Hemp, Essence of Cannabis Extract, and MRSA

What is MRSA?

According to the CDC, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a bacteria that resistant to many types of antibiotic treatment making it a super bug. Statistics show that 2 in 100 people in the United States are MRSA carriers. MRSA is often transferred in settings such as hospitals where multiple people who may be immune compromised reside in close quarters. MRSA may be transferred through direct skin contact. MRSA infections often start out like boils or ingrown hairs that continue to develop into severely infected wounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control, MRSA is a probable cause of many skin infections in the community.

Hemp, Essence of Cannabis Extract, and MRSA
While thorough hand washing is always the first best defense for prevention. Modern day research is showing that hemp and cannabis extracts have an effect in reducing MRSA infections. According to a study done in 2010, “Characterization and antimicrobial activity of essential oils of industrial hemp varieties.” Hemp oil which does not contain tetra- hydrocannabinol (THC) but does contain a small percent of Cannabidiol (CBD) has antibacterial properties that may be effective against MRSA. The essential oil of cannabis sativa L., a hemp variety that does not contain THC or CBD is also effective as an antimicrobial treatment. Extracted from plant terpenoids, the essential oil may have beneficial effects against bacterial infections. Another 2011 study, “Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects.” Shows that the antibacterial benefits increase when the essential oil comes from cannabis plant varieties that have a high phytocannabinoid content of CBD and Cannabigerol (CBG). Suggesting that these plant essential oils can be as effective as Vancomycin in treating antibiotic resistance pathogens such as MRSA. This effectiveness is increased when a synergistic effect of all phytocannabinoids can occur.