As scientists worldwide race to find treatments and ultimately a vaccine for COVID-19, several recent studies found that cannabis might help fight coronavirus.
ACE-2 is a protein that sits on the surface of many human cells. It plays a key role in things such as inflammation, blood pressure and healing. However, the shape of this gene attracts the spiked proteins of the virus and allow it to gain access to the body. As a result, the more ACE-2 the higher the likelihood of the virus entering tissue.
The University of Lethbridge found sativa extracts modified these ACE-2 genes. According to the study, 13 cannabis strains that are particularly high in anti-inflammatory properties, changed ACE-2’sexpression in these vital COVID-19 gateway tissues. While further large-scale validation is needed, the research suggests cannabis could reduce the virus’ transmission by up to 80 percent.
Another study from Augusta University found cannabismight be able to fight the associated inflammation that occurs in severe cases of Covid-19. During their study, CBD was givento mice with ARDS. Encouragingly, their symptoms were totallyor partially reduced after treatment with CBD.
Our Founder and Medical Director, Dr.Elaine Burns, recently appeared on Good Morning Arizona to discuss this exciting research that has the potential to greatly benefit the treatment of Covid-19 patients. Watch this clip to hear what she had to say.