Scientists Believe Cannabis Might Be Able To Help Prevent And Treat COVID-19
People are looking for any kind of cure or relief from coronavirus, and there might be a breakthrough. Per the New York Post, cannabis might be the answer.
They explain that there are Canadian scientists who believe they’ve found strains of cannabis that could help prevent or treat coronavirus infections. “Researchers from the University of Lethbridge said a study in April showed at least 13 cannabis plants were high in CBD that appeared to affect the ACE2 pathways that the bug uses to access the body.” They also add, “Hemp extracts high in CBD may help block proteins that provide a ‘gateway’ for COVID-19 to enter host cells.
While more research is needed, Olga Kovalchuk, one of the researchers, says that their results have been promising. “We were totally stunned at first, and then we were really happy.” He does warn, though, that not any strain will do. “The key thing is not that any cannabis you would pick up at the store will do the trick.”
The study has yet to be peer-reviewed, but scientists are hoping to come up with several creative ways to block the virus. As the New York Post added, “Cannabis could even be used to develop easy-to-use preventative treatments in the form of mouthwash and throat gargle products, the study suggested, with the potential to decrease viral entry through the mouth.”
Although many may be skeptical about this form of treatment, researchers feel that every form of medicine should be explored. “Given the current dire and rapidly evolving epidemiological situation, every possible therapeutic opportunity and avenue must be considered.”
