Cannabis for Eczema: Can It Help?

Alternaleaf Team
Written by
Alternaleaf Team
Aug 7, 2025
Last updated:
Aug 7, 2025

Itchy skin is uncomfortable for everyone. But what happens when that itch just won’t go away? 

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes itchy skin. Although it’s most common in young children, it can affect people of all ages. And, unfortunately, it can’t be cured. Symptoms however, can be managed with a variety of different treatments. 

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. It’s unlikely you’ll get a medical cannabis prescription for eczema, but it may potentially help with some of the symptoms that come with this skin condition, like anxiety or chronic pain.

Below we’ll be exploring cannabis for eczema, touching on both non-prescription and prescription options. From the potential benefits, to how it works, hopefully you’ll have a better understanding of medical cannabis for eczema UK after reading. 

Can Medical Cannabis Help with Eczema Symptoms?

The cannabis plant is complex. It contains over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds, that can potentially interact with receptors in our cells and alter the release of chemicals in the brain. Two of these cannabinoids are CBD and THC, the former being non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you feel “high”, and the latter being psychoactive, so can be behind that “high” feeling when used recreationally.

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. 

There’s some emerging, but still very limited, evidence that topical CBD, and to a lesser extent THC, may help reduce itching, inflammation, flare‑ups, and discomfort in eczema, but more clinical research is needed.

In 2005, researchers found hemp oil made a significant difference on atopic eczema, by boosting levels of GLA (a potent anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid), alongside essential fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid. Hemp oil is simply an oil extracted from the seeds of the cannabis plant. It contains very low levels of CBD and does not contain THC. 

CBD vs THC: Which Cannabinoid Is Better for Eczema?

Believe it or not, there’s a link between CBD and inflammation. In fact, CBD oils and creams can be an effective tool to potentially help ease inflammation. For example, in this study it was seen to have had a “statistically significant” impact on participants.

Observational and preclinical studies report CBD’s antipruritic (itch relief) and skin‑barrier supporting effects with improvements in itch, scaling, dryness and overall eczema symptoms.

THC has also shown anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models with contact dermatitis, but at the time of writing, this research doesn’t extend to human studies. 

So, arguably, there’s more evidence to support CBD working better to relieve some of the symptoms of eczema. However, this study shows how both CBD and THC can work together to activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors (more on this later) to significantly reduce histamine-induced itching in human models. This takes us to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect: a combination of active compounds like THC, CBD, terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) and flavonoids, might sometimes work together to produce better effects. 

Keep in mind, you won’t find high levels of THC in over-the-counter medications, but we'll touch on this more a little later on too. 

How Cannabis Works on the Skin in Eczema Relief

To understand how cannabis works, we’re going to give you a super top level explanation of the endocannabinoid system and skin.

The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, 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 that’s why medical cannabis can potentially have positive effects for so many different conditions, including modulating immune responses, reducing inflammation, and supporting skin repair. 

Eczema Symptoms That Medical Cannabis May Help With

Over the counter products containing CBD and trace amounts, or .03% or less, THC may potentially help relieve: 

  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Cracked skin
  • Inflammation

Prescribed medical cannabis may potentially be effective for anxiety that’s triggered by chronic skin conditions, like eczema, as well as sleep disruption. For example, this research implies THC can induce sleep. And in this recent trial of 300 adults with anxiety, both THC and CBD-dominant cannabis helped reduce people’s anxiety.

Medical Cannabis vs Over-the-Counter Eczema Treatments

The fact that CBD products are non-psychoactive, means they’re available to buy over-the-counter in supermarkets and high street shops. But, it’s important to keep in mind that these 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.

You can 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. 

The benefit of prescription products is that they’re personalised to you and your symptoms. Plus, you’ve got a friendly Alternaleaf clinician guiding you every step of the way. 

Is There Scientific Evidence on Cannabis for Eczema?

As we’ve explored above, there are some early studies that show promising results on itch and inflammation reduction, as well as eczema flare-up relief cannabis. Patient-reported outcomes are largely positive, however, more research is needed, and currently underway, to fully understand the full potential of this plant. 

Best Cannabis Formats for Eczema Relief in the UK

Over-the-counter cannabis topicals, such as creams, balms, and patches like CBD cream for eczema or THC for eczema itching are applied directly to the skin. This is to target specific areas. Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor.  

Choosing the best form of prescribed medical cannabis for conditions such as anxiety or pain, that may be a symptom of eczema, isn’t simple. Everyone is different, and there is no one size fits all approach. The best thing to do is follow the advice your clinician gives you, and work with them to find a treatment plan that suits you and your needs. 

Alternaleaf clinicians will explain everything in detail ahead of prescribing any medication, and will advise you on what’s best based on your symptoms and condition. Below we’ve explored some different forms of medical cannabis:

  • Flower: Usually inhaled using a vaporiser, you’ll feel a rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief. Smoking your prescription is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a dry herb vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
  • Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
  • Oils/Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last.

As we said above, it’s best to let professionals, like the clinicians at Alternaleaf, advise on the best form and dose for you and your symptoms. 

Is Medical Cannabis Safe for People with Eczema?

Every medication comes with potential side effects, and medical cannabis is no different. However, most serious side effects are uncommon and can vary depending on personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, as well as consumption method, and THC and CBD content. Don’t worry too much, and if you’re ever concerned speak to your clinician. But medical cannabis is generally safe when prescribed. 

We always recommend you start low and go slow, especially if you’re new to medical cannabis or trying a new strain. That way, you can minimise risk and side effects. But, some potential side effects include: 

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in appetite
  • Changes in weight
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Dry Mouth
  • Increased Appetite

In rare cases you may experience psychoactive effects or anxiety. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis due to the dosage guidance of a clinician. And anxiety is usually experienced due to incorrect dosing. 

Keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to speak to your clinician. 

Summary

So, that’s a short guide on what you need to know when it comes to medical cannabis and eczema in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a CBD cream to relieve itchy skin, or are looking to target a mental health concern that’s a symptom of your eczema, it’s possible to work towards finding something that suits you. 

But, if you want more information, it’s probably better to get personalised advice. We recommend contacting your GP, a dermatologist, 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.