Cannabidiol (CBD) is an effective killer of resistant bacteria, when used in combination with bacitracin (BAC), according to a study published inScientific Reports.

Specifically, the study notes that it proved useful against Gram-positive bacteria, and not Gram-negative bacteria. The Gram-positive bacteria tested includesStaphylococcusspecies,Listeria monocytogenes, andEnterococcus faecalis. The study notes that expression of a cell division regulator gene,ezrA, was reduced two-fold upon combination treatment.
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The study notes that it’s important to identify “helper” compounds, which work with antibiotics: “Overuse of antibiotics is the main cause of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, by combining an antibiotic with a helper compound, less antibiotic is needed in order to achieve bacterial growth inhibition or killing compared to using the antibiotic alone. This strategy may therefore decrease the likelihood of resistance development.” The study used MIC determinations, standard growth experiments, fractional inhibitory concentration determination, and time-kill assays to confirm that cannabidiol can potentiate antibiotics.

This isn’t the first study to obtain these results:Research presented in June 2019found that CBD on its own was active against Gram-positive bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria.