Systematic review published on the insecticidal properties of the plant Cannabis sativa L.

The review combines ethnobotanical evidence with experimental evidence.

Genís Oña and Dr. José Carlos Bouso, external members of MARC, have published a review on the potential uses of the Cannabis sativa plant for pest control in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. This study is the result of a doctoral stay of Genís Oña at the Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB). Dr. Teresa Garnatje and her team at the IBB and the University of Barcelona have also collaborated in this research.

This work is of great interest given the environmental and human health consequences of the use of chemical pesticides in intensive agriculture. Cannabis, as an ecological product, seems to be able to partially replace the use of very harmful products that are currently used for pest control. In addition, the plant produces a large amount of essential oil, which results in a very efficient production.

The review has found C. sativa to be especially effective against insects and arachnids, although efficacy has been reported for most pests relevant to agriculture. Part of its efficacy can be attributed to the large number of chemicals present in the plant's essential oil, including terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids.  

This research has brought together different types of disciplines. A first review of ethnobotanical uses of cannabis as a pesticide has been carried out, followed by experimental studies on this issue. In this way, it is still traditional knowledge that once again guides the development of solutions to global problems.

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