I’ve suffered from psoriasis for over twenty years.
It took me a while to realize the itchy, red rash on my knees and elbows wasn’t simply dry skin.
When the issue persisted over several months, I finally went to a doctor and got diagnosed with psoriasis. I learned that there is very little information available. No one is sure what causes psoriasis. It might be hereditary, due to stress or related to diet. There is also no known cure for it. Sometimes, the symptoms go away on their own. Most people experience unexplained flare ups, where the psoriasis worsens and spreads and then gets better for a while. I tried prescription medications that were extremely expensive and only provided temporary relief. The psoriasis quickly built up an immunity to every salve, ointment and lotion. Because of the potential for long-term side-effects, I soon turned to over-the-counter options and home remedies. Nothing helped. I was resigned to a lifelong struggle with scaly patches of skin that are painful and embarrassing. A couple of years ago, recreational cannabis was legalized in my state. I had read that people were having success treating a wide variety of skin problems with cannabis-infused topicals. Research has shown that cannabinoids and their receptors can limit the production of immature skin cells. I visited the dispensary right after the grand opening and spoke with one of the budtenders. He suggested full spectrum CBD oil that is applied directly to the affected areas. As a topical and CBD product, the oil causes no psychoactive effects and has no dosing restrictions. I’m able to apply the oil multiple times per day. It absorbs very quickly and smells lovely. The oil is infused with cannabis as well as essential oils such as lavender. Cannabis has made a huge improvement in my skin.