Cannabis and the Skin

 

'By the time I got to the terminal I was pouring sweat. But nothing abnormal. I tend to sweat heavily in warm climates. My clothes are soaking wet from dawn to dusk. This worried me at first, but when I went to a doctor and described my normal intake of booze, drugs, and poison, he told me to come back when the sweating stopped. That would be the danger point, he said - a sign that my body's desperately overworked flushing mechanism had broken down completely. " I have great faith in the natural processes," He said. "But in your case...well...I find no precedent. We'll just have to wait and see, and work with what's left."'

 -  Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream, Part II...by Raoul Duke, November 25, 1971, Fear and Loathing at the Rolling Stone, The Essential Writing of Hunter S. Thompson 

 

 

The skin forms a protective shield, and a semi-permeable membrane between the internal constituents of an animal and the external world. It is a sense organ that largely contributes to the sense of touch. It has multiple sensors and receptors. It aids in the vital exchange of matter, such as the elimination of toxins, temperature regulation through sweat, as well as the absorption of vitamin D from the sun. Any damage to the skin is likely to lead to infections from the outer world, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, and loss of precious body fluids, such as blood. 

 

The skin is also one of the key areas in the human body where large concentrations of various endo-cannabinoid receptors are found. Several skin-specific actors, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and sebocytes,  represent potential targets for phytocannabinoids. Cannabis has been found to have a protective effect on keratinocytes and melanocytes against the harmful effects of irradiation and chemical environmental factors that cause oxidative stress. Diseases like psoriasis which is sometimes driven by stress and environmental factors have been known to respond positively to cannabis.

 

Cannabis has skin nourishing and healing properties as evidenced by studies. Cannabis has been found to reduce oxidative stress, inhibit skin aging processes, positively affect the viability of skin cells and skin hydration. Cannabis has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and anti-bacterial properties.  

Some of the skin disorders that cannabis helps to treat are - intractable leg ulcers, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, chronic pruritus, acne, eczema, and the painful skin disease epidermolysis bullosa which is a rare genetic condition that results in blistering skin.  It slows down and blocks the growth of dead cells in psoriasis. The Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, in its report in 1895, says that cannabis was used to treat scabies, guinea-worm, fresh wounds and sores, inflammations and cure of erysipelas, pruritus, and boils. An oil prepared from bhang and other ingredients was prescribed in white leprosy, for catarrhal and skin diseases. Cannabis has been studied as a potential cure for melanoma, a cancer of the skin.
 

In the report of the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission of 1894-95, we find various witnesses speaking of the benefit of cannabis for the skin. Mr. F. H. Barrow, Magistrate and Collector of Bankura, says, 'All parts of the plants, the roots, the stem, the large leaves, the flowering tops and resin are all either alone, or mixed with other things, largely used for various diseases — ...chronic skin diseases, fresh wounds and sores (to promote granulation), erysipelas...' Babu Ganganath Roy, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Chittagong, says, 'Kabirajes (native physicians) use ganja and bhang in the preparation of medicines for...skin diseases...' Babu Prokash Chunder Roy, Excise Deputy Collector, Patna, says, 'Ganja is sometimes used as a medicine for skin diseases'. Babu Rajani Prasad Neogy, Excise Deputy Collector, Mymensingh, says, 'Ganja is prescribed by Kabirajes for external application in cases of certain skin diseases.' Babu Jadub Chandra Chukerbutty, Brahmin, Civil and Sessions Judge, Kuch Behar, says, 'Ganja and siddhi are prescribed by some schools of native doctors in the treatment of certain diseases, such as...skin diseases, etc.' Assistant Surgeon Upendra Nath Sen, Officiating Civil Medical Officer, Malda, says, 'ganja boiled in mustard oil is used in certain form of skin diseases, such as scabies, pruritus, etc.' Babu Aghore Nath Banerji, Vice-Chairman, Serampore Municipality, District 40, Hughli, says, 'Ganja boiled with oil is used for the cure of itches and other allied skin affections.' Revd. G. C. Dutt, Missionary, Khulna, says, 'The native doctors mix ganja and other drugs with oil, and this preparation is prescribed for skin diseases.' Babu Bhuvan Mohun Sanyal, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Purnea, says, 'It is also used mixed with oil as an external application for skin diseases. I have seen it so used.' Babu Nobi Chandra Sarkar, Kayasth, Wholesale and retail vendor of ganja and bhang, Barisal, says, 'A mixture of ganja with oil is used for itches and other skin diseases.' Rao Bahadur Thakordas Kikabhai, Bania, Assistant Surgeon, Wadhwan Civil Station, Kathiawar, says, 'It is also used for...catarrhal and skin diseases.' Maulavi Abdus Samad, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, Manbhum, says, 'Bhang is used by native doctors in the preparation of medicines for ...leprosy and other diseases.' Babu Rajani Prasad Neogy, Excise Deputy Collector, Mymensingh, says, 'It has the effect of alleviating pain due to rheumatism and leprosy.' Ram Chander Goopta, Kabiraj, Barisal, Backergunge District, says, '(From Bhab Prokash) Bhang is pungent...cures leprosy...' Chintamani Nand Vidya Bhushana, Uria Brahmin, late Tahsildar, Sonepur, Sambalpur, says, 'destroys leprosy'. Balkrishna Narayan Vaidya, Parbhu, State Karbhari of Sangli, says, 'In Yoga-ratnakar an oil prepared from bhang with some other things is prescribed for white leprosy.' Assistant Surgeon Soorjee Narain Singh, Kayasth, Bankipur, says, 'Externally its powder is applied to fresh wounds and sores to cause granulation.' Mr. C. B. Macleane, Collector of Nellore, says, 'Powder recommended as an external application to wounds and sores ; poultice of the boiled root as cure for erysipelas.' Pesumal Narumal, Farmer and Merchant, Hyderabad, says, 'It is also used as an application on piles and other wounds.' In its summary on Therapeutic uses of cannabis, the Commission says, 'An oil prepared from bhang and other ingredients is prescribed in white leprosy...' In its section on Ancient literature regarding medical uses of cannabis, the Commission says, 'In the Rajarallabha, a materia medica of rather later date, ganja is described as "Indra's food," is acid, produces infatuation, and destroys leprosy...In the Makhzan-el-Adwiya, The powder is recommended as an external application to fresh wounds and sores, and for causing granulations; a poultice of the boiled roots and leaves for discussing inflammations and cure of erysipelas...' Wound healing is one of the main external uses of cannabis. Wounds have been found to heal faster when cannabis is applied to it. In its summary of the medicinal effects of cannabis, the Hemp Commission writes that - 'It is probably on account of the supposed hæmostatic effect that powdered charas is used as an application to cuts to check bleeding and induce healing, and possibly the use of the drugs in menorrhagia is based on similar reasoning.'

 

Cannabis, in its leaf, flower, resin, or oil extracted from seeds, can be administered in numerous ways externally. Cannabis, in the form of topical creams, ointments and oils, is readily absorbed by the human skin and found to nourish it, and restore it to its healthy state. More and more businesses in the wellness industry are introducing cannabis extracts, concentrates, or its compound cannabidiol (CBD) in their products and wellness programs. The European Commission added cannabigerol (CBG) recently as a safe ingredient for skin conditioning to Cosing, its cosmetics ingredient database.

 

One of the least explored ways that cannabis can benefit the skin is through clothing. In the modern world, numerous skin ailments arise from the incompatibility between one's skin and the material that is used for clothing. We find the increasing use of synthetic materials, derived from petrochemical based products, in the area of textiles and fabrics. Not only do these synthetic materials damage the skin, they also cause great damage to the environment in their manufacture and disposal. Hemp based textiles and fabrics can revolutionize how we cloth ourselves, reducing significantly the number of skin ailments, as well as bringing sustainability to this sector. Cannabis is one of the most sustainable agricultural crops, and it must replace the water and energy guzzling cotton as the main source of fabrics and textiles. Cannabis clothing can more or less completely eliminate the petrochemical based synthetic fabric industry, leaving the use of synthetic fabrics for specific custom applications, rather than as general clotheswear. These steps will have great significance in the move towards global economic sustainability for the clothing industry, and the reduction of skin ailments from external factors.

The use of a natural herb, in its near organic form, as a key ingredient, additive or foundation in a cosmetic and wellness product, is increasingly attractive to more and more people, who now recognize the harms done by chemical and synthetic skin wellness products that may appear to work in the short term, but cause great damage to health, even possibly cause cancer of the skin, in the long term, not to mention the damage to animals as a part of product testing, as well as environmental damage that goes with its production. In fact, most wildlife traded by humans, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars annually, are for the testing of cosmetics and other synthetic products, before these products are released for human usage. Slowly, more and more celebrities and global businesses are starting to become aware of these issues, and starting to embrace cannabis and promote it as a part of wellness, cosmetics and clothing products. But then the wellness, cosmetics and clothing industries pump in massive amounts on research and production of expensive, synthetic products that rely largely on petrochemicals and synthetic pharmaceuticals. They will put up resistance on what they perceive to be a threat to their current way of life. It is for the consumer to make informed decisions, and to look at sustainable solutions like cannabis for skin health, rather than fall for all the marketing and hype that these industries use to sell dangerous products and destroy the planet in the process.

The medicinal benefits side of cannabis and dermatology is an area that is just starting to be explored. It  will produce some interesting findings as time goes by, and as we learn and rediscover more about the healing powers of the ancient and wonderful herb that has been a part of the human medicine chest for tens of thousands of years.

Related articles

The following list of articles taken from various media speak about the above subject. Words in italics are the thoughts of yours truly at the time of reading the article. 

'Hemp fiber variety, Bialobrzeskie, contains phenolic acids in its chemical composition giving it inherent antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The use of this raw material in fabric manufacture allows the creation of functional clothing with a positive effect on human skin. The aim of the study was to develop biologically active functional clothing made of pure industrial hemp raw materials, where cannabidiol (CBD) extract applied on the fabric surface strengthened the fiber bioactivity. The design of the clothing technology was focused on keeping the hemp inherent properties on a steady level and avoiding the use of chemicals in each stage of the value chain from plant cultivation up to garment manufacture. The research covered the evaluation of phenolic acids content and The Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power FRAP antioxidant activity of the hemp fabric. The hemp fabric enriched with CBD was used for clothing preparation. The human trials covered wearing of the clothing by 15 volunteers for six weeks and evaluation of hemp garment effect on human skin. The skin parameters were tested twice, before and after six weeks of clothing wearing, according to the own methodology that included measurements of skin biophysical properties including tests of skin moisture, transepidermal water loss, and sebum. Also, the effect of the active substances present on the fabrics on the in vitro culture of human keratinocytes was evaluated. Results of the research proved, that the wearing of developed functional hemp clothing with CBD extracts applied on the fabric surface was safe and caused improvement of skin condition, which can have an influence on slowing down of skin aging'

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/20/6031

'The use of various preparations of whole-plant cannabinoids is associated with perceived benefits among patients with the painful skin disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB), according to survey data published in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic condition that results in blistering skin.

A team of investigators from the Netherlands and from the United States surveyed EB patients on five continents who reported using cannabis preparations to treat their illness. Patients reported using cannabinoids as topical agents in addition to inhaling cannabis flowers and consuming marijuana-infused edible products.

Authors reported that cannabis preparations improved subjects “perception of pain, pruritus, wound-healing, and well-being … and reduced concomitant medication use.” They concluded, “Future prospective controlled clinical studies are warranted to elucidate the potential role of CBMs (cannabis-based medicines) in EB treatment.”'

https://norml.org/news/2021/09/16/survey-patients-report-benefits-of-cannabinoids-for-blistering-skin-condition

'These results suggest that dual therapy by targeting the site of injury internally with a CBD-infused medical carrier followed by systemic supplementation may offer a more effective countermeasure than systemic or implant treatment alone for the deleterious effects of penetrating head wounds.'

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014488621002521

'Human clinical studies suggest that cannabinoids may be used in eczema, acne, pruritus, and systemic sclerosis treatment. Cannabidiol (CBD) may enhance hair growth via multiple mechanisms.'

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.14352

'Complete wound closure, defined being fully epithelialized, was achieved among 11 patients (79%) and 13 wounds (81%) within a median of 34 days. All three remaining patients demonstrated progressive healing trends but were lost to follow-up. The treatments were well tolerated, and no significant adverse reactions were experienced. The rapid wound closure of previously non-healing venous leg ulcers among elderly and highly complex patients suggests that Topical Cannabis-Based Medicines may become effective adjuvants in conjunction with compression therapy. This may also indicate that they may have an even broader role within integumentary and wound management. Therefore, this treatment paradigm warrants being subjected to controlled trials.'

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/exd.14395

'European health and beauty product manufacturers can now safely use hemp-derived cannabigerol or CBG in their cosmetics and skin care lines with approval from a key market regulator for trade in the European Union.

The European Commission added CBG last month as a safe ingredient for skin conditioning to Cosing, its cosmetics ingredient database.

Hemp extractors and manufacturers tout the benefits of using hemp-derived CBG in skin care and cosmetics products, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.'

https://hempindustrydaily.com/european-commission-adds-cbg-as-legal-ingredient-for-cosmetics-skin-care/

Symptoms of pulmonary (lung) mucormycosis include: Fever, Cough, Chest pain, Shortness of breath

These fungi aren’t harmful to most people. However, for people who have weakened immune systems, breathing in mucormycete spores can cause an infection in the lungs or sinuses which can spread to other parts of the body.

Risk groups for mucormycosis include persons with uncontrolled diabetes; malignancy; hematopoietic stem cell transplant or solid organ transplant; persistent neutropenia; prolonged corticosteroid therapy; skin trauma, burns, or surgical wounds; iron overload; intravenous drug use; malnourishment; and premature infants.

Mucormycosis is frequently a life-threatening infection. A review of published mucormycosis cases found an overall all-cause mortality rate of 54%. The mortality rate varied depending on underlying patient condition, type of fungus, and body site affected (for example, the mortality rate was 46% among people with sinus infections, 76% for pulmonary infections, and 96% for disseminated mucormycosis).

https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/mucormycosis/statistics.html

'The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is teaming up with a chemical manufacturing company on a two-year project that could significantly expand the hemp-based cosmetics market.

The goal is to take an innovative approach to hemp processing to create “cosmeceuticals,” or ingredients that “perform specific functions, like protecting skin from UV light, retaining moisture, or stabilizing other active ingredients used in skin-care formulations.”

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service announced on Tuesday that it will be working with the Illinois-based Midwest Bioprocessing Center (MBC) to apply the process known as “bio-catalysis” to hemp seed oil. Instead of relying on “harsh chemicals and solvents” to bind antioxidants to fats in products like vegetable oil, bio-catalysis involves using enzymes and heat to facilitate that binding.'

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/usda-is-developing-hemp-based-cosmetics-and-personal-care-products/

'Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid with proven pharmacological properties that is also used in the cosmetic industry for its sebostatic and antioxidant activities, being considered a new anti-aging ally. An analytical method is proposed for the determination of CBD in cosmetic products by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, after leaching the CBD from the cosmetic matrix with ethanol. Low instrumental limits of detection (0.22 ng mL-1) and quantification (0.74 ng mL-1) allow the determination of CBD at trace levels without needing preconcentration, whereas the wide linearity of the method allows the determination of CBD in more concentrated samples without high dilution. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of six cosmetic products and a raw material. The proposed method is suitable for the quality control of cosmetic products containing CBD, being able to quickly and easily determine this compound, ensuring that its concentration in the finished product is the desired one'

https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/2/30

'Sweating causes a decrease in core temperature through evaporative cooling at the skin surface. As high energy molecules evaporate from the skin, releasing energy absorbed from the body, the skin and superficial vessels decrease in temperature. Cooled venous blood then returns to the body's core and counteracts rising core temperatures...a fit person will start sweating earlier and more readily. As someone becomes fit, the body becomes more efficient at regulating the body's temperature and sweat glands adapt along with the body's other systems.' - Wikipedia

'This review summarized the current evidence on the effects of phytocannabinoids at the cutaneous level through the collection of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies published on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science until October 2020. Phytocannabinoids have demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-acne properties by various mechanisms involving either CB1/2-dependent and independent pathways. Not only classical immune cells, but also several skin-specific actors, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and sebocytes, may represent a target for phytocannabinoids. Cannabidiol, the most investigated compound, revealed photoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms at the cutaneous level, while the possible impact on cell differentiation, especially in the case of psoriasis, would require further investigation. Animal models and pilot clinical studies supported the application of cannabidiol in inflammatory-based skin diseases. Also, one of the most promising applications of non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids is the treatment of seborrheic disorders, especially acne. In conclusion, the incomplete knowledge of the role of the endocannabinoid system in skin disorders emerged as an important limit for pharmacological investigations. Moreover, the limited studies conducted on C. sativa extracts suggested a higher potency than single phytocannabinoids, thus stimulating new research on phytocannabinoid interaction.'

https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1420-5780

'Chronic pruritus is a debilitating symptom that is associated with numerous dermatologic, neurologic, and systemic diseases. It is often resistant to treatment and can cause a severe reduction in quality of life. Currently, to our knowledge, there is a lack of US Food and Drug Administration–approved therapies for pruritus, so treatment can be difficult and relies on off-label therapeutics. In this article, we report a case of successful use of medical marijuana for treating chronic pruritus.'

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2778442

'Our results show that CBD protects keratinocytes against the effects of UVA/UVB radiation by reducing lipid peroxidation products: 4-HNE and 8-isoPGF2a. In addition, CBD significantly increases the level of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, 2-arachidonylglycerol, and palmitoylethanolamide, and the activation of their receptors CB1/2 or TRPV1. The above changes are due to the protective effect of CBD against the UVA/UVB-induced decrease in the level/activity of superoxide dismutase and the components of the thioredoxin and glutathione systems. CBD also increases the in vivo transcriptional activity of Nrf2 and the expression of its Bach1 inhibitor as well as preventing the UVA/UVB-induced increase in the expression of Nrf2 activators p21, p62, p38, and KAP1 and proinflammatory factors such as NF?B and TNFa. By counteracting oxidative stress and changes in lipid structure in keratinocytes, CBD prevents cellular metabolic disturbances, protecting the epidermis against UV damage.'

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2021/6647222/

'Results
Treatment with topical cannabinoid formulation reduced ear edema by 51.27% at 24 hours' and 65.69% at 48 hours' postapplication. Alternatively, mometasone reduced ear edema by 89.82% at 24 hours and 98.25% at 48 hours. Natural reduction (control) in ear edema was 26.32% at 24 hours and 44.21% at 48 hours. Both test groups resulted in significantly decreased edema when compared with baseline (P < 0.05), as well as compared with the negative control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Significant reduction in ear edema, a marker for localized cutaneous inflammation, could be attributed to anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids. Although effects were less robust than topical corticosteroid use, cannabinoid formulations have therapeutic promise for dermatitis.'

https://journals.lww.com/dermatitis/Abstract/9000/Anti_inflammatory_Effect_of_Cannabidiol_and.99498.aspx

'The skin is an organ that is constantly exposed to many external factors that can affect its structure and function. Due to the presence of different cannabinoid receptors on many types of skin cells, cannabinoids can interact directly with them. Therefore, as part of this work, the impact of two types of Cannabis sativa L. herb extracts on keratinocytes and fibroblasts was assessed. The content of biologically active compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, chlorophylls and cannabinoids was evaluated. The antioxidant capacity of prepared extracts using the DPPH radical, H2DCFDA probe and measurement of superoxide dismutase activity was also assessed. The cytotoxicity of hemp extracts was determined using the Alamar Blue, Neutral Red and LDH assays. The ability of the extracts to inhibit the activity of matrix metalloproteinases, collagenase and elastase, was assessed. Preparations of model hydrogels were also prepared and their effect on transepidermal water loss and skin hydration was measured. The obtained results indicate that hemp extracts can be a valuable source of biologically active substances that reduce oxidative stress, inhibit skin aging processes and positively affect the viability of skin cells. The analysis also showed that hydrogels based on cannabis extracts have a positive effect on skin hydration.'

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/4/802

'The skin has its own endocannabinoid system (eCS) which is a key regulator of various homeostatic processes, including those necessary for normal physiologic wound healing. Data on the use of CBs [cannabinoids] for wound healing are scarce. Compelling pre-clinical evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of CBs to improve wound healing by modulating key molecular pathways is herein reviewed.'

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/exd.14241

'Discussion/Conclusion: Replacing current shampooing practices with a broad-spectrum cannabidiol-containing shampoo significantly reduces both severity and symptoms of scalp inflammation within 2 weeks, with excellent tolerability and treatment satisfaction in subjects with mild to moderate scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis'

https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/510896

'The study, which was published in the Journal of Dermatological Science, used different types of cannabinoids including, THC (cannabis most psychoactive component), CBD (one of cannabis’ least active ingredients) and cannabinol and cannabigerol (other cannabis’ compounds) – all of which were used to examine cannabis’ anti-inflammatory effects.

Researchers concluded, “The cannabinoids tested all inhibited keratinocyte proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner.” In other words, the four different cannabinoids they tested were all able to block the buildup of dead skin.

Why does this matter? Well, psoriasis is, essentially, the rapid accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the epidermis. So cannabis’ ability to stop that accumulation is a win, for people battling the inherited disease.'

https://thefreshtoast.com/cannabis/marijuana-can-help-psoriasis-patients/

'Often triggered by stress, new studies are showing that psoriasis can be better managed by diet, oral health, and even cannabidiol. The National Psoriasis Foundation shared information on a study from the Journal of Dermatological Science showcasing that, “CBD may offer therapeutic value for psoriasis by slowing the overgrowth of certain skin cells.”

A 2016 study published in the journal Current Clinical Pharmacology found similar results, citing that cannabinoids may be a positive addition to treatment for psoriasis. Even better, a 2018 study did a sweeping review of prior research on cannabis’ role within dermatology and found, “cannabinoids have shown some initial promise as a therapy for a variety of skin diseases.” Their only concern was a lack of research in clinical trials, due to the Schedule 1 classification of the drug.'

https://www.laweekly.com/could-cannabis-eliminate-the-high-cost-and-high-stakes-of-current-psoriasis-medicines/

'CBD was found to protect keratinocytes by preventing changes in the composition of the cellular membrane, associated with UVB/hydrogen peroxide damages which included reduced polyunsaturated fatty acid levels, increased sialic acid and lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostanes) levels. This maintains cell membranes integrity and prevents the release of lactate dehydrogenase. In addition, CBD prevented UVB/hydrogen peroxide-induced reduction of keratinocyte size and zeta potential, and also decreased activity of ATP-binding cassette membrane transporters. Together, these findings suggest that CBD could be a potential protective agent for keratinocytes against the harmful effects of irradiation and chemical environmental factors that cause oxidative stress.'

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213231720308181?via%3Dihub

'Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural occurring phytocannabinoid, is used extensively in consumer products ranging from foods to shampoos, topical oils and lotions. Several studies demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of cannabidiol. Nevertheless, the role of cannabidiol use in sunscreens is largely unknown as no studies on its effect on keratinocytes or melanocytes exist. As such, we aimed to explore the effect of CBD on keratinocyte and melanocyte viability following ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. CBD exhibited a dose-dependent protective effect on both keratinocytes and melanocyte viability. Further, since CBD does not demonstrate absorption in the UVB spectra, we speculate that the protective effect is due to reduction in reactive oxygen species. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the protective effect of CBD on keratinocytes and melanocytes irradiated with UVB.'

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.13693

'They concluded: “Topical Cannabis-Based Medicines, applied to both wound beds and peri-wound tissues, represent a promising novel, non-invasive, and safe treatment option for NUC leg ulcers. The ease and simplicity of its application also allows for potential self-application and self-titration by patients. Given that TCBM demonstrated both rapid wound closure and relief of wound-related pain, in very challenging wounds such as NUC, among highly complex patients, they may be poised for an even broader role within overall integumentary and wound management.”'

https://norml.org/news/2020/09/10/study-topical-administration-of-cannabinoids-treats-intractable-leg-ulcers

'Recent research has identified potential uses of cannabinoids in dermatology, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and wound healing.'
http://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961618P1273X/1


'In conclusion, this study confirmed the promising anti-acne activity of HSHE (Hemp seed hexane extracts), evidenced by anti-P. acnes, anti-inflammation, anti-lipogenesis, and pro-collagen synthesis activities. Thus, HSHE could be utilized conventionally for the development of safe and effective anti-acne agents.'
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0202933


'Much more research is needed to know whether medical cannabis oil may have a wound-healing effect. But the man's case "really validates what has been known for thousands of years about the utility of cannabinoids in so many different areas," said Dr. Vincent Maida, an associate professor in the Division of Palliative Care at the University of Toronto, who treated the man.

"Ancient cultures used cannabis extracts on wounds," Maida said'
https://www.livescience.com/57500-can-medical-cannabis-help-heal-wounds.html


'On the list of people in the world who have things to worry about, the famous actors and directors nominated at this year’s Oscars make up the very last 25 of those spots. Fine, I am sure some of them have legitimate stressors in their lives, but I also hope that being nominated for the most prestigious award in their chosen field mitigates at least some of that.

But despite this, nominees for acting and directing awards will all receive products to help calm them down. This year, the Oscars gift bags will include chocolates infused with THC, CBD skin care, private therapy sessions for “phobia relief,” and, for some reason, a toilet plunger.'
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/2/18/18229393/oscars-2019-gift-bags-swag


'The first product is designed for treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a rare type of skin cancer. The product was tested on cancer cells at the Volcani Center, but has not yet been tried on animals or human beings.'
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-medc-develops-medical-cannabis-skin-cancer-cure-1001267282

 

 

'Fibrosis is a condition characterized by thickening or/and scarring of various tissues. Fibrosis may develop in almost all tissues and organs, and it may be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. It provokes excessive scarring that excels the usual wound healing response to trauma in numerous organs. Currently, very little can be done to prevent tissue fibrosis, and it is almost impossible to reverse it. Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs are among the few treatments that may be efficient in preventing fibrosis. Numerous publications suggest that cannabinoids and extracts of Cannabis sativa have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic properties. In this review, we describe the types and mechanisms of fibrosis in various tissues and discuss various strategies for prevention and dealing with tissue fibrosis. We further introduce cannabinoids and their potential for the prevention and treatment of fibrosis, and therefore for extending healthy lifespan.'

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2021.715380/full


'We demonstrate a potential beneficial therapeutic effect of cannabinoids, which could influence the course of melanoma in a murine model. Increased survival and less tumorgenicity are novel findings that should guide research to better understand the mechanisms by which cannabinoids could be utilized as adjunctive treatment of cancer, specifically melanoma. Further studies are necessary to evaluate this potentially new and novel treatment of malignant melanoma.'
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022480418306267


'"While many may begin to imagine a skunk-infused scent, Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Men Party Fever is an elegant, refined summer scent that opens with a spicy energy then mellows with a herbaceous cannabis accord in the heart, giving the fragrance, and the man wearing it, an edge of risk."'
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/19/cannabis-perfume-set-become-scent-summer


'One of the fastest growing markets in the United States is the cannabidiol (CBD) industry. From joint pain to skincare, Americans are using CBD to help treat everyday maladies. Natural products and specialty retailers are reaping the rewards of this increased interest.'
https://newfrontierdata.com/marijuana-insights/natural-and-specialty-hemp-cbd-sales/


'The hemp versions of Schmidt’s Naturals deodorant will be available across the U.S. at Target Corp. stores in September, while the CBD version will be available soon in several U.S. states that have legalized marijuana, Cammarata said. CBD-infused deodorants are said to have antibacterial properties that help fight odour and include an anti-inflammatory to soothe irritation from shaving.'
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/unilever-subsidiary-schmidt-s-natural-to-launch-hemp-cbd-deodorant-products-1.1241634


'Walgreens will sell CBD creams, patches and sprays in nearly 1,500 stores in select states, the company told CNBC on Wednesday.

The drugstore chain will sell the cannabis-based products in Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vermont, South Carolina, Illinois and Indiana. Walgreens declined to specify which brands it would carry.

“This product offering is in line with our efforts to provide a wider range of accessible health and wellbeing products and services to best meet the needs and preferences of our customers,” Walgreens spokesman Brian Faith said in an email to CNBC.'
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/27/walgreens-to-sell-cbd-products-in-some-stores.html


'CVS heard from its customers. They want CBD.

The drugstore chain last week started selling CBD, short for cannabidiol products, in eight states. The products include topicals such as creams, sprays, roll-ons, lotions and salves.

“Anecdotally, we’ve heard from our customers that have used those products that, gee, it’s helped with pain relief for arthritis and other ailments,” CVS CEO Larry Merlo said Thursday in an interview with CNBC’s Jim Cramer.

CVS specified that it’s not selling any CBD-containing supplements or food additives.'
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/21/cvs-starts-selling-cbd-products-in-some-states-after-hearing-from-customers.html


'Gallagher also declined recommendations to add muscular dystrophy, Tourette’s syndrome, eczema and psoriasis as qualifying conditions for the state’s medical cannabis program. She agreed to add obstructive sleep apnea.'
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/top-n-m-health-official-rejects-use-of-marijuana-for/article_176f9075-5694-5703-b27d-fdc2e4484182.html

 

 
'As I began using stuff every day, or often several times a day, I stopped drinking and going out at night. When you use junk you don't drink. Seemingly, the body that has a quantity of junk in its cells will not absorb alcohol. The liquor stays in the stomach, slowly building up nausea, discomfort, and dizziness, and there is no kick. Using junk would be a sure cure for alcoholics. I also stopped bathing. When you use junk the feel of water on the skin is unpleasant for some reason, and junkies are reluctant to take a bath.' - Junky, William S Burroughs, 1977, originally published in 1953