Report: Body Makes Cannabinoids, Good For skin

Scientists have discovered that our body makes chemical compounds similar to the active ingredient in marijuana known as THC. It also plays a vital part in the health of the skin.

Researchers from Hungary, Germany and the U.K. have discovered “endocannabinoids” in the human body that is similar to the active ingredient found in marijuana. The scientists are planning to create new drugs with endocannabinoids and treat skin conditions from acne to dry skin and skin-related tumors. Tamás Biró, MD, PhD, a senior scientist involved in the research and his team, treated cell cultures from human sebaceous glands that make the oil on our skin with various concentrations of endocannabinoids. The researchers measured the production of lipids (fat cells in skin oil), cell survival and death, and changes in gene expression. They compared this data with the untreated control group and found that endocannabinoids helps maintain a healthy skin. Gerald Weissmann, MD told ScienceDaily.com:

This research shows that we may have something in common with the marijuana plant...Just as THC is believed to protect the marijuana plants from pathogens, our own cannabinoids may be necessary for us to maintain healthy skin and to protect us from pathogens.

Tamás Biró and his team plan to use the endocannabinoids to manage skin disorders next and may also use them as a skin cream. This finding on endocannabinoids is available online via Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.