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The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol in Skin Conditions

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“Background: Dermatological disorders can have a negative impact on quality of life. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa L. plant. It has multiple molecular targets, many of which are expressed in the skin, and may have therapeutic potential in several skin conditions.

Aims: This review aims to provide an overview of preclinical and clinical studies of CBD in dermatological disorders.

Methods: Literature searches were conducted using databases including PubMed and Google Scholar using the search terms: (‘cannabidiol’ OR ‘CBD’) AND ‘skin’, ‘acne’, ‘psoriasis’, ‘dermatitis’, and ‘wound healing’. Studies were included if they were original research articles focused on CBD and skin conditions.

Results: Preclinical evidence suggests that CBD may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, while evidence for skin moisturizing properties suggests possible cosmetic benefits. To date, there is limited clinical evidence that CBD may be beneficial in the treatment of acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis, as well as for cosmetic purposes including improving skin hydration, elasticity, and protection against skin aging.

Conclusions: There is some evidence indicating the therapeutic potential of CBD for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis, and possible utility for cosmetic purposes. Several clinical trials involving the topical application of CBD for skin conditions are currently ongoing, and the results of these trials will be important in determining the therapeutic potential of CBD.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41178006/

“CBD may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis, with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and potential anti-pruritic effects.”

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.70527

Selective activation of cannabinoid receptors by cannabis terpenes

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“Terpenes are aromatic compounds abundantly present in plants, including cannabis. Emerging preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that certain terpenes exhibit pharmacological effects in various physiological and psychological conditions. Yet, their molecular mechanisms of action, particularly in cannabis preparations, remain poorly understood.

We have previously reported results of activating cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) by several terpenes that are most common in cannabis. Here we employed the same Xenopus oocytes functional heterologous expression system to complement the CB1R data and to study the activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) by sixteen individual cannabis terpenes and by terpene mixtures.

Employing receptor- induced GIRK currents as a measure for receptor activation, dose-dependent responses were found for many of these terpenes, reaching a maximal response of about 10-60 % the activation elicited by THC. Terpenes’ apparent EC50 at CB1R and CB2R were similar to, or lower than those obtained for THC at the same apparatus, suggesting lower efficacy but equivalent or even improved potency. At CB2R, multiple terpenes reach ‘clinical effect level’ at concentration equivalent or lower than those of THC (≥ 0.1 µM). Per a given receptor, terpenes differ in their activation level. Additionally, terpenes act differently at the two receptors, giving room for receptor selectivity.

Our results support the role of cannabis terpenes as partial agonists at CB1R and CB2R and provide the basis for selecting terpenes or terpene mixture for affecting physiological functions involving these receptors. These results may further contribute to our understanding of terpenes’ medicinal effects.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41173057/

“Terpenes, a vast and chemically diverse class of organic compounds, are widely recognized for imparting characteristic aromas and flavors to plants, including Cannabis sativa. More than 200 terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, with approximately 20 being the most prevalent, including myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, terpinolene, β-caryophyllene, and humulene.”

“Collectively, these findings suggest a pharmacological basis for incorporating specific terpenes into ECS-focused product design and warrant further research into their tissue-specific activity, and synergistic potential when used in combination with cannabinoids or other therapeutic agents. The broad availability and favorable safety profiles of many terpenes further support their potential as accessible, scalable, and customizable tools in the modulation of endocannabinoid signaling.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295225007634?via%3Dihub

Hemp seed protein exerts its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects through degradation into short peptides

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“This study aimed to investigate the effects of hemp seed protein (HSP) on glucose and lipid metabolism and its possible mechanisms.

In a high-fat-induced mouse obesity model, HSP supplementation significantly reduced serum TC (Total cholesterol), TG (Triglycerides), and LDL-C (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels by 28 % (P < 0.001), 34 % (P < 0.001), and 40 % (P < 0.001) respectively, compared to the model group, while HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol) increased by 77 % (P < 0.001).

Hepatic lipid accumulation was alleviated, and glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity improved. In vitro, HSP hydrolysates exhibited stronger inhibitory activity against pancreatic α-amylase and lipase than HSP itself. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified three hemp seed peptides from HSP hydrolysates, which interacted with AKT1, PPARG, and HMGCR.

These findings suggest that the metabolic regulatory effects of HSP are mediated by bioactive peptides that inhibit digestive enzymes and regulate AMPK-AKT1/PPARG/HMGCR metabolism pathway, providing insights into its potential as a functional health food.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40279904/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814625016577?via%3Dihub

Phytochemical Profile, Extraction and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Felina 32 Variety

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“An efficient method for the simultaneous extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes from the leaves and flowers of Cannabis sativa L. (var. Felina 32) was developed.

Extraction parameters, including solvent type, temperature, and pressure, were optimized, revealing that hexane enables high-yield cannabinoid recovery. Moreover, terpene composition was influenced by the extraction temperature. Two extracts with the highest cannabinoid content were selected for further study, Feli1 (64.76%) and Feli2 (61.32%), both obtained using hexane. Feli1, extracted at -55 °C, had a monoterpene-to-sesquiterpene ratio of 16.7% to 83.3%, while Feli2, extracted at 25 °C, showed a higher monoterpene content (25.2%) and lower sesquiterpene content (74.8%).

Both extracts demonstrated selective antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines, with reduced toxicity toward normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A). Feli2 showed slightly stronger antiproliferative effects, likely due to its higher monoterpene content. At low concentrations, both extracts stimulated the growth of MV4-11 leukemia and MDA-MB-468 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, while higher concentrations led to growth inhibition. These stimulatory effects were weaker than those observed for pure Δ9-THC or CBD.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41157165/

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/20/4148

Venous Thromboembolism and Coagulation Biomarker Changes in Trauma Patients Using Cannabis

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“Prior studies showed contradictory results regarding the impact of cannabinoids on thromboembolic events in trauma patients. The goal of the study was to investigate the association of cannabinoids to venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Records for all trauma patients admitted to the level one trauma center aged 14 years and above between October 18, 2019 and December 29, 2023 with urine drug screening (UDS) and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results were included for collection. Patients testing positive for cannabinoids and patients testing negative for cannabinoids that were also negative for other illicit drugs and for alcohol were included in the final analysis primarily examining VTE occurrence, along with secondary outcomes in mortality, hospital length of stay, discharge disposition, and coagulation-related biomarkers. One-to-one propensity score matching analysis was performed.

Patient population was mostly white (78.8%), mostly male (71.5%), had a median age of 46, and a median ISS of 17. Out of 302 patients, 226 tested negative and 76 tested positive for cannabinoids. In the matched analysis, no difference was observed in rates of VTE (7.4% vs 4.4%, P = .683) or in platelet count (median [IQR], 260 [215-304] vs 260 [211-306], P = .790). No significant differences were found between the groups on coagulation profiles, complications, or other outcomes.

This study failed to identify significant differences between coagulation-related biomarkers and VTE incidence of adolescent and adult, trauma patients who tested positive for cannabinoids vs those that tested negative for cannabinoids.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41160914/

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00031348251393925

Acute and Subchronic Exposure to Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Leaf Oil: Impacts on Vital Organs in Sprague-Dawley Rats

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“Background/Objectives: Hemp (Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa) is a plant within the Cannabis sativa species and utilized for several applications, including antioxidation, antihypertension, and anti-inflammation. To our knowledge, no prior study has assessed the acute and sub-chronic oral safety of hemp leaf oil in Sprague-Dawley rats under Thailand-compliant THC levels. This study investigates the acute and sub-chronic effects of Hemp leaf oil (HLO) on the heart, liver, and kidneys of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. 

Methods: Six-week-old male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered HLO (1.5 mL/kg) intragastrically, either as a single dose or a repeat dose over 28 days. 

Results: No changes in body or organ weights were observed following acute and sub-chronic HLO administration in sex-matched groups. Moreover, blood pressure and heart rate remained comparable across groups after acute and sub-chronic HLO treatment. Both acute and sub-chronic administration of HLO did not influence electrolyte balance, liver enzymes, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, or creatinine levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed the normal morphology of the heart, liver, and kidneys in rats subjected to HLO, during both acute and sub-chronic treatment. 

Conclusions: In conclusion, our data suggested that both acute and sub-chronic administration of HLO at 1.5 mL/kg could be safe for the vital organs. These findings support the potential use of HLO in therapeutic applications, particularly in scenarios when the safety of essential organs is at stake.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41155551/

“These results support the safety effect of HLO treatment and the prospective application of HLO in preclinical research or clinical settings. This safety profile supports the extension of research into many domains, including dose-escalation studies and extended chronic toxicity assessments. This will strengthen the evidence base for any future clinical development of HLO.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/10/1437

Unlike Tobacco Users, Documented Cannabis Users Are Not at an Increased Risk of Adverse Events After Total Hip Arthroplasty

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“Background: Perioperative tobacco use has been identified as an independent risk factor for adverse events after total hip arthroplasty (THA). It is unknown if perioperative cannabis users share similar levels of risk for adverse events after THA.

Methods: Patients undergoing THA were identified from the 2010 to 2021 PearlDiver M151 administrative data set. Patient subcohorts were categorized based on presence or absence of cannabis and/or tobacco use, as determined by coding. These subcohorts were equally matched based on patient age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index scores to form groups of nonusers, tobacco users, tobacco and cannabis users, as well as cannabis users. The incidences of adverse events within 90 days postoperatively were obtained and compared using univariate and multivariate analyses that controlled for age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. Bonferroni correction was applied.

Results: Of 494,431 THA patients, nonusers were 442,000 (89.40%), tobacco users 46,925 (9.50%), tobacco and cannabis users 3,390 (0.69%), and cannabis users 2,116 (0.43%). After matching, there were 1,897 in each group. By multivariate analyses, tobacco-only users were at significantly greater risk of severe adverse events, sepsis, and pneumonia (P < 0.001 for each). Tobacco and cannabis users were at significantly greater risk of severe adverse events, myocardial infarction, pneumonia, and readmission (P < 0.001 for each). Conversely, cannabis-only users were not at significantly greater risk for any of the combined or individual adverse events assessed.

Discussion: This study confirmed that THA patients with tobacco-only use were at greater risk of perioperative adverse events and that these were relatively similar to those with concurrent tobacco and cannabis use. However, cannabis-only users were not at greater risk, a finding that is of clinical interest given the evolving access and increasing use of this agent.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41144882/

https://journals.lww.com/jaaos/abstract/9900/unlike_tobacco_users,_documented_cannabis_users.1503.aspx

Exploring Cannabidiol’s Role in Regenerative Medicine: Focus on Neural and Skeletal Tissues

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“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic compound found in plants of the Cannabis genus, extensively studied for its therapeutic potential. Research has shown that CBD possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative properties, and may contribute to the recovery of neural and bone tissues.

In light of the aging population and the resulting rise in neurodegenerative and osteodegenerative conditions, exploring novel therapeutic strategies that promote cellular regeneration is increasingly important.

This review aims to compile and critically analyze key studies published in recent decades regarding the effects of CBD on the regeneration of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as bone tissue.

Findings from in vivo studies indicate that CBD can attenuate inflammatory responses, inhibit oxidative stress, and modulate cellular pathways involved in tissue repair, thereby supporting neuronal and bone regeneration. Moreover, evidence suggests that CBD may protect cells from structural damage, enhancing the functional recovery of affected tissues.

Despite scientific advances highlighting cannabidiol as a promising agent for bone and nerve regeneration, its therapeutic application still faces significant limitations. The primary challenge lies in the lack of robust clinical trials in humans, as most existing evidence is derived from in vitro and in vivo studies, making it difficult to confirm its efficacy and safety in clinical contexts. Additionally, CBD’s low bioavailability-due to first-pass hepatic metabolism-hinders dose standardization and reduces the predictability of therapeutic outcomes.

Compounding these issues are regulatory constraints and the persistent social stigma surrounding cannabis-derived compounds, which further impede their integration and acceptance in regenerative medicine. Therefore, future research is essential to validate the therapeutic benefits of CBD and to establish its clinical applicability in treating neurological and bone disorders.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41153773/

“Collectively, these effects underscore the potential of CBD as a regenerative agent in pathological conditions related to aging, trauma, and neurodegenerative or musculoskeletal disorders. This review offers a comprehensive synthesis of current findings, emphasizing the innovative potential of cannabidiol (CBD) as a minimally invasive and multifunctional therapeutic strategy for the regeneration of nerve and bone tissues.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/10/2490

Evaluation of the Effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) on Gingival and Skin Keratinocyte Growth, Migration, Metabolic Activity, and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion

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“Background: Cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (∆-9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have been proposed for topical medicinal use as a treatment for tissue inflammation. In this context, keratinocytes are the first cells that encounter cannabinoids. The present study evaluated the dose-response relationship between different concentrations of THC and CBD and their effects on human skin and gingival keratinocyte growth and migration, to identify suitable non-toxic concentrations of cannabinoids. 

Methods: Human gingival and skin keratinocytes were exposed to CBD or THC at different concentrations for 24 h, and then cell adhesion, morphology, and growth/viability were assessed. The effects of cannabinoids on keratinocyte migration were evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 h. Cytotoxicity of CBD and THC against keratinocyte cells was assessed using an LHD cytotoxicity test. Cell metabolic profiles were evaluated using Mito and Glyco Stress Assays. The anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis derivatives were assessed against LPS-stimulated keratinocytes. Data analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA. 

Results: Only high concentrations (10 and 20 μg/mL) of CBD and THC were cytotoxic to gingival and skin keratinocytes, reduced cell adhesion and growth, and were associated with a delay in cell migration after wounding. Cells exposed to high concentrations (20 μg/mL) of cannabinoids displayed high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and changes in mitochondrial activities. CBD induced a metabolic shift in skin keratinocyte cells toward glycolysis, while reducing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. In contrast, THC did not alter the metabolic profile of skin keratinocytes. Interestingly, both CBD and THC significantly reduced the LPS-induced inflammatory response by decreasing secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by gingival and skin keratinocytes. 

Conclusions: Gingival and skin keratinocytes interact differently with cannabinoids. Only high concentrations of cannabinoids were cytotoxic, suggesting that the use of low concentrations of CBD and THC for topical medicinal applications may help control tissue inflammation.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41153821/

“Overall, results from this study suggest that CBD and THC may be used in different formulations (e.g., as a moisturizing lotion or spray) in order to manage tissue inflammation caused by pathological conditions, such as lichen planus, dermatitis, and psoriasis.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/10/2541

Efficacy of cannabis oil on appetite and quality of life in systemic sclerosis patients: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

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“Background: The efficacy of cannabinoids as appetite stimulants in chronic wasting disorders is well established; however, their role in systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains to be elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cannabis oil on appetite, inflammatory markers, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events in patients with SSc compared to placebo.

Methods: A randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 27 SSc patients with anorexia or malnutrition, according to sample size analysis. Patients with overlap connective tissue diseases, malignancies, or severe medical conditions were excluded. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either cannabis oil or placebo (two drops sublingual twice daily). The endpoints included changes in appetite grading using the visual analogue scale (VAS), body weight (BW), daily calorie intake, inflammatory markers, and QoL assessed using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D).

Results: Thirteen patients in each group completed the study (66.7% were female, and 77.9% had diffuse cutaneous SSc). The cannabinoid group trended toward greater improvements in appetite, satisfaction with eating, ability to eat more, BW, daily calorie intake, health VAS, and reduced inflammatory markers than the placebo group, although the differences were not statistically significant. Transferrin, transforming growth factor-β, and serum albumin levels did not differ between the groups. The VAS score for hunger significantly increased in the treatment group (p < 0.001) but not in the placebo group. One patient in the treatment group developed severe hyponatremia and was withdrawn from the study.

Conclusion: Cannabis oil showed a trend toward improving appetite, BW, calorie intake, and QoL in SSc patients with anorexia, though most results were not statistically significant. Hunger VAS scores increased significantly, and inflammatory markers showed some reduction. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41137182/

“Cannabis oil demonstrated a trend toward improving appetite, satisfaction with eating, body weight, daily calorie intake, and quality of life in SSc patients with anorexia or malnutrition.”

https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-025-00342-3