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Explore A-Z conditions
Herpes
Low to Moderate
Cannabis for Herpes
Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are common and contagious, and are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Because HSV can be transmitted through any sort of close or intimate contact, it can be contracted as early as childhood. Many never develop symptoms, but when they do occur, common ones include watery blisters, lesions and cold sores.
In past animal studies, it was shown that THC decreases host resistance to HSV-2. However, when it comes to HSV-1 (which is extremely similar to HSV-2), more recent studies have shown that THC killed HSV-1 viruses and cytomegalovirus, a form of herpes virus that causes flu-like symptoms. Most studies have only been conducted on animals and in test tubes, so more research is needed.
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Animal Study
1
Human Trial
1
Laboratory Study
9
Meta-analysis
1
Total studies
Herpes
12
Positive
10 studies
83%
Inconclusive
2 studies
17%
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Relevant studies
The information in our comprehensive A to Z encyclopedia comes from real scientific studies.
Uncover the detailed results of these studies and find out how effective medical marijuana is for dozens of conditions.
- 2-Arachidonoyl-glycerol- and arachidonic acid-stimulated neutrophils release antimicrobial effectors against E. coli, S. aureus, HSV-1, and RSV.
- Adjuvant topical therapy with a cannabinoid receptor agonist in facial postherpetic neuralgia.
- Cannabinoids and Viral Infections.
- Comparative Study on the Antiviral Activity of Selected Monoterpenes Derived From Essential Oils
- Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhibits lytic replication of gamma oncogenic herpesviruses in vitro