Pure Canna Balm

 

The Effect of Hemp on Skin

 

Hemp oil or hempseed oil is obtained by pressing hemp seeds. Cold pressed, unrefined hemp oil is dark to clear light green in color, with a nutty flavour. The darker the color, the grassier the flavour. Hempseed oil is manufactured from varieties of Cannabis sativa that do not contain significant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), the psychoactive element present in the cannabis plant. This manufacturing process typically includes cleaning the seed to 99.99% before pressing the oil. There is no THC within the hempseed, although trace amounts of THC may be found in hempseed oil when plant matter adheres to the seed surface during manufacturing. The modern production of hempseed oil, particularly in Canada, has successfully lowered THC values since 1998.[8] Regular accredited sampling of THC in Canadian hemp seed oil shows THC levels usually below detection limit of 4 ppm (parts per million, or 4 mg/kg). Legal limit for THC content in foodstuffs in Canada is 10 ppm. Some European countries have limits of 5ppm or none-detected, some EU countries do not have such limits at all.

 

 

 

Confirming that the historical uses of hemp are in fact effective, recent studies have shown that hemp has antibacterial, anti inflammatory, anti-cancer and immune-modulating properties.This means it may be effective on skin infections, burns, rashes and other skin problems. Most of the evidence that hemp ointments and lotions work when applied topically is anecdotal, although studies have begun to be published.

 

Different parts of the hemp plant have been suggested for topical use. The seeds of the plant are made up of 

essential fatty acids and protein, and are considered to have therapeutic effects. The fatty acid, linoleic acid, in 

particular, is recommended for relief from the skin diseases eczema and psoriasis. It is also believed to provide some 

relief for osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. The buds, leaves, and trichomes (resin 

glands) are the parts of the plant most commonly used for creating topical preparations. Hashish made from these 

parts of the plant can also be used.

 

 Only rarely has a study looked at topical applications of hemp, but at least one study found that nerve and mast cells in human skin contain cannabinoid receptors. This would indicate that topical application of hemp could have an effect on skin conditions.

 

In fact, at least one study showed that topical cannabinoids have a positive effect on severe itching. In that 2006 

German study, researchers found that 14 of 22 patients had reduction in severe pruritis (itching) with application of 

the endocannabinoid N-palmitoyl ethanolamine (PEA).The PEA was applied in an emollient cream to the skin. No 

patient experienced side effects.

 

A more recent study, in 2007, looked at how the cannabinoid receptors in mice become ac tivated by administration of 

cannabinoids, significantly decreasing inflammation caused by contact skin allergy.The study's authors suggest that 

cannabinoid compounds such as those produced by cannabis plant may provide an enhancement to therapeutic 

treatment for humans. On the flip side of these beneficial effects is the possibility that hemp may cause some of the 

very skin problems it is used to treat. A 1983 article in the Western Journal of Medicine noted that many people who 

have a sensitivity or an allergic reaction to airborne plant pollens, including some in other botanical families, may 

develop contact dermatitis or urticaria (hives) as a result of prolonged exposure to cannabis (such as trimming, or 

other work in the industry that requires handling). Another potential, but less likely, risk may be anaphylactic reaction. 

A 1971 medical article noted such an effect from smoking cannabis.

 

While the studies cited addressed the effect of cannabinoids on external skin conditions—something that can be readily 

observed and proven true or not true—the question remains as to whether cannabinoids can effectively permeate the 

skin barrier to affect internal conditions, or even joint pain..

 

A 1987 study from Israel investigated the skin permeation behavior of a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in both rat and 

human skin in vitro. The researchers found rat skin much more permeable than human skin. They also found that "24 

hours after application the drug was concentrated in the stratum corneum, in the upper epidermis, and around the hair 

follicles..." In other words, it doesn't penetrate very deep. However, using a permeation enhancer (oleic acid) on the 

rat skin only, they found a sustained concentration in the blood for about 24 hours. This study still leaves open the 

question of whether topically applying THC to human skin can deliver it to the bloodstream.

 

Cannabinoids are similar to opioids in that they inhibit pain by interacting with specific receptors within the pain 

pathways. At least two patent applications have been filed for transdermal delivery systems and various other 

methods have been suggested. Some people claim that using ethyl alcohol (such as vodka) as a medium for hemp

more effectively delivers cannabinoids to the body through the skin. While it is true that ethyl alcohol can be absorbed 

through the skin, no comparative studies have been done comparing the effectiveness of cannabis-infused alcohol with 

hemp-infused oils in delivering hemp cannabinoids through the skin. A skin patch, similar to those used for delivering 

certain opiates and hormones, would have to be large enough and contain a large enough dose to overcome the low 

absorption rate of human skin. The scalp (which has the fatty sebaceous glands and hair follicles) may provide the best 

possibility for absorption of hemp cannabinoids into the human body. In addition, DMSO  or oleic acid could be used to enhance the penetration into the skin. However, many of the properties of DMSO are the same as those of hemp, which could potentially confound a study on the effectiveness of hemp.