Cannabis-Derived CBD Demonstrates Potent Larvicidal Efficacy Against Mosquitoes, Offering a Novel Tool for Vector Control

OG article

June 20, 2025

Hemp Extract Targets Resistant Mosquito Larvae, Potentially Transforming Public Health Strategies

Mosquito-borne diseases claim over one million lives annually, making mosquitoes the deadliest animals to humans. As traditional pyrethroid insecticides lose efficacy due to rising resistance and environmental persistence, public health authorities urgently seek sustainable, effective alternatives. A groundbreaking study published in Insects reveals that cannabidiol (CBD), extracted from Cannabis sativa (hemp), exhibits remarkable larvicidal activity against mosquito larvae, including strains resistant to conventional insecticides.

Research Findings

Led by Erick Martinez Rodriguez at The Ohio State University, researchers air-dried and pulverized hemp leaves to extract CBD, which was then introduced into water containing larvae of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti). Within 48 hours, both insecticide-resistant and non-resistant larvae were eradicated. The study demonstrated two critical outcomes: complete larval mortality across all tested strains and high efficiency, with relatively low CBD concentrations achieving lethal effects compared to other natural extracts tested in the laboratory.

“Given the role of adult mosquitoes as vectors for diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika, controlling their larval stage is paramount,” Rodriguez noted. Unlike pyrethroids, which face diminishing returns due to metabolic resistance, CBD bypasses these defenses, targeting vital systems—potentially ion channels or enzymes governing neural or muscular function—despite mosquitoes lacking endocannabinoid receptors.

Mechanism and Selectivity

Chemical analysis confirmed CBD as the primary active compound in the hemp extract, with terpene fractions showing minimal larvicidal impact. Larval death was determined by immobility under gentle stimulation, underscoring CBD’s direct disruption of critical physiological processes. Preliminary data suggest CBD’s selectivity, but further studies are needed to assess its impact on non-target aquatic organisms, such as tadpoles, fish fry, and beneficial insects, in complex natural ecosystems.

Economic and Agricultural Implications

Hemp, a versatile and rapidly growing crop, offers a scalable solution. In 2023, U.S. farmers cultivated approximately 27,680 acres of hemp, generating $291 million in product value. Hemp leaves, typically discarded as low-value byproducts after flower and seed harvest, could be repurposed into larvicidal formulations, creating a new revenue stream for growers while reducing agricultural waste. Hemp’s adaptability across diverse climates and minimal pesticide requirements further enhance its viability for supporting vector-control supply chains, from rural U.S. farms to global public health programs.

Future Directions

The study calls for rigorous field trials to evaluate CBD’s environmental persistence, ecological safety, and compatibility with existing biocontrol agents, such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis. Researchers aim to optimize formulations—such as surface-adhering granules or slow-release films—and identify hemp cultivars with maximal CBD content to enhance efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Regional processing facilities could concentrate hemp extracts for distribution as shelf-stable larvicides to mosquito-control districts worldwide.

Regulatory and Policy Considerations

Adopting CBD as a botanical larvicide requires robust regulatory frameworks to balance public health imperatives with environmental stewardship. Comprehensive data on aquatic impacts, transparent monitoring, and community engagement will be essential to secure regulatory approval and public trust. Policymakers must also establish guidelines for integrating CBD-based solutions into existing vector-control strategies without compromising conservation goals.

Strategic Importance

While not a panacea for mosquito-borne diseases, CBD-derived larvicides represent a significant advancement in the fight against malaria, dengue, and Zika. By leveraging hemp’s agricultural abundance and CBD’s potent larvicidal properties, this innovation unites entomology, chemistry, and sustainable agriculture to address a pressing global health challenge. If scaled successfully, hemp leaves could protect water sources—from backyard ponds to agricultural ditches—offering a safer, more resilient tool for mosquito control.