Given the pandemic America now faces, could CBD or cannabis offer help in alleviating future bacterial outbreaks?

Scientists have long thought that cannabis had remarkable powers. Recently, it’s come to light that cannabis is a far more capable cleaner of bacteria than was first realized.

A January 2020 study published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science found that cannabis cleaned plaque better than over-the-counter hygiene products. (We covered the story here.) The study found:

 “Cannabinoids have the potential to be used as an effective antibacterial agent against dental plaque-associated bacteria. Moreover, it provides a safer alternative for synthetic antibiotics to reduce the development of drug resistance.” 

This isn’t the first time that research has notated that cannabis has antiseptic properties. The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience’s Centre for Superbug Solutions in Australia notated that cannabis is not only an anti-inflammatory, but they believe it has potential to be an antibiotic.

Their research team recently unveiled research showcased by Dr. Mark Blaskovich that illuminates the potential around cannabis therapy. Focusing on skin conditions, the team involved found that cannabidiol was, “remarkably effective at killing a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including bacteria that have become resistant to other antibiotics, and did not lose effectiveness after extended treatment.” 

Brandon Novy, a microbiology researcher at Reed College in Portland, believes the findings warrant more attention. He’s also presented a CBD-focused study that found the compound had potential to fight “gram-negative infections.” 

Given the pandemic America now faces, could CBD or cannabis offer help in alleviating future bacterial outbreaks, especially given that a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) believes antibiotic resistant bacteria may claim over 50 million lives by 2050? 

Companies have added hemp and CBD to body products for years. With bans being slowly lifted on cannabis as well, companies are looking into research around effective use of THC and CBD in other hygiene products. 

While cannabis has been shown to  help strengthen the immune system and allow for better sleep, so far it doesn’t appear cannabis or CBD can help against viruses like COVID-19 — at least topically. But perhaps, given the incredible push to wash hands, that cannabis and CBD can both help with skin health and moisturization in these difficult times. The answer appears to be a resounding yes.

Known for helping with dermatitis and decreasing inflammation, hemp can offer relief from water-chapped hands. Maybe its integration into hand-washing products isn’t too far off after all?