Your Weed May Be Protecting You From Covid

*Pretends to be shocked.*

Researchers at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada discovered that certain strains and extracts may be effective in preventing acute respiratory distress (ARDS) in patients with COVID-19. Drs. Olga and Igor Kovalchuk along with researchers with Pathway Rx, a research company focused on developing custom cannabis therapies, need more support to conduct a clinical trial.

ARDS happens when the lung tissue becomes like scar tissue and the virus forces the immune system into overdrive. The body begins to attack itself, causing the patient to rely on a ventilator. This is also known as a cytokine storm which patients often experience with pneumonia.

Consuming could help.

Seriously, the scientists found that sativa extracts decreased the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human 3D tissue. Out of 7 extracts, 3 performed really well, which told scientists that cannabis is not generic. The way the strain was cultivated is important. For the record: The study analyzed the effects of medical cannabis application rather smoking, but the doctors feel good about it. One said,

In this study, we identified three extracts that are very, very good strains; some strains identified in previous studies were also pretty good. 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.

Dr. Olga Kovalchuk

The study is still under peer review, with the researchers seeking partnerships to complete them. It’s also a follow up to one conducted that showed certain sativa extracts may reduce COVID-19 from entering human cells.

To be clear, Dr. Olga says that cannabis extracts are not a substitute, but an additional treatment that would work with therapies already provided. Still, more research needs to be done.

The story of cannabis’ life.