Cannabis infused products and research are at the forefront of the industry. Due to the plant’s plentiful health benefits, products containing hemp, CBD, and THC are becoming increasingly popular across all markets, particularly the skin care industry.
Cosmetic companies have embraced the many natural benefits of hemp, CBD and THC. Studies have shown these compounds to be effective in treating conditions such as acne, burns, eczema and arthritis, to name only a few. Both consumers and investors are becoming more interested in niche markets, such as medicinal skin care products.
Among the growing niche markets are topicals: oils, creams, lotions, patches, etc. and products intended to relieve pain and treat a variety of ailments, including skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with more than 5.4 million people diagnosed each year, as reported by the American Cancer Society.
Many patients are turning to cannabis-based topicals to treat symptoms of skin cancer.
Rick Simpson oils (RSOs) are among the most popular. In 2003, Rick Simpson cured his own metastatic skin cancer through the use of hemp oil, as stated on the company’s official website. Since, he has developed an inventory of high-grade oils made from hash and cannabis, which contain a list of concentrated cannabinoids, including CBD and THC.
In addition to patient testimonials, research has shown cannabis to be quite effective in treating skin cancer. Studies, including one conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, have found cannabinoids to reduce up to 90 percent of skin cancer within just a 20-week period.
Researchers have also found cannabis to be effective in halting the growth of new tumors.
According to a peer review study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, certain phytocannabinoids (including THC and CBD) show significant potential in treating – and perhaps even curing — many skin conditions. These chemical compounds are suggested to aid in turning off the DNA activity that results in skin cancer and other skin diseases.
Though more research is needed, there are many companies who are committed to the healing powers of cannabis. Aside from oils, those with skin cancer are also opting for transdermal patches, such as those offered by Colorado-based business, Mary’s Medicinals which also makes gels, mixes and capsules. These patches are shown to be efficient at delivering a steady source of cannabinoids that are needed to fight cancer.
Patches also help to treat inflammation and PTSD. Mary Medicinal’s award winning 2×2 patches contain THC, CBD and CBN, and are designed to be discreet, and absorbed through the skin, which delivers medicine directly into the bloodstream.
Infused topical treatments are shown to be effective in diminishing and even eliminating early to late stage growth, especially in conjunction with RSOs or FECOs (full extract cannabis oil), said Eric Minor, owner of HBK Topicals. The company provides a variety of cannabis infused skincare products used to treat skin conditions.
“When it comes to outright metastasized late stage growths, it takes a raw cannabis oil, such as RSO or FECO, applied directly to the growths and taken orally,” he explained, though it varies from patient to patient. “We have noticed better success using a 1:1 THC/CBD ratio to fight various conditions.”
“Most topicals come in lower dosages than what’s needed to combat ‘late’ stage metastasized growths.” However, he adds that “topicals are very effective in the destruction of cancer cells by adding in a multitude of essential oils, fats and compounds that already show major benefits in combating cancer.” Though more documentation is needed, HBK Topical’s customers have reported success in treating symptoms.
“We fully believe in the ying and yang effect of the two cannabinoids versus many of the other products available to the community that use either just THC or CBD,” said Minor. In other words, cannabis-based treatments are most effective when utilizing a spectrum of cannabinoids together.
There are many products on the market that show promise in utilizing cannabis as an effective form of medicine. Though we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface, research and patient testimonials have shown the plant to have significant potential in treating, and even curing, skin cancer.
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