Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin. This condition presents a rash that can be itchy, flakey, and uncomfortable. Psoriasis is chronic, and there currently isn’t a cure. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, roughly 7.5 million Americans experience this condition.
There are a few types of psoriasis, such as plaque and inverse psoriasis. If you’re experiencing psoriasis symptoms and believe you may have the condition, consider speaking with a doctor about your concerns. The specific type of psoriasis can significantly impact treatment options, so staying informed is essential.
People with psoriasis typically experience cycles where their psoriasis worsens and subsides. These flare-ups can last weeks to months, but psoriasis is never contagious.
Psoriasis can be challenging to diagnose, so it’s best to visit a dermatologist if you’re experiencing symptoms.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is caused when the immune system becomes confused and detects a threat when there is none. The immune system causes the skin to regrow faster than it typically would, leading to many psoriasis symptoms.
Common episode triggers include (but are not limited to):
- Body temperature,
- Infections,
- Medications,
- Smoking,
- Stress.
Psoriasis Signs & Symptoms
Psoriasis can appear similar to other skin conditions, which is one of the reasons why it’s so difficult to diagnose. While symptoms can vary by type, if you are experiencing psoriasis, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Severe rash
- Dry skin
- Nail discoloration
- Inflammation
- Blisters (much less common than other symptoms)
How Cannabis Can Help Alleviate Psoriasis Symptoms
Researchers have documented the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids in depth throughout the last few decades, which is a defining characteristic of the effects of cannabis. In addition, cannabinoids, specifically THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG, have demonstrated the ability to inhibit keratinocyte cell production. Because psoriasis is an autoimmune disease caused by the fast growth of keratinocyte cells within the skin and increased proinflammatory mediators, there’s hope that cannabis could soon become a recommended treatment for this condition.
When it comes to reducing inflammation and treating psoriasis, topical cannabis products are the recommended route of administration. Topical products can provide localized relief. Products applied directly to the skin can target psoriasis and heal symptoms on a cellular level.1
If you’re unsure which topical products would work well for your situation, consider speaking with your doctor and a cannabis professional. Many different products are available, and knowing which ones are worth trying can be challenging. It is advised to avoid any topical products that may have ingredients that further irritate the psoriasis. As always, it’s essential to purchase products from a reputable dispensary.
Some states still do not view psoriasis as a qualifier for medical marijuana. This is likely due to the lack of research and data available—however, much research points to the possible benefits of cannabis.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers psoriasis to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes psoriasis or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in 28 states and growing. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Psoriasis
Finding treatments for psoriasis can be difficult. Here are some commonly asked questions about marijuana and psoriasis:
Can you get a medical card for psoriasis?
The conditions that qualify patients for a medical marijuana card vary by state. In some states, psoriasis is a qualifying condition. If you haven’t yet tried cannabis for symptom reduction, consider if it could be the right choice for you.
Does CBD cream for psoriasis work?
Using creams for psoriasis is a great way to get localized relief. Many people find that CBD creams are an effective way to reduce their symptoms. Keep in mind that there isn’t a cure for psoriasis. While CBD cream may help with symptom management, it won’t end the condition.
Is there a cannabis product that will make my skin stop itching?
There are so many different cannabis products out there. Consider trying a topical solution with minimal fragrances or other skin-soothing ingredients if you’re worried about your skin itching.
I’m in a lot of pain. Could cannabis help?
Yes, it could possibly help! Pain relief is a common reason to consume cannabis. If you want to relieve systemic pain, consider trying an edible. This method of consumption is reported by many to be a great way to alleviate pain and discomfort. As always, thinking about what dose is right for you is important.
I’ve had psoriasis for years; will cannabis still be effective?
The potential benefits of cannabis don’t have an expiration date or timeline. Even if you’ve had many psoriasis flare-ups previously, cannabis could potentially still provide numerous benefits.
Psoriasis runs in my family. Can I still try cannabis?
Even if you have a family history of psoriasis, cannabis may still be used as a treatment. Everyone’s psoriasis can manifest itself differently and present different symptoms. Many people find that cannabis is an effective way to get relief.
Resources
- Martins AM, Gomes AL, Vilas Boas I, Marto J, Ribeiro HM. Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review. Pharmaceuticals. 2022; 15(2):210. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15020210
