TORONTO —
Two researchers in Alberta believe new strains of cannabis could potentially prevent the most fatal respiratory effects of COVID-19 and maybe even block the virus from entering the body at all.

The husband and wife team of Drs. Igor and Olga Kovalchuk at the University of Lethbridge have been studying the use of new strains of cannabis to fight cancer and inflammation. When the pandemic struck, they turned their attention to the novel coronavirus.

They hoped to find strains of cannabis that would interfere with the virus’ ability infiltrate the body by hijacking special proteins or receptors. One of the receptors, known as ACE2, has previously been determined to be a key doorway for the COVID-19 virus to enter the body.

The Kovalchuks believe certain cannabis strains can work in two ways – blocking the virus from gaining entry to the body in the first place, and preventing its propagation if it’s already in a person’s system.

Their research has found certain cannabis strains show the potential to control an immune system that’s gone into overdrive in COVID-19 patients. When that happens – the dreaded cytokine storm – the immune system starts attacking the body itself. That can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)…