Cannabinoids Could Present a Solution to Antibiotic Resistance

A recent study has shown that cannabinoids may provide a potential solution to antibiotic resistance, particularly used in combination with other drugs. Importantly, bacteria treated with cannabinoids do not become resistant to the treatment, unlike with traditional antibiotic treatments. Unfortunately, as is noted by the researchers, further study is complicated by ongoing legal hurdles.

In a recent study in the journal Pharmaceuticals, a team of Malaysian chemists has compiled evidence that cannabinoids work to fight infections where other drugs fail.

For more of the latest research into cannabinoids, along with breaking legalization updates and lifestyle news, download our free cannabis news app.

Cannabinoids Show Promise, Particularly in Combination With Other Drugs

“C. Sativa is a plant with untapped potential,” the authors write. “This versatile plant can be used for a variety of purposes. Despite its complex metabolic profile and use as a recreational substance, its therapeutic benefits should not be ignored or overshadowed.”

“Based on all the data in this study, cannabinoids and other cannabis constituents showed impressively in vitro antibacterial properties that should be further explored in the search for new substances that could potentially function as antimicrobial agents against clinically significant bacteria,” they conclude.

The use of cannabinoids in combination with other drugs then seems to be one of the most preferred avenues, “results from previous studies suggest that cannabinoids can potentially improve the efficacy of existing antibiotics.”

Cannabinoids and Antibiotic Properties

In 2020, a Danish study noted that CBD helped fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Researchers found that by using CBD in addition to traditional treatments, staph bacteria no longer divided as they usually would. Fewer antibiotics were thus needed for treatment.

A study published in 2021 in the journal Communications Biology tested the effect of CBD on bacteria and found that it was effective against more than 20 types of bacteria, many of which had drug-resistant properties.

“Importantly, we also show that CBD does not lead to resistance after repeated exposure,” the authors wrote, indicating that it can remain useful over time. In contrast, the effectiveness of some antibiotics can fade in as little as two years or less.

A Conclusion Also Reached by Australian Researchers in 2019

“Given cannabidiol’s documented anti-inflammatory effects, existing human safety data, and the potential for varied routes of administration, this is a promising new antibiotic that deserves further study,” Dr. Blaskovich said.

“The combination of inherent antimicrobial activity and the potential to reduce damage caused by the inflammatory response to infections is particularly attractive.”

Cannabinoids Besides CBD Also Show Promise

CBD is not the only cannabinoid with a potential effect on superbugs. CBG, although its pharmacology is more complex, has also been called upon to combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

According to Canadian researchers, CBG is effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on par with vancomycin, an antibiotic that doctors often use as a last option to kill bacteria that have resisted all other drugs.

The same study also found CBG was effective against Gram-negative bacteria when combined with Polymyxin B. However, it had no effect when tested alone.

Legal Difficulties Complicate Researching Cannabinoids

The authors of the study in Pharmaceuticals note that the biggest obstacle today is the difficulty of researching cannabinoids.

“Because of the difficulty in complying with the legal requirements of these laws, researchers and funding agencies may be less inclined to consider innovative products,” the authors in Pharmaceuticals lament.

—

(Featured image by Raimond Klavins via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third-party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Hemp.im, its management, staff, or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in Newsweed, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Hemp.im assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Hemp.im is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.

Angelique Moss

Angelique Moss is a London-based entrepreneur, writer, and traveller. The world of business, finance, and technology, is her preferred cup of tea. She also writes about the developments and discussions on health, art, luxury and media. A top writer for several Medium publications, she has published hundreds of widely read articles on investing, stocks, global markets, cannabis, and technology for multiple platforms. She is also interested in culture, history, and social affairs.