I have a mild to moderate form of psoriasis that affects my knees and elbows.
It is an issue with my immune system that causes the skin to regenerate too quickly. It results in a scaly, red, sore and itchy patch of skin that is very uncomfortable, unattractive and often embarrassing. If I scrape my elbows or knees even lightly, I bleed very easily. When I was first diagnosed with psoriasis, I tried prescription medication. It was extremely expensive and only helped for a short time. The psoriasis quickly built up a tolerance to the medication. Plus, I learned that synthetic medications come with a lot of long-term, harmful side-effects. I am not willing to suffer liver damage for the sake of treating a skin condition. I moved onto over-the-counter treatments that provide limited relief. I considered getting my MMJ card but was reluctant to go through the time, effort and expense when it expires every year. I was delighted when recreational cannabis was finally legalized in my state. I can now shop for psoriasis treatments at a local dispensary. The dispensary carries a variety of cannabis-infused topicals such as ointments, gels, lotions, sprays and roll-ons that have really made a difference for me. I choose topicals with high CBD and CBN potency. They are non-psychoactive which makes it possible to apply them multiple times per day. Along with cannabis, these topicals are infused with essential oils that smell nice and add to the therapeutic properties. Since starting treatment with cannabis, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my skin. I am hopeful that the psoriasis will someday disappear entirely.