Recent research into cannabis for skin has shown the plant to be beneficial as a treatment for various skin diseases, including eczema and psoriasis. Cannabis’ non-psychoactive component, CBD (cannabidiol), is grasping the attention of scientists in weed-friendly states across America for its cornucopia of health benefits.

Unlike the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce mind-altering effects. Abundant in the cannabis plant, CBD had been studied in-depth for its ability to heal, thanks to its anti-itch, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.

Cannabis could be used to replace topical steroid creams

Topically-applied cannabinoids with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects could greatly improve the symptoms of eczema. Based on the findings of the University of Colorado researchers, CBD is a particularly powerful cannabinoid for curing eczema or at the very least, relieving the symptoms of this debilitating skin condition.

In fact, cannabis-based medications could be used as a replacement for steroids.  

“There’s a large segment of the population that doesn’t like using steroids, even if they are topical steroids on their skin. CBD could be an alternative, natural product for them to try,” said one of the researchers leading the study, Dr. Robert Dellavalle.

“So, when we have somebody who has tried topical steroids or topical immuno-modulators that suppress the immune system for psoriasis or eczema and they haven’t gotten completely better, there’s a potential of using this new therapy that might work in a different way and help them,” Dellavalle added.

Topically-applied CBD has emerged as an effective treatment for skin conditions in various clinical trials. It has been cleared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a safe treatment option with no potential for abuse. Despite this, researchers are struggling to study the absolute effects of cannabinoids due to the negative misconceptions that continue to linger around the cannabis plant, not to mention its stringent laws.

“The fact that it’s illegal at the federal level, but legal at the state level – it leads to a lot of complications in trying to do research on marijuana and its derivatives, all of the cannabinoids,” said Dellavalle.

Cannabinoids work in synergy to relieve the symptoms of eczema

Although there are various treatment options for people with eczema, there is no cure.

Cannabis could, however, make a significant difference in relieving the symptoms of eczema. 

If cannabis is to be used topically as a treatment for skin conditions like eczema, researchers must pay attention to the benefits of four other cannabinoids:

1. Cannabidiol (CBD)
2. Cannabichromene (CBC)
3. Cannabigerol (CBG)
4. Cannabinol (CBN)

Rather than inducing a feeling of euphoria, these cannabis agents can provide relief from eczema, atopic dermatitis, and other skin conditions.  

“It has long been observed that cannabinoids possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-itch qualities,” says the National Eczema Association (NEA).

This was brought to researchers attention when they discovered the first textbook of dermatology referencing cannabis as a treatment for skin conditions. Relief from itching caused by eczema is possible because cannabinoids can produce an anti-itching effect when they connect with receptors inside the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Receptors in the skin react by stopping the release of histamine, controlling the sensory nerve fibers and relieving discomfort caused by dry skin.

Ongoing research will tell us more about cannabis for eczema and its suitability as a treatment.