Cannabis extracts are showing potential in making people more resistant to the novel coronavirus, says an Alberta researcher leading a study. After sifting through 400 cannabis strains, researchers at the University of Lethbridge are concentrating on about a dozen that show promising results in ensuring less fertile ground for the potentially lethal virus to take root, said biological scientist Dr. Igor Kovalchuk. “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,” said Kovalchuk. “If they can reduce the number of receptors, there’s much less chance of getting infected.” Employing cannabis sativa strains over the past three months, the researcher said the effective balance between cannabis components THC and CBD — the latter more typically associated with medical use — is still unclear in blocking the novel coronavirus. “It will take a long time to find what the active ingredient is — there may be many,” said Kovalchuk, whose Pathway RX is owned partly by Olds-based licensed cannabis producer Sundial Growers and partnered with Alberta cannabis researcher Swysh. But it’s generally the anti-inflammatory properties of high-CBD content that have shown most promise, he added. “We focus more on the higher CBD because people can take higher doses and not be impaired,” said Kovalchuk. The study under Health Canada licence using artificial human 3-D tissue models has been seeking ways to hinder the highly contagious novel coronavirus from finding a host in the lungs, intestines, and oral cavity. If successful, the work could find practical medical use in the form of mouth wash, gargle, inhalants or gel caps, said Kovalchuk. “It would be cheaper for people and have a lot less side-effects,” he said. But the absence of clinical trials remains a barrier, and funding from an increasingly cash-strapped cannabis industry isn’t there to fuel that, said Kovalchuk. “We have clinicians who are willing to work with us but for a lot of companies in the cannabis business, it’s significant cash that they can’t afford,” he said. The scientist emphasized the findings wouldn’t lead to a vaccine — something “less specific and precise” but nonetheless another possible weapon against 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,” said Kovalchuk. “Given the current dire and rapidly evolving epidemiological situation, every possible therapeutic opportunity and avenue must be considered.” Israeli researchers have begun clinical trials of CBD as a treatment to repair cells damaged by COVID-19 by using its anti-inflammatory abilities. It’s thought CBD could enhance the traditional effect of steroids in such treatment of patients in life-threatening condition and also bolster the immune system. It’s the kind of research and his own that deserves government support in Canada, whose federal government has pledged $1.1 billion in funding for COVID-19 research said the U of L scientist. “Our work could have a huge influence — there aren’t many drugs that have the potential of reducing infection by 70 to 80 per cent,” he said. https://calgaryherald.com/cannabis/...ing-coronavirus-infection-alberta-researcher/
I actually have CBD hand sanitizer. https://mysoulspring.com/products/cbd-hand-sanitizer-new smells a lot better too
This works better if you inject it. But, I mean, you can smoke it or eat it if you're squeamish about needles.
If the THC version is also included in this, I'm golden. But it could also hinder the reopening of the economy because it will likely induce tokers to staying home indefinitely while laying naked in a bean bag chair eating Chee-tos all day, instead of rejoining the work force.
ahhh, so you admit to laying in a bean bag chair in your underwear eating Chee-tos..........cool ...and oh, please tell me you prefer the Crunchy Chee-tos instead of that puffed shit.
Actually, I eat Cool Ranch Doritos while laying in my underwear on my wife’s new couch. Vinyl bean bag chairs don’t breathe......And neither can I after my wife finds me on her couch in my underwear.....
Well of course marijuana reduces chances of getting covid-19. Pretty hard to get exposed if you’re too stoned to get off the couch.
I knew there was something good about all that weed I smoked that prevented me from doing well in college. See mom, I was actually doing something good.
There is a Canada wide shortage of Cool Ranch going right now since March. My friend is making bootleg CR with Hidden Valley ranch dip mix and tortillas.
