I have struggled with a skin condition called psoriasis for the majority of my adult life.
At first, I had no idea what it was.
I noticed an itchy rash on my knees and expected it to go away. When it worsened, I finally went to the doctor. I’d never heard of psoriasis before. I learned that it is a chronic autoimmune disorder that results in the rapid build-up of skin cells. The new skin cells are generated so fast that they reach the surface of the skin before they’re mature. They form itchy, raised patches of skin that have a scaly appearance. Psoriasis can be embarrassing, cause sleep issues, become painful and about 15% of people who have it will develop psoriatic arthritis. Those who suffer from psoriasis are at risk of anxiety and depression. Psoriasis has no cure, and it’s very hard to control. I have tried all sorts of home remedies and medications. Some pharmaceuticals have harmful side effects and most lose their effectiveness as my body builds up a tolerance to them. There are now studies that suggest cannabis might prove beneficial in slowing the rapid growth of keratinocytes, which are the skin cells that are characteristic of psoriasis. Studies have indicated that cannabis reduces the inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis. I’ve been reading up on it, and most of the information is centered around cannabis consumed orally. There are claims that cannabis oil controls the speed of skin cell production. I visited a dispensary, consulted with the budtender and asked about cannabis-infused topicals. It makes more sense to me to apply the cannabis directly to the skin.