Can CBD Be the Future of Antibiotics? Exploring the Potential of Cannabidiol in Combating Resistant Bacteria
Author: Ondrej Stovicek
We are already familiar with many effects of CBD, and as ongoing studies and research continue, we are discovering even more capabilities of cannabinoids. New studies suggest that CBD may have the ability to kill bacteria, including those that have developed resistance to antibiotics. But is CBD really a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics? Let’s explore what CBD can do.
The Growing Global Antibiotic Crisis
The world is facing a health crisis as more and more bacteria develop resistance to existing antibiotics. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antibiotic resistance as one of the most serious threats to global health, food safety, and development.
A number of diseases are becoming increasingly less responsive to antibiotic treatment, including conditions like tuberculosis and pneumonia. Due to these alarming trends, scientists are urgently seeking alternatives, and CBD is emerging as a potential solution.
CBD: A Promising New Antibiotic?
A recent study conducted at the University of Queensland found that CBD exhibits potent antibacterial properties, leading scientists to label it as a "promising new antibiotic."
CBD's Effectiveness Against Gram-Positive Bacteria
Researchers at the University of Queensland tested CBD on various bacteria, using mice with femoral infections as part of their study.
Understanding the Two Types of Pathogenic Bacteria
There are two main types of pathogenic bacteria: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. The distinction between them lies in the structure of their cell walls. These structural differences typically cause certain antibiotics to be effective against one type of bacteria but not the other.
Gram-positive bacteria are the ones that CBD has shown effectiveness against in initial studies.
When Should CBD Be Considered as an Antibiotic?
It's important to note that it is not recommended to stop using prescribed antibiotics and replace them with CBD immediately. The results of these studies are still preliminary and have not yet undergone clinical trials in humans.
The issue of antibiotic resistance is compounded by the fact that pharmaceutical companies are sometimes reluctant to invest in developing new antibiotics. Developing a new compound, understanding its functionality, and conducting the necessary tests is a time-consuming and expensive process. It can take over a decade to approve a new drug. However, repurposing existing approved drugs, such as CBD, may be faster and more cost-effective.
Why Isn't CBD Used as an Antibiotic Yet?
For many hemp enthusiasts, the question arises: “Why rely on pharmaceutical companies when people have been using herbs to treat diseases for centuries?”
The answer lies in the standardization and licensing of products. A standardized and licensed product is much more attractive to patients and parents because it ensures accurate dosing and consistency. This is especially true for doctors who are accustomed to working with rigorously tested drugs that come with specific normative guidelines. As of now, no cannabis-derived medicine has been approved as an antibiotic. However, given the promising effects of CBD, researchers and pharmaceutical companies are likely to pursue further studies in this area.