NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Researchers from the University of Lethbridge said that a study found strong strains of cannabis could help prevent and then treat coronavirus infections.
The study was conducted in April by a team of Canadian scientists who believe at least 13 cannabis plants high in CBD appeared to affect the ACE2 pathways that the virus uses as a "gateway" for COVID-19 to enter host cells to access the body.
"We were totally stunned at first, and then we were really happy," one of the researchers, Olga Kovalchuk, told CTV News.
According to Kovalchuk's husband, Igor, cannabis could reduce the virus' entry points by up to 70 percent. "Our work could have a huge influence — there aren't many drugs that have the potential of reducing infection by 70 to 80 percent," he told the Calgary Herald.
There is more research needed, Igor added, and if proven to modulate the enzyme, the study "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."
The study also suggests that in addition to a "potential to decrease viral entry" through the mouth, cannabis could also be used to "develop easy-to-use preventative treatments in the form of mouthwash and throat gargle products."
Studies suggested that the variety that seemed to help were all high in anti-inflammatory CBD, but low in THC, the cannabis component that produces a high.
"The key thing is not that any cannabis you would pick up at the store will do the trick," Olga told CTV.
The team of researchers continue to seek funding in order to support scientific initiatives to address COVID-19.
"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 research said.
