Effects of CBD, THC, and Minor Cannabinoids Studied for Atopic Dermatitis

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A recently published review examined the research on the use of cannabinoids for atopic dermatitis (AD) (1). As the study explains, this skin disease can result in itching, dry skin, and inflammation from the loss of function of the skin barrier. Adverse effects associated with long term use of topical treatments containing glucocorticoids point to the need for alternatives, the researchers explain, also noting that some studies have examined cannabinol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alongside palmitoyletanolamide (PEA) and dronabinol for anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. The study, “Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for treating atopic dermatitis,” was published in the Journal of Cannabis Research in August 2025, and focused on cannabis compounds including natural and synthetic, clinical and preclinical evidence, and legislative challenges.

The lack of safety data and clinical experience has resulted limited topical use of cannabinoids for treating atopic dermatitis and the need for more research, the researchers explain. For this review, researchers examined articles related to the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids published from 2020–2024 from Science Direct, Pubmed, and Web of Science databases. Older articles were also examined for information on methods and concepts. More than a dozen search terms were used, including “filaggrin”, “glucocorticoids”, and “topical medications.”

Overall, the researchers concluded that though results can be contradictory, there is substantial therapeutic potential for cannabinoids as a complementary treatment for AD, in medicinal products and as active ingredients in cosmetic products.

Some noteworthy findings from the review included:

• Cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC) have shown potential for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties
• One study examined CBD in increasing antioxidant mechanisms activity and helping reduce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
• Formulations containing CBD and THC showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, S. aureus, and Paenibacillus larvae
• Oral administration of cannabinoids was examined as a possibly viable method compared to topical application

In terms of legislative barriers to cannabinoid research, the researchers noted the potential for innovation in cannabinoid products, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. “Is important to underscore the urgent need for the harmonization and liberalization of regulatory frameworks regarding Cannabis sativa among the countries, in order to facilitate the continued advancement of scientific research, industrial production, and the therapeutic use of cannabinoid-based products for medical purposes,” they explained.

Cannabinoids, atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions have been explored in other studies published earlier this year as well. In a four-week, open label study, “Improvement in Atopic Dermatitis Using a Novel Topical 2% Cannabidiol (CBD) Application,” 19 participants applied the topical cannabinoid application daily, with measurements taken at one, two, four and eight weeks (2). Participants reported improvements in and analysis of hydration, comfort, relief, inflammation, and overall skin appearance.

Additionally, in a case series, titled “Evaluation of Biophysical Parameters of the Skin of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis After Application of an Ointment Containing 30% Cannabidiol and 5% Cannabigerol,” nine patients applied the cannabinoid ointment before bed to their forearms and covered with a wet wrap dressing (3). Improvements in skin parameters, such as hydration and oil levels, were seen at four weeks, but were more pronounced at eight weeks. Overall, the researchers in this study concluded the noninvasive method was demonstrated to be effective. “The topical delivery of the ointment compounded with Cannabis Sativa L. var. sativa oil, cholesterol ointment, 30% CBD, and 5% CBG led to the remission of skin lesions on the forearms of the included patients,” they stated in the conclusion.

References

1. Stoco, AAG.; Mazzola, PG. Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for treating atopic dermatitis. J Cannabis Res 2025, 7, 57. DOI: 10.1186/s42238-025-00317-4
2. Hakim, S., Goel, S., Papastergiou, J. and Goldberg, DJ. Improvement in Atopic Dermatitis Using a Novel Topical 2% Cannabidiol (CBD) Application. Dermatological Reviews 2025 6(2) DOI: 10.1002/der2.70024
3. Burczyk, DD.; Wcisło – Dziadecka, D.; Olczyk, P.; Chełmecka, E.; Burczyk, WK. Evaluation of Biophysical Parameters of the Skin of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis After Application of an Ointment Containing 30% Cannabidiol and 5% Cannabigerol. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2025. DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S472746