In their study, researchers called for the
further exploration of cannabinoids in treating
several different conditions related to the
production of keratinocytes, including
psoriasis.
There are currently plenty of treatment
options for psoriasis — though no cure.
However, many medications for psoriasis
have serious long-term side effects, including
osteoporosis, ruptured veins, psychosis and
certain types of cancers.
“Drugs like Humira and Enbrel are really
immunosuppressive so the patient is at higher
risk for infectious disease,” says Schneider.
“Cannabis is a natural alternative and when it
works, it’s more effective — it’s faster, it’s
more complete and people are seeing
symptoms reduced far more rapidly than with
the use of other medications.”
For patients making their own cannabis
topicals, Schneider recommends using olive
oil as a base since it absorbs into the skin
easily.
.
He suggests a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC,
adding that cannabis will not interfere with
the efficacy of other treatment methods,
including the commonly prescribed UV light
therapy, and that using the plant topically will
not produce a psychotropic effect.
In states where cannabis has been legalised
for medical use, psoriasis is not typically
included as a qualifying condition.
Patients wishing to try it must either live in a
state where doctors have the ability to
prescribe the medicine for conditions not yet
listed if they’re “greatly affecting quality of
life,” or obtain it for a different qualifying
condition.
“There is such a critical need for further
studies on psoriasis and cannabis,” says
Hallbeck. “We need a medicine that heals the
skin without harmful side effects. This
condition disrupts people’s lives on so many
levels and often leads to self-esteem issues, so
I look forward to finally seeing these patients
find relief.”