Cannabis for COVID: Israel Pioneers Research into Treatment Options

The COVID-19 crisis has brought the global economy to a grinding halt and impacted nearly every walk of life. With so much hanging in the balance, biotech and pharmaceutical companies around the globe have been rapidly searching for vaccines and treatment options. Researchers in Israel believe that cannabis-derived products could treat patients with COVID-19 and they’re working on at least three treatment candidates.

Let’s take a look at these treatment options and how the move could further solidify Israel’s status as a leader in cannabinoid science.

COVID-19 Treatment Candidates

InnoCan Pharma is collaborating with Tel Aviv University to create a COVID-19 treatment from cannabidiol, or CBD, loaded exosomes. These small structures are attached to cells and responsible for cellular communication and the delivery of macromolecules between cells. Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD could help aid the recovery of infected lung cells when administered through an inhalation technique.

The second research group is investigating a treatment that combines CBD with steroids. Over the course of a few weeks, researchers will trial the treatment on ten patients with COVID-19 that are receiving steroids at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center. If successful, the group will expand the treatment to another 40 patients under conditions set by the U.S. FDA clinical trial regulations and guidelines.

Finally, Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Medical Center is conducting a study to understand whether cannabis’ anti-inflammatory properties may slow down lung infections in those diagnosed with COVID-19. CBD-based treatments are being administered in collaboration with several wards in the hospital. Researchers expect dozens of patients with moderate COVID-19 infections to participate in the trial of safe and non-addictive CBD.

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Solidifying Israel’s Position

Israel is already an established leader in cannabinoid research. In fact, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam—known as the Godfather of Cannabis—discovered tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, back in the 1960s after asking the police if he could use confiscated cannabis to conduct research. Many Israeli companies have followed in his footsteps to introduce both research breakthroughs and innovative new strains and medical devices to market.

Earlier this year, the country finalized plans to permit the export of medical cannabis beginning in mid-June. The move could establish the country as a leading supplier of cannabis to Europe, Asia and other global markets given its unique climate that’s ideal for cannabis cultivation and its proximity to so many emerging end markets. These dynamics come in addition to its healthy domestic demand for cannabis.

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Several companies have already applied for licenses to export medical cannabis, but Isracann Biosciences Inc. (CSE: IPOT) (OTC: ISCNF) is one of the only pure-plays in the space. The company has a fully-funded 230,000 sq. ft. hybrid greenhouse cultivation project and partnership with a late-stage project consisting of about 200,000 sq. ft. of greenhouses located on 880,000 sq. ft. of agricultural land.

In addition to cultivation, the company has already partnered with leading Israeli research institutions and universities to leverage their expertise and bring novel products to market that differentiate them from other producers of raw medical cannabis. These dynamics could result in higher-margin medical products and the creation of long-term shareholder value.

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Looking Ahead

Israel continues to lead the way when it comes to cannabinoid research, including in the research for treatments to COVID-19. In addition, the country’s new export laws could transform it into a leading supplier of medical cannabis to nearby end markets, including Europe and Asia. The European market alone is projected to be worth double that of Canada and the U.S. with its 740 million residents.

Learn more about Isracann Biosciences by visiting their website or downloading their investor presentation.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, have been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

This article was published by CFN Enterprises Inc. (OTCQB: CNFN), owner and operator of CFN Media, the industry’s leading agency and digital financial media network dedicated to the burgeoning CBD and legal cannabis industries. Call +1 (833) 420-CNFN for more information.

About Ryan Allway

Mr. Allway has over a decade of experience in the financial markets as both a private investor and financial journalist. He has been actively involved in the cannabis industry since its inception, covering public and private companies.