Canadians research a special strain of cannabis that may help fight COVID-19.
Reportedly, researchers Olga and Igor Kovalchuck have been developing a novel cannabis strain that helps to combat cancer and inflammation. The duo recently pivoted their efforts to how the strain might be used to help fight COVID-19.
“SARS-CoV2… uses receptor-mediated entry into the human host via angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) that is expressed in lung tissue, as well as oral and nasal mucosa, kidney, testes, and the gastrointestinal tract,”
“Modulation of ACE2 levels in these gateway tissues may prove a plausible strategy for decreasing disease susceptibility.”
It all comes down to our body’s ACE2 receptors. If proven effective, cannabis would be used to decrease the level of ACE2 gene expression, temporarily changing the ACE2 receptors reaction to the virus.
The strain also has potential to prevent the virus from propagating after it has already entered someone’s system.
“(CBD)… has been proposed to modulate gene expression and inflammation and harbour anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties,” the study says. “We have developed over 800 new Cannabis sativa lines and extracts and hypothesized that high-CBD C. sativa extracts may be used to modulate ACE2 expression in COVID-19 target tissues.”
If the theory is proven, the next step would be to manufacture the successful strain that could be used for prevention and treatment by the medical field. Currently, you are unable to buy a random joint at your local dispensary that will prevent the virus.
The research couple are quick to point out not every strain is going to impact you in the same way.
Consume with caution:
While it’s possible that they will be able to find a strain that can help prevent or treat COVID-19, there are also strains that could potentially make it worse. There’s no one-size-fits-all fix.
“While our most effective extracts require further large-scale validation, our study is crucial for the future analysis of the effects of medical cannabis on COVID-19. The extracts of our most successful and novel high CBD C. sativa lines, pending further investigation, may become a useful and safe addition to the treatment of COVID-19 as an adjunct therapy,” the study says. “They can be used to develop easy-to-use preventative treatments in the form of mouthwash and throat gargle products for both clinical and at-home use. Such products ought to be tested for their potential to decrease viral entry via the oral mucosa. Given the current dire and rapidly evolving epidemiological situation, every possible therapeutic opportunity and avenue must be considered.”
