Cannabinoids for Skin Diseases and Hair Regrowth
August 2021
in “
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
”
TLDR Cannabinoids might help with skin diseases and hair growth, but more research is needed.
The review article discussed the preliminary stage of using cannabinoids for skin diseases and hair regrowth. It highlighted that while many countries have legalized cannabis for medical use, only a few have approved it for recreational purposes. The endocannabinoid system, involving compounds like 2-AG and AEA, may help maintain skin homeostasis. Topical cannabinoids can avoid first-pass metabolism but face challenges in absorption due to their hydrophobic nature. Clinical studies suggested potential benefits of cannabinoids in treating eczema, acne, pruritus, systemic sclerosis, and enhancing hair growth, particularly with CBD. However, mild side effects such as pruritus, burning, erythema, and stinging were noted. The article advised dermatologists to be cautious in prescribing cannabinoids due to insufficient clinical data on their efficacy and safety.