Can Cannabis treat and prevent Coronavirus?
A team of Canadian scientists believe that they have found a strong strain of cannabis that could potentially prevent and treat coronavirus. Researchers from the University of Lethbridge said that a study in April showed that at least 13 strong cannabis plants that were high in CBD content appeared to affect the ACE2 pathways that the coronavirus bug uses to access the body.
The results showed that the hemp extracts that contained high amount of CBD may block proteins that provide a “gateway” for COVID-19 to enter the hosts cells.
More research needs to be done, however, the study did give the scientists hope that there could be a drug that has the potential to reduce infection by 70 – 80 percent. If the study is proven to modulate the enzyme, it “may prove a plausible strategy for decreasing disease susceptibility” as well as “become a useful and safe addition to the treatment of COVID-19 as an adjunct therapy.”
Not only this, but cannabis could be used to develop prevention treatments such as mouthwash and throat gargle products. Which can potentially decrease entry of the virus through the mouth.
All the cannabis that was successful in the study were high in anti-inflammatory CBD and low in THC level.
As we are in the early days of this global pandemic, it is great to see that scientists are checking the cannabis plant. This study is crucial for the future analysis of the effects of medical cannabis on COVID-19 and in general. The researchers are continuing to seek funding to continue their efforts to support scientific initiatives to address COVID-19.
Sources:
https://nypost.com/2020/05/21/scientists-believe-cannabis-could-help-prevent-treat-coronavirus/
