Last updated: October 2026
CBD hasn’t been shown to improve psoriasis. In the first placebo-controlled trial of CBD oil taken by mouth for psoriasis, published in 2026, 60mg a day for 8 weeks didn’t reduce severity scores, though itch eased for a while. Lab studies on skin cells are interesting, but people with psoriasis should stick with the NHS-recommended treatments.
Below: what the research shows, CBD oil vs balm on psoriasis skin, safety with psoriasis medicines, and what helps.
Does CBD help psoriasis? The research
| Study | What it found |
|---|---|
| Oral CBD trial, 2026 (28 adults, placebo-controlled) | 60mg a day for 8 weeks didn’t improve psoriasis severity (PASI). Itch scores fell by week 8 and people fell asleep faster at week 6, but the sleep effect didn’t last |
| CBD ointment case series, 2019 (5 people with psoriasis) | Skin scores improved over 3 months, but there was no comparison group, so it can’t show cause and effect |
| Skin cell study, 2007 (lab) | CBD and other cannabinoids slowed the growth of fast-dividing skin cells in a dish |
So far the only proper trial was small and found no effect on psoriasis itself. Larger, longer trials are needed before anyone can say CBD helps.
Why researchers are interested
In psoriasis, skin cells are replaced much faster than normal, building up into red or silvery scaly patches. The skin has its own cannabinoid receptors, and in the lab, cannabinoids slowed the overgrowth of skin cells. Lab results often don’t translate to people, which is why the 2026 trial matters more than the mechanism.
CBD oil vs balm on psoriasis skin
| Oil (taken by mouth) | Balm or cream (on the skin) | |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence for psoriasis | One small trial: no effect on severity | Very limited and small |
| Practical points | Can interact with some medicines | Patch test first; avoid broken or cracked skin |
iFragrances and essential oils can irritate psoriasis-prone skin. If you try any new product on your skin, test it on a small area for a couple of days first, and don’t use it in place of the creams your GP or dermatologist has prescribed. See CBD for skin and CBD for eczema.
Safety with psoriasis medicines
- Methotrexate and ciclosporin can affect the liver and are processed by it, and high-dose CBD can raise liver enzymes. Don’t take CBD with these without speaking to your specialist. See CBD and the liver.
- Other medicines: CBD can change how some medicines are processed. Ask a pharmacist. See CBD and medication.
- Psoriatic arthritis: a 2022 trial of CBD in psoriatic and hand arthritis found no benefit for pain. See CBD for pain.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: we don’t recommend our products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What helps psoriasis
The NHS lists these as the main treatments, depending on type and severity:
- vitamin D creams, lotions, ointments and gels
- emollients (moisturisers), used generously and often
- steroid creams, lotions or gels
- other skin and scalp treatments, such as coal tar
- light therapy, tablets or injections for more severe psoriasis
The NHS also lists triggers that can make psoriasis worse, including stress, alcohol, smoking and skin injuries. Cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking and finding ways to manage stress may help. See your GP if psoriasis is affecting your life or your joints are painful or swollen.
Related guides
- How stress affects your skin.
- For the types, triggers and NHS treatment options, read our full guide to psoriasis.
- Wondering whether it’s psoriasis or eczema, or whether eczema is autoimmune? See our guide to eczema.
- If you’ve wondered about CBD scalp oils, read what the research shows on CBD and hair.
Sources 5
- Roongpisuthipong W et al. Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol oil in psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Dermatolog Treat, 2026.
- Palmieri B et al. A therapeutic effect of CBD-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. Clin Ter, 2019.
- Wilkinson JD, Williamson EM. Cannabinoids inhibit human keratinocyte proliferation. J Dermatol Sci, 2007.
- Vela J et al. Cannabidiol treatment in hand osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Pain, 2022.
- NHS. Psoriasis.
