Psoriasis is a common but complex skin condition that affects millions of people around the world.
Despite a range of conventional treatments, managing psoriasis long-term remains a challenge. That’s why some are turning to new options, like medical cannabis, as a potential way to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website. Below we’ll be exploring medical cannabis for skin conditions, namely psoriasis.
What Is Psoriasis and Why Is It So Hard to Treat?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition where the life cycle of skin cells is faster than it should be, causing them to rapidly build up. We’re not 100% sure why, but it’s thought to be related to a problem with the immune system. This leads to red, scaly patches on the skin, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back, itching, inflammation, and discomfort.
While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, it’s believed to involve a mix of genetic and environmental triggers such as stress, infections, or skin injuries. Psoriasis affects around 2 in 100 people in the UK, usually developing in adults between 20 and 30 years old and between 50 and 60 years old, but can start at any age. It affects men and women equally.
The severity varies from person to person. Some people experience minor irritation, whilst for others it can have a big impact on quality of life.
Unfortunately, it’s notoriously difficult to treat long-term because symptoms often flare and fade unpredictably. Many people also develop resistance or side effects from ongoing use of traditional treatments. And that’s where medical cannabis comes in.
How Medical Cannabis May Help Manage Psoriasis
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these natural compounds, and they’re what you’ll see most often when researching medical cannabis.
Although THC and CBD have many similar potential medical benefits, they can have different effects. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
Medical cannabis, particularly cannabinoids like CBD and THC, may help manage psoriasis by targeting key aspects of the disease such as inflammation, itching, and abnormal skin cell growth. We’ll be exploring the research a little later on. But first, let's get into how medical cannabis works in the body.
Medical cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS. This is a messenger and receptor system that plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body, and for someone with psoriasis, it may be possible to modulate immune responses, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that drive psoriatic flare-ups.
Cannabinoids and Their Role in Psoriasis Treatment
Believe it or not, there’s a link between CBD and inflammation. In fact, CBD oils and creams can sometimes be an effective tool to potentially ease inflammation. For example, in this study it was seen to have had a “statistically significant” impact on participants.
This study explores how THC may have some anti-inflammatory properties.
This systematic review found that CBD and THC may have greater anti-inflammatory effects when combined - more on that later.
When something is antiproliferative, it has the ability to inhibit the production of cells. And there’s some evidence to suggest CBD may have antiproliferative effects, so it slows this growth down, which may be beneficial for someone with psoriasis.
Another one of the benefits of CBD oil for sensitive skin, is: when applied directly to the skin, there’s some data to suggest that CBD oil can ease the irritation caused by skin conditions. This is due to CBD’s antioxidant properties, which can help soothe and revitalise skin. A 2019 study also found that CBD may be useful for dry and itchy skin.
Immunomodulating effects refers to the ability of certain substances to regulate the activity of the immune system. This study shows that CBD may be able to modulate immune cell behaviour. And this study shows THC has the potential to modulate cell recruitment and signaling in models of contact dermatitis and other immune challenges.
But did you know, CBD, THC, other cannabinoids like CBG, terpenes (which is the part of any plant that produces its smell) and flavinoids, and can sometimes be greater together, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. One thing is clear - a lot more research is needed.
Can CBD Help Slow Down Skin Cell Overgrowth?
To understand how CBD cream for skin problems works, we need to understand keratinocyte proliferation. It essentially means skin cells multiplying.
Keratinocytes are the main cells in the outer layer of your skin. Proliferation means they grow and make more of themselves (they divide). This helps your skin heal wounds, replace old skin, and stay healthy. So, keratinocyte proliferation is how your skin keeps renewing itself by making new skin cells.
But someone with psoriasis has overactive keratinocyte proliferation.
A study found that CBD, THC, cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG) inhibit overactive keratinocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.
CBD, in particular, has shown the ability to calm overactive immune cells and inhibit keratinocyte overgrowth. It’s been seen to reduce oxidative stress and improve membrane lipid balance in psoriasis patient keratinocytes, potentially aiding barrier function and regenerative processes.
Which essentially means some cannabinoids may promote skin barrier repair and regeneration, offering a multi-faceted approach to managing psoriasis symptoms. Why? Because skin barrier repair may reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.
Can CBD Help with Psoriasis Linked Pain or Itching?
While direct studies in psoriasis models remain limited, there is evidence that shows CBD is a known agonist of TRPV1 receptors. Acting through this channel, cannabinoids can modulate sensory responses, including itch and inflammation. Which suggests cannabis topicals for psoriasis may be beneficial.
Is Cannabis a Long-Term Solution for Psoriasis?
Medical cannabis may offer relief for some people living with chronic conditions like psoriasis, particularly by reducing inflammation, easing discomfort, and managing associated stress or anxiety. As a long-term solution, it can be part of a broader treatment plan, but it's not a cure.
While many patients report improved symptoms, effectiveness can vary, and more clinical research is needed. It’s also important to keep in mind, it may interact with other medications you’re taking for your skin. And, like with any other treatment, it can come with side effects, although common side effects are mild, and will usually go away on their own in a few hours. You can find out more about side effects on our FAQ page.
Always consult a specialist, like the expert clinicians found at Alternaleaf, to determine if medical cannabis is right for your ongoing care.
Can Medical Cannabis Be Prescribed for Psoriasis in the UK?
Medical cannabis can't be prescribed for psoriasis, but it has been prescribed for symptoms of psoriasis like pain, anxiety and depression. It’s actually been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018 when prescribed by a specialist doctor, like the ones found at licensed medical cannabis clinics like Alternaleaf.
To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition, and to have been offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition. This can include medication, talking therapy, physiotherapy, surgery and anything else prescribed by your GP. Keep in mind, if you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify.
Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It’s always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
We prescribe for 50+ other conditions at Alternaleaf, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD and autism. We offer expert guidance throughout your medical cannabis journey to ensure safe and effective use. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
Currently there’s no cannabis cream for psoriasis available on prescription. However, if you’re searching for a cannabis cream for skin problems, they are available to purchase over the counter. Just keep in mind cannabis creams in the UK aren't strictly monitored, and can be unregulated. You may not always be able to trust that the contents are reliable. That’s why it’s better to seek the help of a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, where you can find medication that contains both CBD and THC. It’s monitored, trusted and personalised to you and your symptoms.
You can also purchase CBD products from Alternaleaf’s Pharmacy, Montu Pharmacy. And because they’re non-prescription products, you can order them without a prescription, but still trust the source you’re purchasing from.
Summary
While psoriasis can be a frustrating and persistent condition, emerging research into medical cannabis offers a promising new avenue for symptom relief. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC may help reduce inflammation, calm the immune system, and support skin repair—addressing several core aspects of the disease. Though more large-scale studies are needed, many patients are already finding relief through carefully guided cannabis-based treatments.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
Curious about CBD cream for eczema? You can read our article on cannabis cream for eczema here.