Hemp Sanitizer: A Detailed Review of Reliability

With COVID-19 in full-swing, social distancing and hand hygiene have become the most urgent needs of our times. While there are a lot of ethanol-based sanitizers in the market. Another more “natural” option has surfaced that is regarded as a lot safer and more effective, hemp sanitizer.

And it’s based on a compound that has a lot of preliminary studies to back its therapeutic effects. Yes, you guessed it right — hemp. 

Hemp sanitizers containing CBD aren’t as widespread as other products in the same category. However, research suggests that CBD-based sanitizers may have powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties that may warrant their inclusion in mainstream hygiene products. 

Even though researchers are still in the process of demonstrating how hemp functions to fight bacteria and viruses, initial results are promising. Moreover, the addition of CBD to the hand sanitizer market may mean that CBD gives something extra, aside from just managing basic hand hygiene. This is because studies have found that it may also possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. 

Hemp Hand Sanitizers: What the Research Suggests

Scientists have long touted hemp as a rich source of medicinally beneficial compounds. New evidence has come to light which shows that hemp is much more capable of combating bacterial outbreaks than previously thought. 

A study published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science revealed that hemp took care of plaque more effectively than over-the-counter hygiene products. According to the research, cannabinoids may have the potential to act as an effective antibacterial to prevent the invasion of plaque-building bacteria. These compounds are also preferred in terms of safety because they don’t contribute to the development of drug resistance in individuals. 

This isn’t the first time scientists have peddled cannabis as a potent antiseptic. A couple of years ago, researchers in the Queensland’s Institute of Molecular biosciences found that hemp may be used as an alternative to synthetic antibiotics. 

The team involved revealed that the topical application of cannabidiol could not only help relieve pain but also exterminate a special class of bacteria called gram-positive bacteria. They also added that the compound could also kill bacteria that had become resistant to traditional antibiotics, and that didn’t wear down after extended treatments. 

Another microbiology researcher, Brandon Navy, demonstrated how CBD could ward off gram-negative infections. This shows that CBD’s role as an antibacterial agent warrants more attention. Given the precarious state of affairs health, authorities find themselves in this COVID-battled environment, hemp-based sanitizers may provide an added layer of protection at the very least. 

Antiseptic Qualities of Hemp

As scientists continue to explore the potential benefits of hemp, one important revelation is that its constituent compounds may have antiseptic properties. By these compounds, we don’t mean just CBD. Even THC has shown potency against bacteria. So, if you’re thinking of making CBD-based sanitizers at home, this information may provide additional incentivization. 

Can medicinal cannabis help to prevent or treat COVID-19?

Another question in the hemp-hand sanitizer debate is whether hemp or cannabis can cure or treat COVID-19. Well, the answer to this isn’t that straightforward. 

Prevention

Existing research illuminating the link between COVID-19 and cannabis is severely limited. However, some researches have peddled the inclusion of cannabinoids in novel treatments, such as mouthwashes and throat gargling solutions. 

The main notion behind this is that CBD may lower or modulate ACE2 activity in the virus-compromised tissues. Studies have found that ACE2 levels significantly vacillate during active COVID-19 infections, and CBD’s ability to influence these changes may help manage CVOID-19 symptoms. The association between CBD and ACE is particularly important because ACE2 is regarded as crucial for normal lung function. 

Reducing severity and impact

In understanding COVID-19 outbreaks, researchers have placed a lot of emphasis on cytokine storms. In a cytokine storm attack, the body releases excess proteins, which cause hyper inflammation of the immune system and attack lungs. Recent research has hinted that CBD and THC may help normalize the body’s inflammatory reactions that have gone haywire due to pathogenic activity. 

Most research in this field has tried to utilize THC, CBD, and terpenes to alleviate immune response system response. One study conducted by Eybna (terpene manufacturer) seems to show that a concoction of terpenes and cannabinoids is twice more effective at COVID-19 resulting inflammation than corticosteroid dexamethasone — the steroid thought to be an inexpensive and effective solution for cytokine storm events. This study is still to pass peer-review.  

Do’s and Don’ts of Hand Sanitizers

Whether you’re using hemp-based Sanitizers or some other hand hygiene product, there are some things you need to keep in mind. Here are a few to nudge you in the right direction:

Do’s

• Look for hemp sanitizers that have a high CBD concentration, preferably 60% or more. According to the CBD, the lesser the main antibacterial or antiseptic agent in a product, the lesser its ability to kill germs. 
• Check the product labelling. What does the ingredients list say? There might be some ingredients that might have a drying effect on your skin. Make sure there are other substances to counteract this problem. Aloe Vera works great to rejuvenate your skin. Look for an aloe and hemp seed extract to choose a product with high moisturizing potential. 
• Don’t be stingy. Use liberally, and make sure both your hands get an even application. Also, don’t forget to scrub some in between your fingers. It would help if you covered all the bases. 
• Use your hemp-based sanitizers often. Especially before going out and coming back. 
• Sanitizers have an expiration date. But, fortunately, it’s three to four years after formulation, so this might not be your biggest concern. 

Don’ts

• Don’t consider your hemp-based sanitizer a replacement for regular hand washing. 
• Don’t tinker with the hand sanitizer after application. Let it absorb into your skin. 
• Refrain from applying the hand sanitizer on dusty and dirty hands. It may not function as effectively. 
• If your product contains synthetic dye or artificial fragrance, don’t use it. These compounds may cause side effects, such as dryness and irritation. 
• Keep your hemp sanitizer away from the reach of children. While CBD isn’t linked to any adverse side effects, it’s still better to practice caution.