CBD for Psoriasis – How Does it Work?

CBD is a chemical compound found in the hemp and cannabis plant that is proving very beneficial in the field of medicine, with few drawbacks. Before we discuss this further, it is important to have a basic understanding of what CBD and Psoriasis are. Allow us to introduce our two main topics; CBD and Psoriasis.

What is CBD?

As we mentioned, CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a compound found within the marijuana plant. It can come from a cannabis plant or a hemp plant. CBD itself is non-psychoactive like its cousin THC, meaning there are no mind-altering effects. Some people use CBD as an isolate, meaning only CBD is extracted from the plant. This gives people using it for medical reasons a more effective way of determining the correct dosage.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis, on the other hand, is an itchy and sometimes painful skin condition. People that have it endure skin that grows too quickly causing red areas that sometimes have a scaly appearance due to the extra skin growth. This can cause sufferers immense itching and pain. Is there a way to help them?

Now that we have a general idea of what CBD and Psoriasis are, it’s time to delve deeper, so that we can have a full understanding when it comes to the effects of CBD on Psoriasis.

How does CBD Work?

Cannabidiol, as CBD is known, comes from the cannabis plant and as we discussed is a non-psychoactive chemical. But that does not mean it has no effect on the brain and body. Within each of us is something called the Endocannabinoid System. Or ECS for short. This system is spread throughout our bodies. But it is found especially in our brains. Essentially, it’s a network of receptors that react to cannabinoids, the active chemicals in cannabis.

The ECS is a biological system that’s composed of endocannabinoids which act as neurotransmitters. These compounds bind to the cannabinoid receptors located through the nervous system. As such, it interacts with many different physiological and cognitive functions. This includes fertility, mood, memory and pain sensations. There is some science that alludes to endocannabinoids being partly responsible for the “runner’s high” experienced after intense exercise.

So when CBD enters our system it binds with certain neuroreceptors in the brain. It then uses the ECS distributing those effects throughout the body.

Now, we have talked about these “effects” but not really what they are, here is a quick breakdown:

• Anti-Inflammatory
• Relieves pain
• Helps regulate the ECS, which is important in the control of skin cells.
• Lessens the chronic pain caused by Psoriasis
• Regulates the immune system 
• And so much more! It just doesn’t relate to psoriasis.

Why CBD is needed for Psoriasis

Now that we know more about CBD, let’s get back to psoriasis. This skin ailment is actually an autoimmune and genetic disorder that causes extremely fast and often painful skin growth. This results in red spots with scaly like skin that is not only thin and easy to pierce and cut, but it also flakes off constantly. It can be a very painful and uncomfortable experience.  Usually lasting a lifetime once it starts, there are many options out there for those suffering from psoriasis. But some of them are more dangerous than others.

With the many treatments out there for psoriasis, why does one need CBD? Well to answer that, we have to refer back to the CBD section. Because CBD is lacking when it comes to negative effects. CBD is shown to reduce the painful symptoms of psoriasis in an amazing way. While of course, it is not a complete cure, it can definitely help those who are suffering.

More than 3 million US cases occur each year, thus making Psoriasis a fairly common disorder. But the level of pain and skin irritation can be drastically different between individuals. Typically starting at the elbows, psoriasis can quickly spread to other parts of the body. For many, it may just stay localized to the elbows. But sadly for many more, it can spread.

Psoriasis is a genetic, autoimmune disease that can cause great discomfort and pain. Unfortunately, many people suffer from this condition. But hope is not lost, for CBD is out there, helping thousands of people worldwide manage their psoriasis.

There is no cure for psoriasis, and its suffers can have symptoms for a few months, to the rest of your life. It all just depends on your genetics, as psoriasis is a hereditary condition. Regardless of the type of psoriasis, CBD can help, and in some big ways, which we will go over next.

How CBD Interacts

So now that we know a good deal about CBD and Psoriasis, how do they work together? Why does CBD have the effects on Psoriasis that it does? Well, we are going to explore just exactly that. 

All that CBD does for psoriasis depends on the ECS as we discussed earlier. The ECS has a major role in regulating skin and skin growth. Thus when CBD molecules enter the brain and attach to these receptors, signals are sent all over the body. It is this spreading of CBD from the brain that allows Psoriasis to react to the CBD.

When this happens, the inflammation and rate of skin growth begin to normalize as the immune system adapts and welcomes the extra CBD. As the CBD rushes through the body, its effects begin to take hold and the body begins to reap its benefits.

“The underlying mechanism of psoriasis involves the immune system. As research recently found, the endocannabinoid system constantly binds with some of the messaging molecules within our immune system, thus regulating a bunch of primary physiological functions. The main role of the endocannabinoid system seems to be contributing to the control of cells’ balance, proliferation, differentiation, tolerance, and death. This is valid also when it comes to skin cells and dermatology issues“

-Royal Queen Seeds.

As can be seen, the ECS is crucial in controlling the skin and the way in which it works. CBD greatly effects the ECS. So using a topical CBD treatment will work on the skin surrounding the location of where the CBD lotion or oil is placed, and later throughout the body. 

Benefits of CBD on Psoriasis

As we have discussed there are a lot of benefits to using CBD on psoriasis. Such as:

• CBD controls the ECS in a better way to regulate the growth of skin cells.
• It’s an anti-inflammatory agent, which helps control the growth and swelling of the skin.

Cannabinoids can act as an immunosuppressive and an anti-inflammatory. So they help to settle an overactive immune system and unneeded growth, as well as the irritating inflammation of Psoriasis.

Since the human body has cannabinoid receptors throughout our skin, CBD can be used both topically and internally. As such, some patients have used vaporizers, oils, lotions or supplements to get their needed CBD.

The benefits of CBD seem to truly help those suffering from psoriasis. Of course, we are in need of more cannabis studies to help us fully understand its benefits. But we are well on the way to finding out! People are more comfortable trying CBD when they know the minimal side effects when compared to over the counter and prescription Psoriasis medications. Still, there may be some downsides to using CBD for this skin condition.

Negatives of CBD and Psoriasis

Now, this was a very easy section to write. Because unless you are allergic to cannabis and or CBD, there are no negatives. In fact, we cannot even list any for this section. There just does not seem to be downsides to the use of CBD for psoriasis, or rather any condition regardless of type.

Now, this sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, research has shown time and time again that CBD does not cause any negative effects. 

So long story short, CBD really has no negatives when it comes to topical, or even consumed versions of CBD. And there you have it!

Conclusion

Do you suffer from psoriasis, either periodically or chronically? Do you wish there was a topical that actually worked as promised? Chances are you’ve heard this before, a sales pitch; and the product won’t work. But no, this is no regular sales pitch.

CBD is a cannabinoid found in industrial hemp and in cannabis plants. This compound is also found throughout your own body! It’s a chemical that has been used beneficially for millennia. Our ancestors knew the medicinal value of this plant. It is only recently that we are rediscovering this fact.

We have learned a lot today, about psoriasis and how it affects the body inside and out. About CBD and its effects on our bodies, both good and bad. The bad of course, only being if you are allergic to the lotions and oils.

Above all, I think, we have learned there is hope for those suffering. And with an organic, natural and gentle method of treatment. Of course, you should not go off any medications or lotions without talking to your doctor. But it is something you can add in that won’t affect your other medications. Who knows, it could help with other conditions you may have!

Well, I think that about sums it up. If you or someone you know is suffering from psoriasis, send them this article and let them know. There are better options out there.