Researchers discovered that cannabinoids (including CBD) have an unusual ability to destroy bacteria (especially drug-resistant strains).
In 2008, a group of Italian and British researchers combined their skills to create a study that can change what we know about CBD. They tested five different marijuana cannabinoids (including CBD) against six different strains of ‘superbug’ MRSA and discovered that every single cannabinoid showed “potent activity” against the various bacteria strains. The cannabinoids used in the study were CBD, THC, CBG (Cannabigerol), CBC (Cannabichromene), and CBN (Cannabinol).
The activity was described as “exceptional” against several strains including SA-1199B which is known to be resistant to several pharmaceutical drugs. The cannabinoids were also particularly effective against EMRSA-15 and EMRSA-16.
The study concluded that the Cannabis Sativa plant is “an interesting source of antibacterial agents to address the problem of multidrug resistance in MRSA and other pathogenic bacteria.” It also focused on the non-psychoactive compounds such as CBD.
More research is needed to find out how and why it works.
- Antibacterial Cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: A Structure−Activity Study
- Antibacterial Cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: A Structure-Activity Study(pdf)
- Antimicrobial Activity of Cannabis sativa L.
- Antibacterial activity of delta9-THC and CBD
- Cannabis helps fight resistant bacteria
- In-vitro antibacterial activity of Cannabis sativa leaf extracts to some selective pathogenic bacterial strains
- Marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol, and Pulmonary Antibacterial Defenses