| Journal | The Journal of dermatological treatment |
| Study Type | Randomized Trial |
| Population | Human participants |
This represents one of the first rigorous randomized controlled trials examining oral CBD for psoriasis, addressing a significant knowledge gap in dermatological cannabis medicine. The study provides important safety data for oral CBD use in inflammatory skin conditions, even as efficacy results were mixed.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized 28 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis to receive either 60mg daily oral CBD oil or placebo. While the primary endpoint of PASI score improvement was not met, CBD demonstrated statistically significant reductions in itch scores by week 8 and temporary improvements in sleep onset latency at week 6. The small sample size limits statistical power, and the study duration may have been insufficient to capture CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects in this complex autoimmune condition. Adverse events were mild, supporting CBD’s safety profile at this dosing.
“I find the itch reduction particularly noteworthy since pruritus is often the most debilitating symptom for psoriasis patients, and we have limited effective treatments for this complaint. The lack of PASI improvement doesn’t surprise me given the dose and duration—psoriasis typically requires more aggressive intervention than 60mg daily CBD.”
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FAQ
Does CBD oil improve psoriasis severity scores compared to placebo?
No, this randomized controlled trial found that 60 mg/day of oral CBD oil did not demonstrate significant improvement in PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) scores compared to placebo. The primary outcome measure showed no clinically meaningful difference between CBD and placebo groups.
Yes, patients receiving CBD oil showed a notable reduction in itch scores by Week 8 of treatment. This represents one of the few positive findings from the study, suggesting CBD may have specific anti-pruritic effects even without improving overall disease severity.
Does CBD oil affect sleep quality in psoriasis patients?
CBD oil showed temporary improvement in sleep onset latency by Week 6, but this effect was not sustained throughout the treatment period. While there may be short-term sleep benefits, patients should not expect consistent long-term sleep improvements based on this evidence.
What is the recommended CBD oil dosage for psoriasis based on this study?
The study used 60 mg/day of oral CBD oil, but this dosage did not prove effective for improving psoriasis severity. Given the lack of efficacy for the primary outcome, there is insufficient evidence to recommend a specific therapeutic dosage for psoriasis treatment.
Is CBD oil safe for psoriasis patients to use?
The study found that adverse events were mild, suggesting CBD oil at 60 mg/day appears to have an acceptable safety profile. However, safety was monitored through laboratory assessments and adverse event reporting, and patients should consult healthcare providers before starting CBD oil treatment.