Scientists Reveal the Antimicrobial Power of Cannabis

Researchers from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, have conducted laboratory tests to study the antimicrobial properties of cannabis. The scientists believe that the plant can kill several types of bacteria.

Cannabigerol Outperforms Other Cannabinoids

The experts tested five cannabinoids: THC, CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN). All of these compounds showed antimicrobial properties, but CBG proved to be the most effective antibiotic. Cannabigerol has a broad spectrum of action against harmful microorganisms:

• It suppresses the ability of bacteria to form biofilms (clusters of microorganisms) that protect them from harsh environmental factors;
• It destroys already formed biofilms;
• It kills bacterial cells that are resistant to antibiotics.

Tests on mice showed that CBG kills methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and cures infections caused by this type of bacteria. In terms of effectiveness, this cannabinoid is comparable to vancomycin, which is considered the most powerful antibiotic and is listed as a “last-resort” medication.

Cannabinoids Destroy Gram-Negative Bacteria When Combined with Antibiotics

Bacteria are divided into two groups based on cell structure:

• Gram-positive
• Gram-negative

Gram-positive bacteria have a single thick membrane, while gram-negative bacteria have both inner and outer membranes, making them harder to destroy. The World Health Organization has listed three gram-negative bacteria as the most dangerous: Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species.

Eric Brown, the lead researcher, reported that cannabinoids have a weak effect on gram-negative bacteria. However, when combined with the antibiotic polymyxin B, CBG can easily destroy antibiotic-resistant gram-negative microorganisms.

Mark Blaskovich from the University of Queensland noted that cannabis contains many compounds with antimicrobial properties. He believes cannabinoids protect the plant from bacteria and mold-related infections. Previously, scientists thought that cannabis could only kill harmful microorganisms on the skin’s surface, but Canadian researchers have now shown that CBG can treat systemic infections in mice.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Threaten Humanity

Former UK Chief Medical Officer Sally Davies warns that antibiotic-resistant bacteria could lead to a global catastrophe and the extinction of humanity. She says that without effective antimicrobial agents, people will die from common infections (such as pneumonia), and surgeons will be unable to perform major operations due to the high risk of infection. Microorganisms mutate quickly to protect themselves from bactericidal substances, forcing doctors to search for new drugs. However, the most modern antibiotic used in medicine was discovered over 30 years ago.