Using cannabis can have a big impact on your physical and mental health—for better and, once in a while, for worse. That’s why it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before experimenting.
Here at GreenState, cannabis clinician Dr. Leigh Vinocur is here to answer your questions on healthy living with cannabis.
RELATED: Ask Dr. Leigh: how does cannabis affect your weight?
Editor’s Note: The answer to this question is meant to supplement, not replace, advice, diagnoses, and treatment from a healthcare provider. Always consult a medical professional when using cannabis for medicinal purposes, and do not disregard the advice of your healthcare provider because of anything you may read in this article.
Q) Can cannabis help with skin conditions and diseases?
A) Cannabis-based products, especially those without overt intoxicating effects such as cannabidiol (CBD) and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids, have been increasingly explored for their therapeutic potential in treating various skin conditions. We know cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, their interaction with the skin’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) makes them a promising tool for addressing inflammation, sebum (oil) regulation, protecting the skin barrier function from bacteria, and restoring the skin’s microbiome.
Like many other different medications that treat skin conditions, topical formulations are very effective in treating problems right at the source. A review study on topical CBD for skin health and disorders found many areas where it can be beneficial.
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While there are fewer studies looking at oral cannabinoid treatment for skin conditions, we know other oral medications that have systemic effects can also affect the skin. For example, oral corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory, are often used as therapy for various skin rashes. A study of oral hempseed oil, which does have, albeit only a very small amount of cannabinoids, was found useful in atopic dermatitis, also called eczema. And, of course, the combination of both topical and oral formulations can be synergistic and the most effective way to treat skin conditions from both the inside and the outside.
Acne is usually caused by a triad of conditions: increased sebum or oil production, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation. A study done in 2014, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, found that CBD can inhibit the skin cells, called sebocytes, from overproduction of oil, which then, along with dead skin cells, can clog pores and lead to cysts.
CBD’s sebostatic property stops the excessive build-up of oil and normalizes the imbalance of skin oils. A 2024 review study published in Cosmetics looking at the role of cannabinoids for acne treatment found them to have many useful therapeutic properties, desirable as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.
Cannabis also has antimicrobial (antibacterial) properties. This helps maintain the natural microbiome of the skin and the skin barrier. These antibacterial effects are also useful in the treatment of acne to stop bacterial overgrowth. But also, in this study published in the Journal of Natural Products, researchers found that CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN), as well as THC, have potent activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Two percent of the US population carry MRSA on their skin. It is very contagious and can cause serious and difficult-to-treat infections anywhere in the body.
Additionally, we know that CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, inhibiting the cells that produce inflammation, called proinflammatory mediators. Another study published in 2018 looked at cannabinoid use in an allergic contact dermatitis model and found it can regulate the cells and biochemical pathways, thus calming the response of that itchy rash caused by an allergen or substance like urushiol, the itch-causing chemical in poison ivy.
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A small 2006 study explored the use of topical cannabinoids in patients with treatment-resistant pruritus (itching), which can be a very debilitating condition. The results indicated a significant reduction in itch intensity following cannabinoid treatment, likely due to its action on the peripheral nervous system and modulation of itch-inducing nerve signals, similar to pathways used in pain control.
A 2019 study looked at the use of CBD-enriched ointment in other inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. Patients used it twice a day for three months and found it improved hydration and helped heal skin parameters such as redness, induration (hardness), and scaling seen in these conditions. There were minimal side effects and even improvement in scarring after complete healing. A review of animal studies published in Health Science Reports also corroborates the improvement in wound healing through a variety of mechanisms seen with the use of cannabinoids in both post-surgical and chronic wounds.
There is even research to suggest that cannabinoids such as CBG and CBD can help mitigate skin aging by combating oxidative stress due to their antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals that cause cellular damage. This can then potentially reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles because oxidative stress is a major contributor to the aging process. And CBD can also protect the skin from sun damage, another major contributor to skin aging as well as diseases like skin cancers.
In addition, we know cannabinoids also have anti-cancer properties; a review study published in the journal Cancer looked at how cannabinoid use in skin cancer can prevent tumor growth and progression as well as cause tumor apoptosis. This is a form of programmed cell death that does not cause inflammation and damage to non-cancerous cells the way chemotherapy treatments often do.
In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory, sebostatic, antimicrobial, and antipruritic properties of cannabinoids offer potential targeted benefits for a wide range of skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and chronic pruritus, as well as potential in wound healing, scar reduction, and anti-aging benefits. This further expands the potential therapeutic scope of cannabis in the field of dermatology.
Of course, as always, more human clinical trials will only further elucidate better clinical guidelines for recommending cannabis as a therapy for skin diseases. It is critically important to speak with your healthcare clinician before starting any therapeutic regime, including cannabis, to mitigate any potential adverse effects that can occur, such as drug interactions.
Got cannabis questions? Ask Doctor Leigh. Send your questions to GreenState’s Editor at editor@greenstate.com and keep an eye out for new answers from Dr. Leigh Vinocur every month.
The response to this question was not written or edited by GreenState. The author is solely responsible for the content.