As public health organizations issue dire warnings about the rising threat of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, a surprising hero may rush in just in time to save the day. A new study has found that cannabidiol (commonly known as CBD) is remarkably effective at killing a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria.

Antibiotics have saved millions of lives since their widespread use began many decades ago. Infections that were once a death sentence were easily treated with the medications.

Unfortunately, many antibiotics are now becoming ineffective because bacteria have become resistant to the drugs – they have mutated into "superbugs" that are becoming nearly impossible to treat.

Thankfully, CBD may offer a solution.

Before we talk about the antibiotic properties of CBD, here's a brief overview of the substance and how it works.

What is CBD and how does it work?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-intoxicating natural medicine that is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant.

CBD is a fascinating compound that has tremendous therapeutic value. It is one of over 100 compounds found in Cannabis sativa plants that belong to a class of ingredients called cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are a diverse set of chemical compounds that bind to special receptors in the human body that make up what is known as the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system is a biological system which plays many important roles in the human body. It is responsible for the physical and psychological effects of cannabis.

Cannabis sativa plants contain much more than cannabidiol: they are rich in phytotherapeutic agents, including Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes, and phenolic compounds.

While people (and their animal companions) are finding CBD provides them with relief for a wide range of ailments including arthritis, chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, and sleep troubles, one area in which CBD may become a true lifesaver is as a treatment for drug-resistant infections.