CBD as an Antibiotic? Cannabidiol Shows Antibacterial Properties in New ASM Study

July 10, 2019 by Scott Talon 0 Comment

The American Society of Microbiology is reporting results from a new study on the antibacterial properties of CBD/cannabidiol. The results are surprisingly positive, indicating CBD testing on several bacterial strains shows its promise as a topical antibiotic.

Also read: Legal Cannabis Sales Will Grow to $40bn… If You Get the Regulation Right

CBD Has Interesting Potential

In a research study released on June 23rd, CBD tests showed antibacterial properties working on staphylococcus, streptococcus and biofilms. This is leading to preliminary theories CBD could be an effective treatment with interesting potential.

From the American Society of Microbiology:

New research has found that Cannnabidiol is active against Gram-positive bacteria, including those responsible for many serious infections (such as Staphyloccocus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae), with potency similar to that of established antibiotics such as vancomycin or daptomycin. The research is presented at ASM Microbe, the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.

For hundreds of years, people have been using cannabis to treat a variety of inflammatory illnesses. The ability to study its effects in a proper scientific environment — and with results that appear to back up the claims — is most welcome.

‘Promising New Antibiotic Worth Further Investigation’

The added antibacterial properties open up whole other uses which can be beneficial. Dr. Blaskovich offered some insights on ASM:

“Given cannabidiol’s documented anti-inflammatory effects, existing safety data in humans, and potential for varied delivery routes, it is a promising new antibiotic worth further investigation,” said Dr. Blaskovich. “The combination of inherent antimicrobial activity and potential to reduce damage caused by the inflammatory response to infections is particularly attractive.”

This news is definitely positive to see, yet needs to be tempered with an understanding that testing is in its early phases. Antibacterial properties is one of many tests researchers will need to perform to evaluate CBD’s range of properties.

One sad fact of the discovery is that, since cannabis treatments have been illegal for so long, several use cases for both CBD and THC could have been discovered, verified and used decades ago. Antibacterial properties alone (if efficacious) could have helped stave off antibiotic resistant bacteria. Thus lengthening the time before existing antibiotics become ineffective.

Granted, this new research could end up a dead end. Even if it does, researchers are bound to find other positive health benefits. The effects of prohibition set back research decades. Causing suffering that is often forgotten — more collateral damage in a wasteful war on cannabis.

What are your thoughts on this and several of the health benefits cannabis is being found to have?

Images via: Pixabay

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About Scott Talon

Scott is the Editor-in-Chief and content manager at Bitsonline.com, and was Editor-in-Chief at Bitcoin.com News and Bitcoinist (until December 2016) plus Inside Bitcoins, BTC.com and others. He began Bitcoin mining in 2010, becoming a prominent figure in that community. He turned to cryptocurrency journalism in 2013 after a spinal injury left him disabled, and he remains active in mining and other discussions.

Scott has over 20 years of IT, Systems and Network Administration, and Business Management experience — which he now applies to his volunteer work in the Bitcoin, Cannabis and Cryptocurrency industry.