Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can be painful, embarrassing, and hard to treat. While traditional medications may help to reduce symptoms, they can have serious side effects. With the increasing acceptance of medical marijuana, it is now being explored as an alternative treatment for psoriasis. This article will explore the potential of medical marijuana for treating psoriasis, including its potential benefits and risks. It will also discuss current research and studies and provide an overview of the legalities surrounding the use of medical marijuana for psoriasis.
What side effects may be associated with the use of medical marijuana for psoriasis?
Common side effects associated with the use of medical marijuana for psoriasis include dry mouth, drowsiness, and fatigue. Other potential side effects include increased heart rate, anxiety, and paranoia. It is important to consult with a doctor before using medical marijuana to ensure the safety of its use.
What evidence exists for the effectiveness of medical marijuana in treating psoriasis?
There is some evidence that medical marijuana can be an effective treatment for psoriasis. Studies have shown that cannabis can reduce inflammation, reduce itching, and improve skin texture. Additionally, cannabis has been found to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, which can help reduce the severity of psoriasis flare-ups. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of medical marijuana in treating psoriasis.
Does the use of medical marijuana for psoriasis pose any risks?
Yes, the use of medical marijuana for psoriasis can carry certain risks. These risks may include an increase in anxiety or depression, hallucinations, and impaired coordination or judgment. It is important to consult with a physician to weigh the risks and benefits of using medical marijuana for psoriasis before starting any treatment.
Are there any age restrictions for the use of medical marijuana for psoriasis?
Yes, there are age restrictions for the use of medical marijuana for psoriasis. Generally, only patients over the age of 18 are allowed to use medical marijuana for their psoriasis. Each state may have different laws and regulations regarding the use of medical marijuana, so it is important to check with your state’s medical board before using medical marijuana for psoriasis.
What forms of medical marijuana are available to treat psoriasis?
There are a few forms of medical marijuana that can be used to treat psoriasis. These include topical creams, tinctures, oils, and edibles. Topical creams are applied directly to the affected areas and are often used to reduce inflammation and itching. Tinctures and oils are taken orally and provide the body with cannabinoids that can help to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. Edibles, such as gummies, can also be taken as an alternative to smoking or vaping.
Updated on June 8, Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado , MD, M. A, Chief Medical Officer. Psoriasis is a chronic and reoccurring condition that varies in severity from minor, localized patches of skin to the eventual complete coverage of the body. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected by this condition and can be seen as an isolated sign. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which leads to the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Statistically, between 10 and 30 percent of all people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis. In the U. Although the condition can occur at any age, it is more common in adults than in children. The majority of people with psoriasis, about 80 percent , have a very mild form of it. Only about 5 percent of patients with psoriasis have the most severe form. Although there is no cure for the condition, treatment is available to help patients manage their symptoms. Medical marijuana can be a great treatment option for patients who suffer from psoriasis. Topical steroid creams, which are prescribed to many patients, can have horrifying side effects such as the possibility of developing tuberculosis or lymphoma. Medical cannabis is ideal for any irritations or inflammation of the skin, as it is very therapeutic and beneficial as an anti-inflammatory. Studies have suggested that the best way for a person with psoriasis to benefit from cannabis is to apply cannabinoid oil directly to the skin. First, cannabis might be able to slow down the production of skin cells. A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science examined the effectiveness of a variety of cannabinoids in slowing down the proliferation of skin cells during a flare-up. The researchers concluded that cannabinoids could play a significant role in the treatment of psoriasis. The second way that cannabis can help people with psoriasis is by minimizing the pain and discomfort felt during a flare-up. There have been several studies that examined the role marijuana can play in reducing pain. Finally, the third way that marijuana can help people with psoriasis is by suppressing the immune system. Colorado and Massachusetts are two more states with similar rules. Search for a medical marijuana doctor or dispensary in your state and learn more about how cannabis can help ease symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis is an ancient condition. In fact, recent research suggests that the ancient Egyptians had come up with a cream that they thought could treat the condition. Researchers found a bottle of lotion that they believe belonged to Queen Hatshepsut, who died of bone cancer in BCE. As it turns out, it might have been the cream she was using to ease psoriasis that killed her. Analysis of the ingredients in the lotion revealed that it contained a carcinogen, similar to the tar used in cigarettes. The cream also contained nutmeg and palm oil, two ingredients that would help ease the itch and discomfort of psoriasis. Ancient people found other ways to try to treat the condition. For example, the first use of phototherapy, or light, to treat psoriasis can be traced back to BCE. Hippocrates also developed creams, containing tar, to treat the condition. He would further prescribe arsenic, which is a poison, to patients with the condition. Other ancient references to psoriasis exist, but might not be describing the condition recognized as psoriasis today. For example, the physician Galen described a disease that he called psoriasis, but that many doctors today believe to have been eczema. Up until the s, it was pretty standard for doctors to put psoriasis, a non-contagious disease, in the same class or category as diseases such as leprosy, which is highly contagious. Early treatments for the condition ranged from the downright deadly, like arsenic, to the just plain weird, like viper broth or wolf dung. Doctors continued to use arsenic to treat psoriasis and other skin conditions through the middle of the 20 th century. At the beginning of the s, Dr. Robert Willan described and recognized psoriasis as a distinct skin condition, creating a clinical category for it. Throughout the next century, doctors continued to develop and discover potential treatments for psoriasis. An early discovery was the use of Goa powder, which comes from a tree native to Brazil. Goa powder had been used to treat fungal infections on the skin. By the time of World War I, doctors were able to create a synthetic form of Goa powder for use as treatment. They were also beginning to explore treatment methods including X-rays, UV radiation and coal tar. In , doctors discovered hydrocortisone, a type of corticosteroid. A few years later, they realized that hydrocortisone could help patients manage symptoms of psoriasis. Around the same time, some other medications, such as methotrexate and fumaric acid, also became available as treatment options.
