Medical Cannabis for Psoriasis Symptoms (Full Guide)

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Have you ever seen someone with a series of skin patches with symptoms like a scaly appearance, periodic itching sensation, and rashes? Well, chances are that you’re looking at someone diagnosed with psoriasis. Don’t worry, the disease itself is not contagious and the known cause behind it so far is a mixture of genetics and some environmental factors.

But where does medical marijuana lie when it comes to psoriasis treatment? CBD is known for its ability to relieve skin inflammation which is one of the primary goals of traditional psoriasis medications. Additionally, CBD can help with removing debris, promoting wound healing, and can even improve skin hydration.

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a subcondition found in almost 30% of individuals having a psoriasis diagnosis. As the name indicates, the disease targets the joints affecting the tendons and ligaments responsible for connecting the bones. Usually, patients between the age group of 30-50 are more vulnerable to psoriatic arthritis but the disorder can occur at any age.

How Marijuana Helps with Psoriasis Symptoms?

Research has now proven that both CB1 and CB2 receptors are present within the skin cells. This means that cannabinoid signaling can in fact influence skin barrier formation, regeneration, and even skin homeostasis. As a source rich in a number of cannabinoids, this is where medical marijuana comes in for effective psoriasis treatment.

Credible studies have revealed that CBD does in fact aid in wound healing and soothing the pain associated with various types of psoriasis. The compound also provides relief from itchiness further eliminating the discomfort.

How to use cannabis for treating psoriasis?

Many patients do find using CBD-infused topicals and creams beneficial for their psoriasis symptoms. Combining these products with other compounds such as camphor or salicylic acid has also proven beneficial for skin nourishment and hydration.

But it is also quite noticeable that many individuals suffering from psoriasis are usually hesitant to use cannabis-infused products due to the intoxication factor. This can be effectively avoided if you use the whole cannabis plant through skin creams and topicals. The plant itself has a balanced ratio of THC and CBD content which is absorbed into the skin rather than make its way into the patient’s bloodstream.

Patients who are suffering from scalp psoriasis can use CBD-infused shampoo to help reduce scalp inflammation. Most of the users commented that the shampoo became effective after using it for around two weeks.

Another interesting development in this matter came to the surface back in 2019 when a cannabis-infused topical filed for a patent as a way of treating plaque psoriasis. The product is rumored to have CBD and CBG compounds that have the potential to restore the inflammatory balance of the skin, eventually eliminating psoriatic plaques.

Even though medical marijuana is proving to be a super-effective way of treating various types of psoriasis, there are certain things to keep in mind. Make sure that you’re well aware of THC and CBD content you’re using as not all skin types can handle excessive ratios. Similarly, do go through any usage-related precautions mentioned on the label.

Best cannabis strains for psoriasis

Before moving on to suggest some really exceptional cannabis strains for soothing your psoriasis symptoms, we want to mention that there is no ‘best’ or ‘one-for-all’ cannabis strain to try. Not everyone has the same sort of outer skin that will act the same way when a specific product is applied. Still, the following are some cannabis strains that will be super beneficial for the majority of the population in this regard,

• Shunk # 1
• Cannatonic
• White Widow
• Mango Kush
• Harlequin

Different types and symptoms of psoriasis

1. Scalp psoriasis

Has a powdery appearance with a silver sheen, and appears thick and crusty, covering the scalp with white skin.

2. Genital psoriasis

Most commonly affects the genital area along with creases between the thighs, vulva, penis, or scrotum. Can lead to plaque or inverse psoriasis.

3. Facial psoriasis

Patients diagnosed with facial psoriasis have symptoms around the ear, rarely around the mouth, and sometimes even around the eyes causing impaired vision.

4. Inverse psoriasis

Appearance of skin lesions that are purplish, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin. Most commonly found around armpits, under the breast, groin, and other skin folds around the body.

5. Palmoplantar psoriasis

Known to affect hands, feet, fingernails, and toes. The pain can be severe enough to limit the everyday life tasks performed by the patient.

6. Plaque psoriasis

The most common type of psoriasis as around 80% of patients diagnosed with psoriasis have developed plaque psoriasis. Plaques appear in the form of raised, inflamed, and scaly patches which can appear at any time anywhere on the body following a more symmetrical shape in appearance.

7. Guttate psoriasis

This type of psoriasis is followed by the development of small round spots called papules around the arms, legs, or torso. In most cases, the symptoms of guttate psoriasis start to appear during childhood or early teenage years.

8. Erythrodermic psoriasis

One of the rarest types of psoriasis. Only about 2% of patients get diagnosed with erythrodermic psoriasis. The symptoms can be life-threatening as this type of psoriasis is known to affect the body fluids and normal temperature regulation. Patients are advised to see a doctor immediately if something does not feel right.

Psoriasis and CBD: What does science say?

In a 2020 study, 50 individuals with mild to moderate scalp issues, including psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, used a shampoo containing 0.075% broad-spectrum CBD for two weeks. The study found a significant reduction in inflammation, itching, and burning, with no adverse reactions and consistent satisfaction among both male and female participants. This scientifically supports the fact that patients suffering from psoriasis do witness positive changes due to the use of cannabis-infused products.

FAQs

Does marijuana worsen psoriasis?

• No, instead, marijuana has the potential to become a promising alternative to traditional psoriasis medications without any sort of long-term side effects.

How much CBD should I take for psoriasis?

• Well, this depends upon the severity as well as the type of psoriasis you’re diagnosed with. In most cases, patients have reported to take between 10-30 mg of CBD per day for effective pain management.

What CBD product is best for psoriasis?

You can try cannabis-infused topicals and creams having Shunk # 1, Cannatonic, White Widow, Mango Kush, and Harlequin strains.