How Cannabis Has Been Used to Treat Parasites: Then & Now

A teapot, two cups and a sieve with dried cannabis

Creepy, crawly, and the stuff of nightmares… parasitic worms infect up to two billion people worldwide, and cause widespread ill-health, particularly in the developing world. Cannabis has been an important folk remedy for parasitic worms for centuries, and there is substantial modern evidence to back up its use.

Communities across the world still use cannabis for parasites

Various peoples around the world make use of traditional cannabis preparations to fight parasites, particularly in developing countries where use of folk medicine is still widespread—and where rates of parasitic infection are generally much, much higher.

Recently, the Aka people of the Congo Basin were reported to smoke cannabis extensively in a possible example of unconsciously using something for self-medication. The Aka apparently do not associate their cannabis use with any protection against worms, and rather just smoke recreationally and for social purposes.

Interestingly, the Aka also make widespread intentional use of another plant to combat parasites—whether or not this plant is effective is not clear. But it certainly seems that cannabis has a positive effect, as the cannabis-users carried fewer intestinal worms than their non-using peers.

Whatever the intention there, plenty of other communities make deliberate use of cannabis to fight off parasitic pests. Village communities in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand still make use of cannabis preparations to treat parasitic worms. Similar usage is reported in the neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh, and also 2,000 km away among communities in Andhra Pradesh, a south-eastern Indian state. And this is just usage clearly recorded. There’s little doubt that unrecorded usage occurs throughout much of India and the surrounding region, too.

In Uganda, a 2010 report noted that villagers in the south-western agricultural region of the country made widespread use of cannabis to control intestinal worm infestations in their chickens, which are a vital source of eggs and meat. In fact, it seems that humans have been treating their animals with cannabis to control parasitic infestations for as long as we’ve been treating ourselves, if not longer.

Ancient civilizations fought parasites with cannabis

Cannabis has been used as a folk remedy for intestinal worms in a myriad of diverse communities throughout the world, for hundreds of years. From Europe to sub-Saharan Africa to Southeast Asia, mentions of cannabis as a treatment for gut parasites for humans (and the livestock they depended on for survival) abound in historical texts.

Here are just a few examples:

So how effective is cannabis at fighting intestinal parasites?

There is actually surprisingly little modern research into the ability of cannabis to fight intestinal parasites. This fact was highlighted by none other than the renowned cannabinoid scientist Raphael Mechoulam. He noted in a 1987 essay, Towards Cannabinoid Drugs, that cannabis showed potential as an anthelmintic, but that “experimental work in this area with cannabinoids has not yet been reported”. Fortunately, there are many effective medicines to treat parasites today.

One small study into the usage of medicinal plants used to treat livestock animals in Uganda found that cannabis had some activity against the parasitic roundworm Ascari suum (which can infect both pigs and humans). However, its effectiveness was lower than several other tested plant species and ultimately, didn’t make it into the shortlist of recommended candidates for future study. A. suum is a type of nematode worm, and cannabis has been shown to have activity against several other nematodes too.

Cannabis vs. nematodes (roundworms)

Nematodes are roundworms, a huge group of diverse species that can range from microscopic to over one metre in length. Beyond Ascari, other notable nematodes of humans include hookworm, whipworm, pinworm, and filarial worms.

Although cannabis hasn’t been shown to have direct effectiveness against any of these, there is evidence that it could be useful in the fight against filarial worms. This is thanks to its ability to kill the larvae of the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito, which is a major insect vector responsible for transmitting the worms to their definitive human host.

Filarial worms cause filariasis, a major disease in humans that infects up to 120 million people worldwide. It causes genital disease, lymphoedema (swelling of lymphatic tissue), and elephantiasis (massive swelling of the arms and legs) in up to 40 million people.

Root-knot nematode parasite
A juvenile root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, penetrates a tomato root. Once inside, the juvenile, which also attacks cotton roots, causes a gall to form and robs the plant of nutrients. Photo by William Wergin and Richard Sayre. Colorized by Stephen Ausmus.
Nematode parasite

Cannabis vs. trematodes (flukes)

As well as nematode worms, cannabis has also been shown to have activity against trematodes, a large and diverse class belonging to the flatworm phylum. Trematodes are also known as flukes, and are flat, oval worms with “suckers” that they use to latch onto and feed on living tissue, similar to those found on leeches. Although they most commonly parasitize fish and invertebrates, some species are also very well-known to infect humans.

One of the most concerning trematodes to infect humans is Fasciolopsis buski, the giant intestinal fluke, which grows to approximately 7.5 cm and infects at least 10 million people worldwide, mostly in South and South-East Asia. Cannabis extract has been shown to have high effectiveness against F. buski in pigs—higher even than oxyclozanide, the current standard treatment.

Schistosoma fluke parasite

Another extremely important fluke in humans is Schistosoma, a trematode that infects the blood and is known to cause schistosomiasis. It’s also known as bilharzia or “snail fever” in humans. Schistosomiasis is a huge burden on the global healthcare system, second only to malaria, and infects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. While cannabis has not been shown to be directly effective against schistosomiasis, it’s been demonstrated that the endocannabinoid system is involved in the progression of the disease.

A 2009 study showed that levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide were increased in the livers of mice that had experienced schistosomiasis, and that expression of CB1-receptors was also increased. The researchers concluded that this increase occurred due to the EC system being involved in the development of the disease itself; however, it may occur as a response to the disease. If the former, then cannabinoid antagonists could be beneficial; if the latter, then agonists would be more useful.

Cannabis vs. protozoa & amoebae

Although protozoa and amoebae are not worms, they contain several important human parasites within their ranks, and cannabis has been shown to have significant effectiveness against some of them. An early study published in 1979 showed that THC was effective against the infamous “brain-eating” amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which inhabits hot springs and thermal watercourses throughout the world. It’s notorious for causing a form of encephalitis known as Naegleriasis.

Naegleria fowleri amoeba against the black background

Another study published in 2010 showed that the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG inhibited two types of pathogenic amoebaAcanthamoeba and Hartmannella. Both of these are known to cause an infection of the eye known as keratitis, which can lead to permanent blindness.

Last but not least, the mightiest of all known human pathogens, the malaria protozoa (P. falciparum) may be inhibited by the actions of cannabis. This doesn’t happen directly, but by killing the larvae of its mosquito vector Anopheles stephensi, just as it kills the larvae of the mosquito that carries filarial worm. Furthermore, there is evidence that CBD can protect the brain against the ravages of cerebral malaria, a potentially-fatal complication of the disease.

So why is cannabis effective against these parasites?

It seems that there are two main ways that cannabis can be effective against parasitic worms like the protozoa and amoebae. The first possibility is that the targeted parasites actually have an endocannabinoid system of their own, which is affected by the introduction of THC or other cannabinoids in a manner that affects their ability to survive and reproduce.

There is some evidence of this in several species. The aforementioned study on Acanthamoeba and Hartmannella showed that cannabinoids were specifically effective against them. Separate research has shown that the amoeboid slime mould, Dictyostelium, possesses a rudimentary endocannabinoid system. And this interesting paper outlines several species of nematodes that have been shown to possess cannabinoid receptors.

However, there’s also evidence that at least one species of nematode worm lacks a functional endocannabinoid system (this has also been shown for a handful of other primitive organisms that branched off the evolutionary tree long ago, including sea sponges and anemones). Therefore, for parasites like these, cannabis must exert its effects via a different mechanism. It’s possible that this is due to some property of cannabinoids themselves that has not yet been described, but there is another possibility that deserves consideration: Terpenes

Cannabis contains plenty of terpenes, as do many other plants—and it appears that many of the plants traditionally used to fight parasites have a few terpenes in common! In recent years, it’s become clear that terpenes play a massive role in medicine, and it seems that parasite control is yet another of their abilities.

The importance of terpenes in managing intestinal parasites

Terpenes and terpenoids are abundant in nature, and there are thousands of different types, some of which have very interesting potential applications. Some of these terpenes have been shown to have the ability to kill or inhibit growth of amoebas, protozoa, nematodes and trematodes!

One piece of research that tested 34 different plant terpenoids against the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans found that several terpenes commonly found in cannabis, including nerolidol, geraniol, citronellol, limonene, and eugenol, had significant anti-nematode activity.

Another paper investigated the action of fifteen tropical plant extracts against the cattle fluke Fasciola hepatica and found five extracts to be significantly effective, all from plants high in various terpenes. One plant, Artemesia, contains eucalyptol, linalool, myrcene, caryophyllene and pinene, all of which are present in cannabis in significant concentrations. The terpenes geraniol and citronellol were also found to be effective against the Giardia and Cryptosporidium protozoa.

How cannabis medicines have been lost from traditional folk medicine

Of course, cannabis is not the only herb that was widely used in folk medicine to counteract intestinal worms. Perhaps part of its ubiquity can be explained by the fact that humans took cannabis with them pretty much wherever they went, so it was always available. Nonetheless, there’s a strong suggestion that it must have been seen to be particularly effective for it to be so widely used, and for so long.

Today, many communities that traditionally used cannabis to treat intestinal parasites are no longer permitted or able to do so, due to the restrictions of international law. Thus, a traditional medicine that can mitigate the severity of parasitic infections has been lost from the pharmacopeia, potentially adding to the pressure on conventional healthcare systems to manage the problem.

If cannabis medications were permitted once more, they could provide an alternative treatment option for several major parasites—particularly given that prevalence of intestinal rates is generally far higher in much of the developing world where cannabis was traditionally cultivated.

  • Disclaimer:
    This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or other licensed medical professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard medical advice due to something you have read on this website.

Comments

16 thoughts on “How Cannabis Has Been Used to Treat Parasites: Then & Now”

  1. Russel connor

    Hi , 2 years ago I was infected with fleas from my dog travelling the country side , I’ve been in hell ever since !
    Doctors began to laugh at me !
    I had to fumigate my home 4 times and finally got rid of them ! AWSOME, but the left behind another insect , an anthropoid, mite , again Doctors laughing at me and reluctant to help !
    I’ve been diagnosed as delusional!!
    The problem is this story has 2 more people with the same complaints from that time and on going !
    My brother and my old friend !
    It doesn’t seem to matter to the doctor s and still won’t recognize the problem !
    I’m hoping that CDB oil with rid us of this pariste on our bodies because I’ve lost hope with the medical people !!
    Thanks , ttyl Russ

  2. Lorraine Harris

    Thank you so much for All your advice
    . I have a parasite from chic manure ,all over my head ,3 yrs now ,white mold ,no one Drs in Australia can name it ,I’m trying soon CBD oil hoping it will kill it ,now am using triples wormwood black walnut ,clove ,a little bit of a result so far2 weeks ,Drs laughed at me ,10 biopsies ,1yr anti biotics ,told no such thing in Australia .Fed up

    1. Well laugh at those Dr’s when you are feeling better! You are on the right road to feeling better. Be patient for it takes time.

    2. Make feco then a infuse that w oil and apply to head, out a cap on and slee w it on. Wash in morning and repeat however many bites needed. Also consume feco orally or sublingually.

  3. Want to know everything there is to know about curing yourself of parasite infections naturally with herbs and electricity check out Hulda Clarks books but start with The Cure For All Diseases also if your going to ingest cannabis edibly consider RSO and watch run from the cure

  4. I gave my dog edible marajuana everyday for anxiety and two weeks later dead round worms came out. So it definitely works!!

  5. dan lettuce

    Eating Cannabis herb should do the trick. Put some in the mouth area, maybe use your teeth to grind it down with your saliva, keep on chewing for a good few minutes and then swallow the lot, there you go! Enjoy that authentic vegetative plant juice tastyness. Wait for about 1hr 45mins and enjoy 8 solid hours of nematode warfare on pc and a good powerful evacuation of the colonic worm farm. Boom. They were either seen and felt or felt and absorbed like spaghetti. Result.

  6. Do CBD oil &/or hemp seeds alone have good ant-iparasitic activity?

    What is tho other herb referred to that the Aka use against parasites?

    Thank you.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Jules,

      Thanks for your comment. I’m afraid I can’t answer your first question, as I’m unable to find proper scientific data on it; based on my understanding of the topic though, I would think it is unlikely and I would guess that the entourage effect of both terpenes and the full spectrum of cannabinoids would be required.

      The (somewhat surprising) answer to your second question is tobacco. There is at least one credible study to support the use of nicotine as an anthelmintic among the Aka people. However, they do not have access to conventional anthelmintics, and in no way does Sensi Seeds recommend the use of tobacco for anything apart from making your own pesticide!

      I hope this is helpful, and that you continue to enjoy the blog.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

      1. Milena Yordanova Van Deusen

        Thank you Scarlet. I very much enjoyed your article. it was very scientific and full of very helpful information.
        I am glad I found it and I am curious how can I subscribe for info like this.

  7. Susanna Woodhouse

    Can you tell me if you know anyone who has been treated for dientamoeba fragilis, a parasite, with CBD Oil and did they eliminate them altogether with a negative (no parasites) test result after treatment?

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Dear Isaac,

      Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, as Sensi Seeds is not a medical practice, we are not able to provide any advice relating to medical situations other than to consult your doctor or other licensed medical professional. This article, written specifically for healthcare providers who may not be aware of the many properties of cannabis, may be useful to you in talking with your doctor. You could also try to contact local medicinal cannabis support groups, if you have not already done so. In the UK, there is the United Patients Alliance (you can find them on Facebook) and in the US and EU there are many branches of NORML (google NORML followed by your area name). We hope this is helpful.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    2. May I suggest getting a hold of RSO or cannabis oil just watch run from the cure on how to make it it cures cancer which may be a parasite caused disease

  8. Every time I smoke marijuana I have to go #2 . It’s like a laxative , almost like fumigating my body of toxins . I trust my gut.

  9. had you also considered that the hairs on the leaves which the plant developed as a defence against grazing animals would be beneficial in removing parasites from the intestinal tract of human beings.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Author and reviewer

  • Profile-image

    Sensi Seeds

    The Sensi Seeds Editorial team has been built throughout our more than 30 years of existence. Our writers and editors include botanists, medical and legal experts as well as renown activists the world over including Lester Grinspoon, Micha Knodt, Robert Connell Clarke, Maurice Veldman, Sebastian Maríncolo, James Burton and Seshata.
    More about this author
  • Sanjai_Sinha

    Sanjai Sinha

    Dr Sanjai Sinha is an academic faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. He spends his time seeing patients, teaching residents and medical students, and doing health services research. He enjoys patient education and practicing evidence-based medicine. His strong interest in medical review comes from these passions.
    More about this reviewer
Scroll to Top