Fighting Covid with Cannabis • Dr. Igor Kovalchuck

Dr. Igor Kovalchuck is a cannabis researcher from Canada whose team is developing sativa extracts that block the ACE2 receptor that covid-19 uses as an entryway into the cell. They use artificial human 3D models of oral, airway, and intestinal tissues to identify extracts that modulate ACE2 gene expression and ACE2 protein levels. We’ll discuss using cannabis to fight covid-19, as well as other diseases like cancer that marijuana has shown promising results in fighting. The stigma around weed, a frequent topic in these parts, has blocked and slowed down this research and Dr. Kovalchuck will share his first hand experience dealing with the bizarre logic of weed laws in Canada and the US. In a wonderfully unexpected digression we will also delve into Chernobyl and Igor’s time there as a researcher studying plant life in the aftermath of the nuclear meltdown. We’ll also get the inside scoop on the supplements Igor’s team is currently testing and when they might be available to American and Canadian consumers. Twitter • @StonedStudies Instagram • @StonedStudiesPod  #StonedStudies © 2021 World Vibe Inc. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.