Humans have been using marijuana plants (also known as cannabis) for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. It was only made illegal in many countries during the 20th century. Many health benefits have actually been associated with cannabis, and over the past couple of decades experts have started to prove that cannabis can slow the spread of cancer cells, combat depression, anxiety and ADHD, treat epilepsy, lower insulin levels in diabetics, or even improve skin – if it is used properly! Let’s deepen the question and see how it may help with skin problems.
What are the properties of cannabis?
Cannabis has long been accredited with anti-inflammatory properties. The most potent ingredient in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – which is also responsible for the plant’s psychotropic effects. THC is also considered as an antioxidant with potential anti-aging properties. Contrary to popular belief, many patients can experience health benefits from cannabis without “getting high.” In 2008, researchers discovered that another cannabinoid, called beta-caryophyllene, or (E)-BCP, helps combat inflammation without affecting the brain!
Can cannabis help with skin problems?
Cannabis salves, lotions and ointments can be effective treatments for certain skin problems, such as burns, infections and rashes. The use of these products is fairly harmless and doesn’t cause psychoactive side effects, which could make it a good method for such problems.
Hash oil vs hemp seed oil
Some people reported skin benefits when using cannabis oil (hash oil). But more evidence is definitely needed. Hash oil is obtained from the cannabis plant by solvent extraction, and contains the cannabinoids present in the natural oils of cannabis flowers and leaves. The solvents are evaporated to leave behind a very concentrated oil. Cannabis oil may contain more than 60% THC content, compared to 5% THC content in the cannabis flower and 20% THC content in the resin (hashish).
Hash oil should not be confused with hemp seed oil. Hemp oil or hempseed oil is obtained by pressing hemp seeds and is manufactured from varieties of Cannabis sativa that do not contain significant amounts of THC. Hemp seed oil also seems to help reduce symptoms of some chronic skin conditions, such atopic dermatitis. This benefit is believed to come from the fatty acids in hemp seed oil.
What about smoking marijuana?
Smoking marijuana could be as bad as smoking cigarettes, because the smoke contains the same carcinogens. Cannabis smoke contains thousands of organic and inorganic chemical compounds. This tar is chemically similar to that found in tobacco smoke, and over fifty known carcinogens have been identified in cannabis smoke. Smoking either kind of cigarette is believed to damage the cells that produce more collagen causing the skin to age more rapidly… But marijuana does not need to be smoked, and if taken properly, the THC in marijuana is actually a very good antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.
Importance of dosage…
The problem of using herbal cannabis is about dosage. Smoking it, taking it in the form of tea or using cannabis oil often provides a variable dose, which may make it difficult for patients to monitor their intake. Researchers are turning to alternative dosing methods. A growing number of clinical trials are studying a medicine made from a whole-plant extract of Cannabis that contains specific amounts of cannabinoids. This medicine is sprayed under the tongue.
Does cannabis have a positive effect on stress?
Those THC receptors actually can lead to increased production of neurotransmitters that make us feel better, like serotonin. Stress seems to have negative effects on chronic skin conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis, and reducing that stress can be a critical step to clearing up skin.
What about cannabis and skin cancer?
Although there’s no solid scientific evidence at the moment that cannabinoids or cannabis can cure cancer, it seems like more and more patients are seeing success in skin cancer reduction by using cannabis, especially hash oil. Does it mean cannabis can cut the risk of cancer and effectively treat cancer? There is no definite answer yet. Most scientific research investigating whether cannabinoids can treat cancer has been done using cancer cells grown in the lab or animal models. But real live patients tend to be a lot more complex… Also, it’s still not clear which type of cannabinoid – either natural or synthetic – might be most effective or which types of cancer might respond best to them.
Cautious: Cannabis is classified as a class B drug in many countries, meaning that it is illegal to possess or supply it. The legality of Cannabis varies widely from country to country, and from state to state in the United States. Also, when dealing with health issues, it’s highly recommended to work with a qualified health professional with professional experience in the safe use of marijuana. Cannabis can have undesired side-effects.
Sources for this article include:
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com
- http://www.naturalnews.com
- http://www.leafscience.com
- http://www.compassioncenter.net
- http://en.wikipedia.org
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