- Psoriasis
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PRESENTED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. MEDICAL MARIJUANA INC. PROVIDES THIS INFORMATION TO PROVIDE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF CANNABIDIOL. LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS BY MEDICAL MARIJUANA INC. AND NONE SHOULD BE INFERRED.Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes a red, dry, flaky rash, and in some cases can lead to psoriatic arthritis. Studies have shown that cannabis can help in the treatment efforts of psoriasis by regulating the immune system and managing overactive skin cells.
OVERVIEW OF PSORIASISPsoriasis is a relatively common autoimmune skin disorder that causes cells to build up on the surface of the skin, leading to thick, red skin with silvery scales. Patches can show up anywhere on the body, but most commonly develop on the elbows, knees, back, face and scalp, palms and feet.
Psoriasis is caused by a problem with the body’s immune system. Cell turnover is a normal process where skin cells growing deep in the skin rise to the surface. Typically, this process takes a month, but in someone with psoriasis, the process takes just days, as the cells rise to the skin’s surface too quickly. The condition most commonly occurs in adults.
The appearance of psoriasis patches can vary between individuals. Some may experience red patches of skin with silvery scales, while others may develop dry, cracked skin that bleeds. The patches can be itchy and painful. The severity of the psoriasis symptoms often fluctuates, with flare-ups lasting weeks or months at a time. Infections, stress, dry skin and certain medicines can make symptoms worse.
Psoriasis is likely caused by a type of white blood cells that mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. These overactive T cells also trigger additional immune responses, causing blood vessels in the skin to dilate. Genetics may play a role, but environmental factors such as infections, skin injuries, stress, cold weather, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and certain medications may trigger psoriasis.
Psoriasis may also cause swollen and stiff joints and thickened or ridged nails in a condition called psoriatic arthritis. It occurs when the body’s immune system begins to attack healthy cells and tissue, leading to joint inflammation and skin cell overproduction. Joints throughout the entire body can be affected, including the spine and fingers. The signs and symptoms can resemble those of rheumatoid arthritis. The condition can also cause pain in the feet and lower back, and swollen fingers and toes.
While psoriasis cannot be cured, certain treatments can slow how quickly skin cells grow and offer relief. Medications such as topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, anthralin, topical retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors and salicylic acid can help manage inflammation, reduce scaling and encourage dead skin cell sloughing. Additionally, moisturizers and sunlight exposure can also help improve psoriasis symptoms.
FINDINGS: EFFECTS OF CANNABIS ON PSORIASISStudies indicate that the cannabinoids found within cannabis can help manage psoriasis through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. When the endocannabinoid system is disrupted, it can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. However, studies show that cannabinoids’ interaction with cannabinoid receptors within the endocannabinoid system (ECS) help regulate proper function of the immune system1,3,8. Earlier clinical trial data found that cannabis helps prevent psoriasis flare-ups by activating the cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors of the ECS2.
By interacting with cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for the treatment of psoriasis1. Additionally, studies have found that through the activation of CB2 receptors, cannabinoids can help alleviate, and in some cases reverse, skin inflammation damage4.
STATES THAT HAVE APPROVED MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR PSORIASISOnly the state of Connecticut has approved medical marijuana for the treatment of severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. With the recent passing of HB 5450, the state began allowing minors under 18 with psoriasis to use medical marijuana in October 2016.
Additionally, nearly all states with medical marijuana laws have approved medicinal cannabis specifically to treat “chronic pain.” These states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia. The states of Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio and Vermont allow medical marijuana to treat “severe pain.” The states of Arkansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington and West Virginia have approved cannabis for the treatment of “intractable pain.”
In Washington D.C., any condition recommended by DC-licensed physician can be approved for medical marijuana.
California allows medical marijuana for “any debilitating illness where the medical use of marijuana has been deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician.’” Psoriasis patients in Massachusetts may be able to get legal access, as the state approves “other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient’s physician.” In Oregon and Rhode Island, “other conditions are subject to approval.”
RECENT STUDIES ON CANNABIS’ EFFECT ON PSORIASIS
OVERVIEW OF PSORIASISPsoriasis is a relatively common autoimmune skin disorder that causes cells to build up on the surface of the skin, leading to thick, red skin with silvery scales. Patches can show up anywhere on the body, but most commonly develop on the elbows, knees, back, face and scalp, palms and feet.
Psoriasis is caused by a problem with the body’s immune system. Cell turnover is a normal process where skin cells growing deep in the skin rise to the surface. Typically, this process takes a month, but in someone with psoriasis, the process takes just days, as the cells rise to the skin’s surface too quickly. The condition most commonly occurs in adults.
The appearance of psoriasis patches can vary between individuals. Some may experience red patches of skin with silvery scales, while others may develop dry, cracked skin that bleeds. The patches can be itchy and painful. The severity of the psoriasis symptoms often fluctuates, with flare-ups lasting weeks or months at a time. Infections, stress, dry skin and certain medicines can make symptoms worse.
Psoriasis is likely caused by a type of white blood cells that mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. These overactive T cells also trigger additional immune responses, causing blood vessels in the skin to dilate. Genetics may play a role, but environmental factors such as infections, skin injuries, stress, cold weather, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and certain medications may trigger psoriasis.
Psoriasis may also cause swollen and stiff joints and thickened or ridged nails in a condition called psoriatic arthritis. It occurs when the body’s immune system begins to attack healthy cells and tissue, leading to joint inflammation and skin cell overproduction. Joints throughout the entire body can be affected, including the spine and fingers. The signs and symptoms can resemble those of rheumatoid arthritis. The condition can also cause pain in the feet and lower back, and swollen fingers and toes.
While psoriasis cannot be cured, certain treatments can slow how quickly skin cells grow and offer relief. Medications such as topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, anthralin, topical retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors and salicylic acid can help manage inflammation, reduce scaling and encourage dead skin cell sloughing. Additionally, moisturizers and sunlight exposure can also help improve psoriasis symptoms.
FINDINGS: EFFECTS OF CANNABIS ON PSORIASISStudies indicate that the cannabinoids found within cannabis can help manage psoriasis through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. When the endocannabinoid system is disrupted, it can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. However, studies show that cannabinoids’ interaction with cannabinoid receptors within the endocannabinoid system (ECS) help regulate proper function of the immune system1,3,8. Earlier clinical trial data found that cannabis helps prevent psoriasis flare-ups by activating the cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors of the ECS2.
By interacting with cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for the treatment of psoriasis1. Additionally, studies have found that through the activation of CB2 receptors, cannabinoids can help alleviate, and in some cases reverse, skin inflammation damage4.
STATES THAT HAVE APPROVED MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR PSORIASISOnly the state of Connecticut has approved medical marijuana for the treatment of severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. With the recent passing of HB 5450, the state began allowing minors under 18 with psoriasis to use medical marijuana in October 2016.
Additionally, nearly all states with medical marijuana laws have approved medicinal cannabis specifically to treat “chronic pain.” These states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia. The states of Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio and Vermont allow medical marijuana to treat “severe pain.” The states of Arkansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington and West Virginia have approved cannabis for the treatment of “intractable pain.”
In Washington D.C., any condition recommended by DC-licensed physician can be approved for medical marijuana.
California allows medical marijuana for “any debilitating illness where the medical use of marijuana has been deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician.’” Psoriasis patients in Massachusetts may be able to get legal access, as the state approves “other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient’s physician.” In Oregon and Rhode Island, “other conditions are subject to approval.”
RECENT STUDIES ON CANNABIS’ EFFECT ON PSORIASIS
- Cannabis’ activation of CB2 receptors helps prevent exacerbation of skin disorders, such as psoriasis.
Pharmacological properties and therapeutic possibilities for drugs acting upon endocannabinoid receptors.
(http://www.eurekaselect.com/90421/article)
- Croxford, J.L., and Yamamura, T. (2005, September). Cannabinoids and the immune system: potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases? Journal of Neuroimmunology, 166(1-2), 3-18. Retrieved from http://www.jni-journal.com/article/S0165-5728(05)00160-8/fulltext.
- Fowler, C.J. (2005, December). Pharmacological properties and therapeutic possibilities for drugs acting upon endocannabinoid receptors. Current Drug Targets: CNS and Neurological Disorders, 4(6), 685-96. Retrieved from http://www.eurekaselect.com/90421/article.
- Klein, T.W., Newton, C., Larsen, K., Lu, L., Perkins, I., Nong, L., and Friedman, H. (2003, October). The cannabinoid system and immune modulation. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 74(4), 486-96. Retrieved from http://www.jleukbio.org/content/74/4/486.long.
- Li, S.S., Wang, L.L., Liu, M., Jiang, S.K., Zhang, M., Tian, Z.L., Wang, M., Li, J.Y., Zhao, R., and Guan, D.W. (2016). Cannabinoid CB2 receptors are involved in the regulation of fibrogenesis during skin wound repair in mice. Molecular Medicine Reports, 13(4), 3441–3450. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4805070/.
- Psoriasis. (2015, June 17). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/basics/definition/con-20030838.
- Psoriasis. (2014, June 26). MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/psoriasis.html.
- Psoriatic arthritis. (2014, January 29). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/basics/definition/con-20015006.
- Tanasescu, R., and Constantinescu, C.S. (2010, August). Cannabinoids and the immune system: An overview. Immunobiology, 215(8), 588-597. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0171298509001880.