University of Lethbridge researcher links cannabis to treating coronavirus

Researchers at the University of Lethbridge sifted through 400 different strains of cannabis and have narrowed it down to twelve different strains that could potentially help people's immune system in fighting against the virus.

Dr. Igor Kovalchuck, a biological scientist at the university said these strains show promising signs that they could make for an immune system with less fertile ground that the virus could prosper in.

"A number of them have reduced the number of these [virus] receptors by 73 percent, 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."

They are still uncertain of what the exact active ingredient is that's blocking the the virus however they have been testing out cannabis sativa strains for the past three months. They are also trying to understand what the effective balance is between the THC and CBD, the two main components of cannabis. CBD is most commonly used for medical purposes and does not trigger the feelings of euphoria associated with cannabis.

"It will take a long time to find what the active ingredient is—there may be many," said Kovalchuk, who has partnered up with Swysh and Pathway Rx, two Albertan cannabis research firms.

Kovalchuk added that it's the anti-inflammatory properties that come with high-CBD content which is most promising in protecting oneself from the virus.

"We focus more on the higher CBD because people can take higher doses and not be impaired," said Kovalchuk.

The study has been using 3-D artificial human tissue models to find ways to thwart the virus from finding a host in the lungs, intestines and oral cavity.

The study has been licensed by Health Canada and if successful, the findings may provide practical medical use through forms of mouth wash, gel caps or inhalants, according to Kovalchuk.

"It would be cheaper for people and have a lot less side-effects," said Kovalchuk.

Kovalchuk said the obstacle of having no funding for clinical trials remains an issue for them as the cannabis industry is financially strapped for the time being.

"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," said Kovalchuk.

Kovalchuck stressed that their discovery would not mean producing a vaccine but would instead be "less specific and precise" however still an active agent in fighting against the threat of coronavirus.

"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."

Researchers in Israel are also running clinical trials to use CBD as a treatment to repair cell damage caused by coronavirus with its aforementioned anti-inflammatory abilities.

CBD is predicted have a similar effect to that of steroids, only less harmful. In certain treatments of patients who have a life-threatening condition, it could help them to bolster up their immune system.

Kovalchuk believes that their research deserves government funding as the potential treatment could be of great necessity in the near future.

"Our work could have a huge influence — there aren’t many drugs that have the potential of reducing infection by 70 to 80 percent," said Kovalchuk.