Psoriasis is a skin condition that leads to a buildup of cells on the surface of the skin. These form red patches with a covering of silvery scales. Some researchers believe that cannabis, or marijuana, may be an effective treatment for this itchy and painful condition.
Many people think of cannabis as a recreational drug, but, in recent years, many scientists have looked into how it might benefit people’s health.
The active elements in cannabis, which are known as cannabinoids, are responsible for its possible health benefits.
Cannabis contains
The cannabinoid that scientists know the most about is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is a psychoactive substance that affects the way that people think. Research suggests that harnessing its properties could lead to treatments for a range of health conditions.
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This article discusses the scientific evidence on the health benefits of cannabis for psoriasis. It also looks at the possible risks of using cannabis to treat this condition.
Psoriasis is an itchy and painful skin condition. A problem with the immune system causes too many skin cells to develop, which build up on the surface before they are mature. These skin cells form red patches with a covering of silvery scales.
Sometimes the skin patches can crack and bleed. People with psoriasis may also experience inflammation and swelling in other parts of their body.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which leads to stiff and inflamed joints.
There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but the right treatment can help people manage the symptoms.
Some treatments have side effects while others become less effective over time. As a result, scientists are always looking for new ways to manage this condition.
Cannabis contains chemicals called cannabinoids. The human body also produces some cannabinoids naturally.
In the body, chemical messengers called endocannabinoids play a role in many functions, including:
- immunity
- inflammation
- appetite
- mood
- fertility
- eye pressure
When a person uses cannabis, the cannabinoids in the drug may affect some of these bodily functions.
Researchers believe that some cannabinoids may offer several possible health benefits. These include the following:
Reducing inflammation
Inflammation is a symptom of both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
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Slowing cell growth
In people with psoriasis, skin cells reproduce too quickly. Cannabinoids may slow the growth of skin cells and reduce their accumulation on the skin’s surface.
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Controlling pain
Cannabis may help to reduce pain. A
This ability may mean that cannabis could help people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to manage the pain and discomfort relating to this condition.
Conversely, in 2018, researchers in Australia found
However, the participants were not taking specific cannabinoids for medical purposes. They all had prescriptions for opioids and were choosing to use cannabis alongside them to relieve pain, improve sleep, or relax.
Harnessing the power of cannabinoids as medication may produce benefits that are not apparent with recreational use.
Reducing itching
The cannabinoids in cannabis may relieve the itching that occurs with certain skin conditions, including psoriasis.
A 2017 review exploring the relevance of cannabis in dermatology noted that a cream containing palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which affects cannabinoid type-1 receptors, appeared to reduce itching in people with prurigo, lichen simplex, and pruritus.
The authors suggested that cannabinoids could play a role in reducing itching.
Healing wounds
One of the most painful symptoms of psoriasis is the cracking and subsequent bleeding of the affected skin patches.
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In the future, treatments involving cannabinoids could help heal the open sores that psoriasis causes.
Psoriasis is a long-term condition that currently has no known cure. Over time, it can have a negative impact on a person’s mental well-being.
Stress can be a trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. There are also links between psoriasis and depression, and between depression and inflammation more generally.
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People should speak to a doctor before using cannabis for psoriasis.
It is critical to remember that cannabis is only legal in some states for both recreational and medical purposes. Approved medications containing cannabinoids may need a prescription.
Those who are interested in using cannabis for psoriasis should check the local laws in their area so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not to use it.
The best way to use cannabis to treat psoriasis is to apply it in the form of a tincture or oil to the affected skin.
Cannabis smoke releases skin-damaging chemicals into the air, which can aggravate skin conditions. It is also hard on the lungs and can slow down healing, so people with psoriasis should avoid the drug in this form.
Cannabis is also available as an inhaler or vaporizer. There is very little research on the safety of taking it in these forms, so it is best to use them with caution and only when a doctor advises.
Some of the ingredients in cannabis show promise as a treatment for psoriasis.
The positive effects of cannabinoids on the immune system and pain receptors mean that cannabis might provide relief from psoriasis symptoms. It is also possible that future medications may include some of the active ingredients in this drug.
As with any new treatment, people thinking of using cannabis to manage psoriasis should discuss their plans with their doctor. They should also refer to their local laws about cannabis and cannabinoid use.
It is important to remember that medicinal cannabis is a complementary treatment, which means that people should use it as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Q:
Some of the ingredients in cannabis appear to help with some health conditions. Does this mean the recreational use of cannabis can be beneficial to health?
A:
Marijuana has effective and proven medicinal uses. People can use different parts of the plant, which they may apply topically, take orally, or smoke. Smoking is the least desirable way to use the plant as it is irritating to the lungs and can trigger asthma or other conditions.
The intent of recreational use is often to achieve a “THC high.” Products that contain only CBD typically have little to no THC, so they do not cause a high. People using the entire cannabis plant will take in CBD and other potentially healing ingredients, and the effects may be calming. However, the effect of the whole plant is more challenging to study because of the varying quantities of CBD, THC, and other active factors.