LIFESTYLE NEWS - Is it legal? There are two main varieties of cannabis - cannabis sativa (also known as marijuana, dagga, boom, and a bunch of other names) and cannabis indica (also known as hemp). Hemp is legally grown around the world and used in many industrial products, including textiles.
The main active molecule in marijuana is THC, or tetrahydrocannabidiol, a psychoactive molecule that makes you high. Hemp, on the other hand, may not legally contain more than 0,03% THC, but is otherwise identical. Its main active molecule is CBD, or cannabidiol. CBD has no psychoactive activity but does have many health benefits, the one of interest to us here being skincare. In August last year the DOH downgraded CBD from Schedule 6 to Schedule 4, for internal, therapeutic purposes, i.e. it is available from doctors on prescription.
Why does CBD have health benefits?
The endocannabinoid system, or ECM, is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout our nervous systems (including the brain).
It was only discovered in the late 80s and unfortunately, due to legal constraints, formal research to figure out the real value of compounds like CBD was only recently started.
The skin produces endocannabinoid molecules such as anandamide. These endocannabinoids are constantly released in specific amounts, depending on the "healthy need" of the organ, resulting in the skin's "cannabinoid tone". Since these endocannabinoids can cross the blood-brain barrier, they are able to act on areas of the brain too. Some of us are aware of anandamide, which is produced following strenuous exercise. In the case of anandamide, it produces a euphoric effect, sometimes known as "runner's high".
Not surprising then that CBD is finding application in treating a multitude of mental and nervous system conditions, such as depression and epilepsy. CBD from marijuana is the same as CBD from hemp.
CBD and your skin
Excitingly, CBD receptors have been found in almost every cell type in the skin, from the superficial to the deeper skin layers. Endocannabinoid molecules are synthesised by several cell types in the skin, hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The skin's cannabinoid tone constantly affects all compartments of the skin, as endocannabinoids act on various cell types and contribute to their healthy physiological function.
In the second part of this article we will help show just how effective CBD can be for the treatment of eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, acne and even anti-ageing. OptoDerm recently launched a medical grade CBD cream and serum, specifically for skincare applications. It is not intended as a medicine, to treat or cure any conditions, but more for general skin well-being and not for internal use. It is currently only available through our medical stockists including Eden MediSpa.
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