Cannabis as a Treatment for Psoriasis?

According to the Canadian Dermatological Society... Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects over a million Canadians. It usually characterized by red elevated patches and flaking silvery scales. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. And can include:

• Dry or red areas of skin, usually covered with silvery-white scales and sometimes with raised edges
• Rashes on the scalp, genitals, or in the skin folds
• Itching and skin pain, sometimes severe
• Joint pain, swelling or stiffness
• Nail abnormalities

At this time there are very limited treatment options for this painful condition  and no cure.  Although the studies are limited in this area a 2007 study showed that cannabinoids inhibited the build up of dead skin cells. According to the researchers “Our results show that cannabinoids inhibit keratinocyte proliferation, and therefore support a potential role for cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis.”  Also Cannabis can also help those with psoriasis by decreasing pain during a flare up.  And there have been several studies  that examined the role cannabis can play as an analgesic (pain reliever).

Topical cannabis medications formulated with CBD/THC are perfect for patients with psoriasis, as there are no psychoactive effects and they can be applied directly to affected areas.

Link to study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17157480