According to researchers at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, certain cannabis strains might help to prevent acute respiratory distress in patients who have COVID-19.
A new study shows that certain strains of marijuana might slow that process down or even stop it.
“In this study, we identified three extracts that are very, very good strains; some strains identified in previous studies were also pretty good,” said one of the doctors in the study, Dr. Olga Kovalchuk.
“All together, we have five strains we could formulate a clinical trial on right now. We need a chance to bring it to the evidence-based medicine realm.”
The specific strains that have been most helpful are sativas. As part of research, a clinical trial which can be peer reviewed will be the next step.
Drs. Olga and Igor Kovalchuk are working together at the University of Lethbridge’s Department of Biological Sciences, along with a team of researchers from Pathway RX.
“Given the current dire and rapidly developing epidemiological situation, every possible therapeutic opportunity and avenue needs to be considered,” says Kovalchuk. “Our research team is actively pursuing partnerships to conduct clinical trials.”
“While our most successful extracts require further validation in a large-scale analysis and an animal model, our study is crucial for the future analysis of the effects of medical cannabis on COVID-19,” said the doctors.
