Cannabis-Based Products for Inflammatory Skin Diseases Show Promise but Need Trials | Research

The takeaway

Topical cannabinoid products show promising early results for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis, but controlled human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

Dermatologists, people with inflammatory skin conditions, cosmetic product researchers

Promising results for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis

What the researchers found

The discovery of a skin endocannabinoid system and its role in maintaining skin homeostasis supports the anti-inflammatory potential of topical cannabinoids. Early studies show topical cannabinoid products are generally well tolerated and have shown promising results for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.

Why it matters

Oral treatments for skin inflammation require high doses with significant side effects. Topical cannabinoid products could offer targeted treatment with fewer systemic effects, but the evidence base needs strengthening.

The numbers in context

Over 500 biologically active compounds in cannabis; promising results in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis; skin endocannabinoid system regulates homeostasis

How the study worked

Review of literature on the skin endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid pharmacology, and existing evidence for topical cannabinoid formulations in inflammatory skin diseases.

What this study cannot tell us

Most evidence comes from preclinical studies or small uncontrolled trials. No large randomized controlled trials of topical cannabinoids for skin disease.

How to read the evidence

Comprehensive review with strong biological rationale, but clinical evidence remains limited to small, uncontrolled studies.

When this study was published

Published in 2022

The bigger picture

As cannabis legalization expands, the market for topical cannabinoid skincare products is growing rapidly. This review separates the science from the marketing, identifying where evidence exists and where it does not.

Questions still open

Which specific cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG) are most effective for which skin conditions? What concentrations and formulations optimize skin penetration and efficacy?

Common questions

Do topical cannabis products help with eczema or psoriasis?

Early studies show promise and the science of skin cannabinoid receptors supports the concept, but large controlled trials are still needed. Products are generally well tolerated based on available data.

Why might topical cannabinoids work for skin inflammation?

The skin has its own endocannabinoid system that regulates inflammation and cell growth. Topical cannabinoids can interact with these receptors directly, potentially modulating inflammation without systemic side effects.

Read the original research

Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 15(2)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Martins, Ana M; Gomes, Ana L; Vilas Boas, Inês; Marto, Joana; Ribeiro, Helena M. (2022). Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review.. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 15(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15020210