Cannabis and the skin
“The skin serves many purposes, mainly it protects us from the environment, manages hormones and temperature, and signals the nervous and immune systems when problems arise. Those signals allow receptors to activate anti-microbial peptides, lipids, also inflammatory cytokines to help bring things back to normal. One of those signaling systems involved with skin homeostasis and regeneration is the heavily studied cutaneous endocannabinoid system. Studies have found that the cannabinoid system has an impact on dry skin, hair growth, keratin, inflammatory skin disorders, and well, skin cancer. Notably, cannabis is not the only plant with cannabinoids, other plants that react with cannabinoid receptors include not only echinacea (Echinacea spp.) and its compound N-alkylamide, turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains the cannabinoid curcumin, but also other plants that contain β-caryophyllene..”
Cannabis essential oil
A relatively new area of research is surrounded around Cannabis sativa essential oil, which is the product of steamed distilled live, fresh leaves. So far, we know that β-caryophyllene is the major compound in Cannabis essential oil, and the compound directly linked to the CB2 receptor. Researchers have reported that 𝛽-caryophyllene may be useful in treating neuropathic pain, anxiety, and depression. Other compounds in the essential oil include myrcene, limonene, pinene, terpinolene, ect., individually showing a unique mix of relaxant, sedative, antioxidant, or anxiolytic benefits.
Like many essential oils, Cannabis essential oil has shown exciting antibacterial properties. Though the research is still unfolding, Cannabis essential oils have shown to have a relaxing effect on the nervous system. Researchers in Italy took it a step further and initiated the research on the effect of Cannabis essential oil on the brain, measuring brain wave activity, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature. The subjects felt more calm, relaxed, energetic, and were in a better mood with an increased appetite after the study, remaining fairly consistent with the effects of consuming or using any type of cannabis product, except without the psychoactive effects of THC of course. This was a small study, but expect to hear about more research on the benefits of Cannabis essential oil over the next few years to decade.
This is part of a Tahoe Petrichor published article was Featured in the August 2020 issue of Tahoe Cannabis & Vegas Cannabis magazines.