Why Cannabis?
Cannabis is now being used to treat a wide range of medical conditions including Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, and nausea from chemotherapy. In recent years, the evidence is mounting that cannabis may also be effective in treating everything from multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease to schizophrenia. Not surprisingly, in the case of psoriasis – the research is promising .
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a debilitating disease affecting more than 2% of the world population, yet there remains no cure. As a chronic autoimmune disorder it causes the rapid build-up of skin cells on the surface of skin that leads to raised, bright red plaques and silvery white scales. You may also suffer from small scaling spots or dry cracked skin that are often itchy, painful and can bleed.
In fact, a study in 2013 found that over 60% of psoriasis patients will suffer from clinical depression. Psoriasis is not just a physical skin disease but can have a profound impact on our emotional state and mental health.
Callaway J et al. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2005; 16: 87–94
National Psoriasis Foundation. https://www.psoriasis.org/research/science-of-psoriasis/statistics Accessed December 3, 2015.
Kemerling S. Identifying patients with depression in the dermatology setting. The Dermatologist, 2013:21(1).
Cannabis & Psoriasis
Given both the physical and emotional impact of psoriasis, there is a constant need for new and improved formulas to fight the disease. Though a variety of medications and light therapies for treating the disease exist, many have serious side effects and others lose their effectiveness when your body builds up a resistance to them.
The unique healing properties of Cannabis opens up new possibilities into the treatment of psoriasis, with research into the effectiveness of cannabis addressing different aspects of the disease.
The healing powers of cannabis
Cannabis comes from the cannabis plant. It contains close to four hundred natural compounds that act throughout the body with diverse medical benefits.
Cannabis is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid receptor system located throughout the body and responsible for overseeing metabolic regulation, pain, anxiety, immune response and bone growth.
Cannabis induces responses that are normally regulated by a group of naturally occurring ‘cannabis-like’ chemicals called endocannabinoids in our body.
The main part of cannabis responsible for its psychoactive properties is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, Cannabis complex oil comes from a different species of the Cannabis plant and contains much lower concentrations of THC, bringing all the beneficial effects of cannabinoids (CBD) while reducing the psychoactive properties of TCH. The standard Cannabis species (regular hemp) plant has in fact been used for centuries to make rope, clothes, food, paper, plastics, etc.
Researchers believe that by acting on our endocannabinoid system, Cannabis may be useful in boosting our protective shield, slowing the rapid growth of keratinocytes (scaly & flaky skin) seen in psoriasis as well as reducing the severity of inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders like psoriasis.
DermaZor® harnesses the unique healing properties of Cannabis, alongside the clinically proven ingredients of Salicylic acid, Zinc and other natural essential oils and flower extracts, to improve the efficacy of psoriasis treatment.
Why are Cannabis-enriched formulas important in Psoriasis?
It may help slow cell growth
Several studies suggest cannabis may help slow the rapid growth of keratinocytes (an epidermal cell that produces keratin). It is thought that these immature skin cells are the cause of raised patches and silver scales seen in psoriasis. A recent study found that cannabinoids and their receptors may help control and limit the production of these immature skin cells. Researchers further added that cannabis may be useful in treating several conditions involving keratinocytes, including psoriasis.
Furthermore, Cannabis in the form of an oil for topical treatment of psoriasis compared with oral treatment, may also help control the speed of skin cell production and reduce inflammation.
It may help treat pain associated with psoriasis
As psoriasis is an itchy and painful skin condition, Cannabis may help to control pain. For many years, people have used marijuana (cannabis) to control pain and recent research suggests that Cannabis may well be more effective than opioids in controlling acute, neuropathic and chronic pain .
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3628749/
Reduces the severity of inflammation from psoriasis
Cannabis is thought to regulate the immune system. It is unsurprising then that early studies indicate that cannabis reduces the severity of inflammation associated with some conditions, including autoimmune disorders like psoriasis .
It may boost our protective shield
Cannabis is thought to protect the skin by contributing to the skin’s natural barrier function. Combined with hydrating oils, Cannabis oil complex may plump tired, dry skin to create a more youthful glow, help naturally calm irritated skin, as well as provide long-lasting moisture by helping your skin retain moisture.
Cannabis a promising treatment for Psoriasis
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2338256
https://www.karger.com/Article/PDF/356512
It is clear Cannabis holds great promise for treating the symptoms of psoriasis, and as more research is undertaken we expect even further evidence to be discovered to support these claims.
We believe DermaZor®’s Cannabis-enriched multi-acting formula will provide a huge leap-forward in the treatment of psoriasis. Not only does it harness the healing properties of Cannabis, but it also combines other clinically proven, natural ingredients to provide an outstanding, all-in-one, over-the-counter treatment.