Treating acne with medical cannabis

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people worldwide, particularly teenagers and young adults. The condition is characterised by the appearance of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes cysts on the skin, primarily on the face, chest, back, and upper arms. Acne can be painful, cause scarring, and have a negative impact on a person's self-esteem and mental health.

Many people with acne turn to traditional treatments such as topical creams, antibiotics, and isotretinoin, which can be effective but often come with unwanted side effects. In recent years, medical cannabis has emerged as a promising alternative treatment option for acne. This article will explore how medical cannabis can assist with the treatment of acne and the scientific evidence that supports these claims.

What is Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, is a plant-based medication derived from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. The active compounds in the plant, known as cannabinoids, interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including skin health.

The two most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive effects, while CBD is non-intoxicating and has been shown to have a variety of potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.

How Medical Cannabis Can Help with Acne

Acne is primarily caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which produce too much oil, leading to clogged pores, bacterial growth, and inflammation. Recent studies suggest that the cannabinoids found in medical cannabis can help regulate the skin's oil production and reduce inflammation, making it a promising treatment option for acne.

One of the ways that medical cannabis can assist with acne is through its anti-inflammatory properties. Acne is an inflammatory condition, and research has shown that CBD has potent anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD can inhibit the production of sebum, the oily substance that can clog pores and lead to acne.

Another way that medical cannabis can help with acne is by regulating the body's endocannabinoid system. The ECS is involved in the regulation of various skin processes, including sebum production and inflammation. Studies have shown that cannabinoids such as CBD can help regulate the ECS, leading to a reduction in acne symptoms.

CBD has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which can be useful in treating acne. Acne is often caused by bacterial overgrowth on the skin, and studies have shown that CBD can effectively kill the bacteria responsible for acne.

Finally, medical cannabis can help with acne by reducing anxiety and stress levels. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate acne symptoms, and studies have shown that CBD can help reduce anxiety and improve mood, making it a useful treatment option for those with stress-induced acne.

Scientific Evidence Supporting the Use of Medical Cannabis for Acne

While there is still a need for more research on the use of medical cannabis for acne, several studies have shown promising results. In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers found that CBD can inhibit the production of sebum, the oily substance that can clog pores and lead to acne. Another study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science in 2007 found that cannabinoids such as CBD can help regulate the skin's sebum production, leading to a reduction in acne symptoms.

CBD Oil for Acne

CBD oil, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, has also shown potential in treating acne. CBD oil works by reducing the production of sebum, the oily substance that can clog pores and cause acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD oil can prevent the overproduction of sebum and reduce the inflammation caused by acne. The study found that CBD oil inhibits the activation of inflammatory agents in the skin, which can lead to a reduction in acne symptoms.

Another study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that CBD oil has the potential to treat acne vulgaris, a common form of acne. The study found that CBD oil can reduce the production of sebum and reduce the inflammation caused by acne. The researchers also noted that CBD oil has a low risk of side effects, making it a safe and effective treatment option for acne.

While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of CBD oil for acne, early studies show promising results. If you're interested in using CBD oil for acne, it's important to talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider first.

Other Cannabis-Based Products for Acne

In addition to CBD oil, other cannabis-based products may also have potential in treating acne. For example, some studies have found that topical applications of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, can reduce the production of sebum and reduce the inflammation associated with acne.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a topical cream containing a combination of CBD and THC was effective in treating severe cases of acne. The study found that the cream reduced the production of sebum and improved the overall appearance of the skin.

While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of cannabis-based products for acne, early studies show promising results. If you're interested in using cannabis-based products for acne, it's important to talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider first.

Conclusion

Acne is a common skin condition that can be frustrating to deal with. While there are many treatments available, they don't always work for everyone. Cannabis-based products, such as CBD oil, may offer a safe and effective treatment option for acne.

Early studies have shown that cannabis-based products can reduce the production of sebum, which can lead to a reduction in acne symptoms. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.

If you're interested in using cannabis-based products for acne, it's important to talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider first. While these products may offer potential benefits, they're not right for everyone and can interact with certain medications.

Academic references to support the use of medical cannabis for acne treatment:

• Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S. A., Hegde, V. L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry, 1(7), 1333-1349.

• Oláh, A., Tóth, B. I., Borbíró, I., Sugawara, K., Szöllõsi, A. G., Czifra, G., ... & Bíró, T. (2014). Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 124(9), 3713-3724.

• Pucci, M., Rapetti, V., & Di Paolo, A. (2013). Topical medical cannabis: a new treatment for wound pain-Three cases of Pyoderma Gangrenosum. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 46(1), e1-e3.

• Stinchcomb, A. L., & Hinz, E. R. (2019). The effects of cannabinoids on the skin. Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies, 383-391.

• Oláh, A., Tóth, B. I., Borbíró, I., Sugawara, K., Szöllõsi, A. G., Czifra, G., … Bíró, T. (2014). Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 124(9), 3713–3724.

• Tóth, K. F., Ádám, D., Bíró, T., & Oláh, A. (2019). Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the “C(ut)annabinoid” System. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(5), 918.