Medical Marijuana and Psoriasis: What Research Shows

Can medical marijuana help psoriasis? It has not been proven to. We found two trials of CBD in people with psoriasis, and in the 2026 trial, oral CBD oil did not significantly lower severity scores compared with placebo. Some people try CBD or cannabis oil anyway, but FDA has not approved marijuana itself for psoriasis or any other condition.

Below, we look at the links between marijuana and psoriasis, what is known about CBD for psoriasis, and why your dermatologist’s plan comes first.

What is Psoriasis?

Knowing how psoriasis works helps explain why cannabis has been studied for it.

Psoriasis is a long-lasting immune disease: an overactive immune system makes skin cells multiply too quickly, forming scaly, inflamed patches. They can cause blotches and red patches, and they can be itchy and painful, which many people find hard to live with.

Types of Psoriasis

There are several types of psoriasis, and the symptoms differ depending on which type you have.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, with raised red patches covered by silvery scales. Guttate psoriasis looks like small red dots, often in children or young adults.

Inverse psoriasis causes smooth red patches in skin folds such as the armpits or groin. Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled bumps, usually on the hands and feet.

Two randomized trials have tested CBD in people with psoriasis: a 2022 study of a topical CBD treatment and a 2026 trial of oral CBD oil in 28 adults with plaque psoriasis.

Can Medical Marijuana Help Psoriasis?

Medical marijuana has not been shown to help psoriasis: in the 2026 trial, 60 mg a day of oral CBD oil did not significantly lower psoriasis severity scores compared with placebo. Psoriasis has no cure, and treatment aims to calm flares and keep symptoms under control, NIAMS says.

A 2007 lab study found cannabinoids slowed the growth of human skin cells in a dish; a lab result like this does not show the same effect in people with psoriasis.

Whether cannabis oil or CBD for psoriasis eases skin inflammation in people is unknown; inflamed, scaly patches are the hallmark of the disease.

The mental toll and stress of psoriasis is real, and NIH describes only a small amount of evidence that cannabinoids ease anxiety. Psoriasis can weigh on mental health, and support for stress and mood should come from your doctor or a mental health professional.

What Research Shows About Cannabis for Psoriasis

The evidence so far is thin: a 2026 trial found oral CBD oil did not significantly reduce psoriasis severity, though itch scores dropped for a time, and slower skin cell growth has only been seen in lab dishes.

Evidence for CBD for pain relief is limited too, and more studies are needed before anyone can say cannabis or CBD products help psoriasis.

CBD Oil and Psoriasis: What to Know First

CBD oil is sold as drops, capsules and creams, including beauty products and creams that have CBD, but FDA says CBD products cannot be sold as dietary supplements, and it has approved no CBD product for psoriasis. Ask your dermatologist which proven treatments fit you before adding CBD.

Where is Medical Marijuana Legal in the United States?

In states with medical programs, a clinician’s certification lets patients buy from licensed dispensaries. Medical marijuana’s legality varies from state to state; by June 2022 a peer-reviewed count put medical cannabis laws in 38 states plus DC. States with medical programs include:

• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• West Virginia

Different states have different rules about the amount of cannabis you can possess and how you get access to medical marijuana. Check the rules in the state where you live before you buy marijuana.

For CBD, rules differ: hemp CBD may contain up to 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight under current federal law, which a 2025 law narrows from November 12, 2026, while a 2026 law delays its per-container THC limit and its rule on natural cannabinoids made outside the plant until December 11, 2026, unless Congress changes the dates again. Some states allow hemp CBD where marijuana is not legal.

If you live in Florida, the physician at our Sarasota office can explain the state’s rules. Psoriasis is not on Florida’s list, and a qualified physician would have to judge it of the same kind or class as, or comparable to, one of the listed conditions other than a terminal condition or chronic nonmalignant pain; that decision is at the physician’s discretion, and certification is never promised. Elsewhere, check your state regulator.

Last updated October 28, 2026 by the Dr. Green Relief Editorial Team.

Sources

• NIAMS. Psoriasis
• Wilkinson JD, et al. Cannabinoids inhibit human keratinocyte proliferation through a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism. J Dermatol Sci. 2007 (PubMed)
• NCCIH. Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know
• FDA. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Steuart SR, et al. State Variation in U.S. Medical Cannabis Limits, Restrictions, and Therapeutic Cannabis Dosing. Cannabis. 2023 (PubMed)
• Public Law 119-37 (2025), Div. B sec. 781, hemp definition (govinfo)
• Public Law 119-103 (2026), Div. B sec. 2019, hemp effective dates (govinfo)
• The 2026 Florida Statutes, s. 381.986, Medical use of marijuana (Florida Senate)
• Puaratanaarunkon T, et al. Topical cannabidiol-based treatment for psoriasis: A dual-centre randomized placebo-controlled study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022 (PubMed)
• Roongpisuthipong W, et al. Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol oil in psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2026 (PubMed)