Have scientists uncovered the “Hidden Antibiotic Potential of Cannabis”

Have researchers discovered the key antibacterial compound?

As the spread of antimicrobial resistance continues to be a priority health concern worldwide researchers from McMaster University (Canada) identified an antibacterial compound in the cannabis plants that could serve as a lead for new drug development and could protect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

CBG – Cannnabigerol potential benefits

They found that the cannabinoid, cannabigerol (CBG) is antibacterial and also proved effective in mice against a resilient family of bacteria known as (MRSA).

According to Eric Brown ( professor of biochemistry and biomedical sciences at McMaster) 18 available cannabinoids were investigated in the study and all showed some antibiotic activity.

The most promising activity was found in the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBG which is found in cannabis and by targeting the cell membrane of the bacteria CBG prevented the bacteria to form biofilm, which are communities of microorganisms that attach to each other and to surfaces; and it destroyed preformed biofilms and cells resistant to antibiotics.

Brown commented saying that “CBG proved to be marvellous at tackling pathogenic bacteria,” and that “The findings suggest real therapeutic potential for cannabinoids as antibiotics.” with the legalization of marijuana in Canada over 2 years ago the lab has been studying the antibiotic potential of cannabinoids.

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Brown addresses the stigma that has been to the research of cannabinoids, but with the increasing anecdotal evidence of the medicinal use of cannabis this stigma is now waning. The next steps are to working on making the compound better, that means that it will be more specific to the bacteria and will have a lower chance of toxicity.

Here is a link to the full report:

 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00419#

Sources:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200226131325.htm
https://brighterworld.mcmaster.ca/articles/mcmaster-researchers-uncover-hidden-antibiotic-potential-of-cannabis/
https://www.drugtargetreview.com/news/56606/antibacterial-cannabinoid-compound-identified-by-researchers/