A recent study published in the journal Insects found that hemp-derived CBD effectively killed both species of yellow fever mosquito in their larval stage, including one strain that had developed resistance to conventional insecticides. Researchers from The Ohio State University used air-dried hemp leaves, pulverized into a fine powder and soaked in methanol to reach the desired CBD concentrations.
The study revealed that within 48 hours, CBD was lethal to the mosquito larvae. Erick Martinez Rodriguez, lead author of the study and a graduate student in entomology, highlighted the global danger posed by mosquitoes, noting, “Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals in the world, mainly because as adults they serve as vectors of disease.”
Compared to synthetic insecticides, the amount of hemp extract required to kill 50% of the larvae population was relatively high. However, when compared to other natural extracts tested in the lab, CBD needed only a low concentration to achieve high mortality rates.
Co-author Peter Piermarini, a professor of entomology, emphasized the need for further research to assess CBD’s environmental impact, especially on non-target species like honey bees. “CBD appears safe for humans and animals, but more research is necessary to understand its selective toxicity,” Piermarini said.
As insecticide resistance and environmental concerns grow, hemp-derived CBD may provide a promising alternative to traditional synthetic insecticides.
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