Researchers at the University of Lethbridge in Calgary are studying hundreds of cannabis strains, and claim that at least a dozen could be used to potentially fight the coronavirus<br />Strains of cannabis could help fight coronavirus, researchers have claimed.<br /><br />Scientists at the University of Lethbridge, Canada, are studying more than 400 strains of marijuana<br />They claim at least a dozen could have the potential to form a treatment against Covid-19.<br /><br />And they also claim some strains have reduced virus receptors, reducing chances of being infected with the disease.<br /><br />Dr Igor Kovalchuk told the Calgary Herald: "A number of them have reduced the number of these receptors by 73 per cent, the chance of it getting in is much lower.<br /><br />"If they can reduce the number of receptors, there's much less chance of getting infected."<br />But he added there is still a long way to go yet in establishing if it can fight the bug.<br /><br />He continued: "It will take a long time to find what the active ingredient is — there may be many.<br /><br />“We focus more on the higher CBD because people can take higher doses and not be impaired."<br /><br />The results came as part of a preliminary study.<br />He added: "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.<br />"Given the current dire and rapidly evolving epidemiological situation, every possible therapeutic opportunity and avenue must be considered."<br /><br />"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.<br /><br />"Our work could have a huge influence - there aren't many drugs that have the potential of reducing infection by 70 to 80 per cent."<br />
