBD isolates for this purpose. That's because full spectrum products come from a full plant extract and contain the full array of cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp, including a small amount of THC, in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill's legal restrictions.

CBD for Anxiety and Stress

CBD use for mental health and the management of anxiety and stress are another of the most common reasons for which users report taking CBD. Although COVID-19 does not affect stress and anxiety directly, the global health crisis inevitably takes its toll on our mental health. Managing your stress and anxiety is key for your overall wellness, your happiness, and your ability to get the sleep your body needs to remain healthy.

If your past experience with CBD has helped you to reduce and manage your anxiety and stress, then it may be a valuable tool to help you during these times of increased isolation, concern, and worry. With the world's current focus on our physical well-being, it's nonetheless important to care for our mental health.

CBD for Skin Health

Although this is not directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, several of the precautions we're being asked to take may have an indirect negative impact on our comfort. One of the most important precautions you can take for avoiding infection is to regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for a period of at least 40 seconds. Absent that, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also an effective means of reducing exposure, though supplies of these important products are growing increasingly scarce.

As important as regular hand-washing is, it can take a toll on your hands by leaving them dry and irritated. In extreme cases, over-washing can even leave the skin cracked, which may inadvertently increase the risk of exposure by reducing the skin's ability to shield you from outside threats. Creams, lotions, and other hydrating topicals can help to restore your skin's healthy hydration and ensure better health and comfort. For more information on which CBD topicals may be best for these purposes, please see our in-depth blog topic on that very subject.

Coronavirus Coverage at CBD Choice

CBD Choice is committed to providing you with the very best in the CBD market. That means bringing you only the very best in CBD oil tinctures, capsules, topicals, and more — all backed by our industry-leading CBD Choice Selection Criteria.

But, now more than ever, that also means bringing you frank, honest, research-based information about the role that CBD can have in our lives. These are difficult days, and we are dedicated to doing everything we can to better the health and wellness of our community.

It's important to keep calm. While there is currently no reputable treatment or cure for COVID-19, there are still many things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, happy, and productive. We'll be there with you through the coming weeks, keeping a watchful eye on emerging research and sharing what we can with you about how best to weather the storm.

Stay safe, stay calm, and do what you can to help your loved ones through these trying times.