Psoriasis and cannabis: how cannabinoids can soothe your skin

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itching and painful red spots on the skin. For certain reasons, the body begins to produce new cells faster than it should, causing scaly patches to appear in various places.

Approximately 10 to 20% of those affected develop psoriatic arthritis, causing joint pain.

Psoriasis can be caused by a variety of factors, both genetic and environmental. Fatigue and stress are often cited as causes of psoriasis.

Cannabis and psoriasis

Cannabis appears to help alleviate psoriasis in several ways. Several studies (here or here) show that THC is effective in treating autoimmune diseases, or that cannabis is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Others research show that cannabinoids reduce the growth of keratinocytes, a specific type of skin cell.

However, cannabis should not be administered by burning, as this tends to aggravate inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis. In addition to vaporization or ingestion, the cannabis creams are also the solution.

In France, you'll only find CBD creams, but in places where cannabis is legal, some creams contain both CBD and THC (or THCa, the non-psychoactive form of THC). Another option is, Make Your Own Hemp Ointment.

Cannabis creams do not cause any psychoactive effects. However, they can reduce skin irritation and pain where they are applied. Cannabinoids activate the skin’s endocannabinoid receptors and dampen the skin’s inflammatory and immune responses.