STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis with known antiviral properties. New data show they may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells by blocking ACE2 receptors
- SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE2 receptor to bind with human cells. These receptors are found in the mouth, airway and intestinal tissue
- Scientists added terpenes to hand sanitizer hoping to develop a powerful hand cleaner
- Terpenes are found in medicinal cannabis, which has a positive effect on migraine treatment, pain control and the alleviation of gut conditions