Canadian scientists believe they have found evidence that strong strains of cannabis could help prevent and treat coronavirus infections, according to interviews and a study summarized by the New York Post.
An April study conducted by researchers from the University of Lethbridge shows about a dozen cannabis plants high in CBD appear to help block proteins that provide a “gateway” for COVID-19.
The study also suggests cannabis could even be used to “develop easy-to-use preventative treatments in the form of mouthwash and throat gargle products.”
Researcher Olga Kovalchuk told CTV, “The key thing is not that any cannabis you would pick up at the store will do the trick.” There are more than 800 varieties of sativa and only a small percentage have seemed to help.
Researcher Igor Kovalchuk told the Calgary Herald, “A number of them have reduced the number of these (virus) receptors by 73 per cent, the chance of it getting in is much lower.” Kovalchuk continued, “If they can reduce the number of receptors, there’s much less chance of getting infected.”
You can read the fully study here in online journal Preprints. The study was conducted in partnership with Pathway Rx, a cannabis therapy research company, and Swysh Inc, a cannabinoid-based research company and has yet to be peer-reviewed however the researchers are seeking funding to continue, “Given the current dire and rapidly evolving epidemiological situation, every possible therapeutic opportunity and avenue must be considered.”
