Potential benefits of cannabis for psoriasis
Cannabis has chemicals called cannabinoids. The human body also releases 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 some of these body functions may be impaired by the cannabinoids in the medication. Researchers believe that some cannabinoids have the ability to deliver many health benefits. These comprises the following:
Reducing inflammation
Inflammation is both a symptom of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. A study conducted in 2009 showed that some of the cannabinoids in cannabis, including some types of THC, may help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Research in 2016 suggested that some cannabinoids could benefit people with psoriasis by affecting the interaction between the immune and nervous systems in the body.
Slowing cell growth
Skin cells grow too rapidly in individuals with psoriasis. Cannabinoids can slow skin cell growth and minimize skin surface aggregation. In 2007, a study found that cannabinoids delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabinol, and cannabigerol tended to slow the growth of cells called keratinocytes in the skin’s outer layer. These substances could play a role in the treatment of psoriasis. A 2016 review supported the notion that cannabinoids can be a useful psoriasis treatment.
Controlling pain
Cannabis has the potential to help reduce pain. A 2015 study in JAMA noted extensive scientific evidence suggesting that cannabinoids can relieve pain. This ability may mean that cannabis may help people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis manage this condition’s pain and discomfort. In contrast, Australian researchers found no link between cannabis use and a decrease in pain or lower use of opioids for pain control in 2018. Participants did not take different cannabinoids for medical purposes though. We all had opioid prescriptions and decided alongside them to use cannabis to relieve pain, improve sleep or relax. Using cannabinoids as a medication can bring benefits that are not apparent with recreational use.
Reducing itching
The cannabinoids in cannabis will relieve the itching with certain skin conditions, including psoriasis. A 2017 review investigating the relevance of cannabis in dermatology noted that a palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) cream that affects type-1 cannabinoid receptors appeared to reduce itching in people with prurigo, lichen simplex and pruritus. The authors suggested, cannabinoids might play a part in reducing itching.
Healing wounds
One of the most painful symptoms of psoriasis is the cracking of the affected skin patches and their subsequent bleeding. A 2016 mice study found that in wound repair cannabinoid receptors play a role. Scientists have also associated cannabinoids with certain anti-inflammatory acts. Treatments involving cannabinoids could in the future help heal the open sores caused by psoriasis.
Psoriasis and mental health
Psoriasis is a long-term disease of which there is currently no known treatment. It can have a negative impact on the mental wellbeing of a person over time. Stress may be triggering flare-ups of psoriasis. There are also linkages between depression and psoriasis, and more generally between depression and inflammation. Researchers reported a low dose of THC in 2017 reducing stress in people performing a public-speaking job. Higher doses, however, were likely to increase the anxiety.
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