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Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to modern medicine. Superbugs—bacteria that no longer respond to traditional antibiotics—are rising, making even common infections harder to treat. But what if cannabinoids, the compounds found in cannabis, could help? A 2025 study, Antimicrobial Potential of Cannabinoids: A Scoping Review of the Past 5 Years, explores this idea, highlighting the antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties of cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol).

The key question is whether cannabis compounds can help fight drug-resistant infections. This research provides some compelling insights.

Why Are Scientists Looking at Cannabinoids for Infections?

For decades, researchers have studied cannabinoids for their effects on pain, inflammation, anxiety, and even epilepsy. More recently, researchers have been exploring their antimicrobial properties. This review examined studies from 2020 to 2024 and found that certain cannabinoids, especially CBD and CBG, may have real potential in killing bacteria, disrupt biofilms, and enhancing traditional antibiotics’ effects.

There are three main reasons why this research is necessary:

• Superbugs are spreading. Overuse of antibiotics has led to bacteria that no longer respond to treatment.
• Biofilms make infections worse. Some bacteria form protective layers, or biofilms, that shield them from antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat.
• New treatment options are needed. Natural compounds like cannabinoids could provide alternative ways to fight infections, alone or alongside existing drugs.

CBD and CBG: The Heavy Hitters Against Bacteria in Research

The study found that CBD and CBG show vigorous activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA, the antibiotic-resistant form) and Streptococcus mutans (a key player in tooth decay).

• CBD has demonstrated in past research that it can kill drug-resistant bacteria, reduce inflammation, and disrupt biofilms.
• CBG has potent antibacterial effects, particularly against MRSA.

One of the most significant findings is that these cannabinoids do not just slow bacterial growth; they actively kill bacteria, and resistance to them does not appear to develop as quickly as it does with antibiotics.

Additionally, CBD and CBG enhance the effects of antibiotics. In some cases, combining cannabinoids with drugs like polymyxin B increased the effectiveness of antibiotics against resistant bacteria.

Antiviral and Antifungal Potential: Could Cannabinoids Fight COVID and Candida?

This study also examined whether cannabinoids could help combat viruses and fungi. While the research is still in its early stages, the findings are promising.

• CBD and Viruses: Some studies suggest that CBD can inhibit viral replication, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. It also helps regulate immune responses, preventing severe immune overreactions that worsen some infections.
• CBD and Fungal Infections: Research indicates that CBD disrupts Candida biofilms, contributing to persistent yeast infections. CBD also reduces fungal cell growth and increases oxidative stress, leading to cell death.

Although more human trials are needed, these findings suggest that cannabinoids may have potential as broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatments.

Are Cannabinoids the Future of Infection Treatment?

A groundbreaking 2021 study, The Antimicrobial Potential of Cannabidiol by Blaskovich et al., explored CBD’s ability to combat bacterial infections, particularly antibiotic-resistant strains. The researchers confirmed CBD’s effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Clostridioides difficile. What makes this study stand out is its discovery that CBD can disrupt bacterial biofilms—protective layers that make infections difficult to treat—and that it has a low tendency to induce resistance.

Even more surprising, the study found that CBD selectively kills certain Gram-negative bacteria, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a pathogen classified as an “urgent threat” due to rising antibiotic resistance. This research suggests that CBD could serve as a novel antibiotic, particularly when combined with existing treatments to enhance their effectiveness.

The study also shed light on how CBD works as an antimicrobial agent. Unlike traditional antibiotics, which often target bacterial DNA or protein synthesis, CBD primarily disrupts bacterial membranes, causing rapid cell death. The research team demonstrated that CBD remained effective even against highly drug-resistant strains, making it a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics. However, while CBD showed promise in topical applications, its systemic use remains a challenge due to its high protein binding in the bloodstream, which may reduce its effectiveness

These studies highlight the potential of cannabinoids, particularly CBD and CBG, as powerful antimicrobial agents. They not only show promise in fighting drug-resistant bacteria but may also work synergistically with existing antibiotics, enhancing their effectiveness. The research also suggests that cannabinoids could play a role in antiviral and antifungal treatments, though further studies are necessary.

With antibiotic resistance becoming a global crisis, alternative approaches like cannabinoid-based therapies could become an essential part of future treatment strategies. While there is still much to learn, this review adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the medicinal value of cannabinoids.

© Mike Robinson, The Researcher, Founder of Genevieve’s Dream 

(Reprints of our blog are allowed with proper linkback to this website)

References:

Coelho MJ, et al. Antimicrobial Potential of Cannabinoids: A Scoping Review of the Past 5 Years. Microorganisms. 2025; 13(2):325. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020325