Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Clore, Amy

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

Due to the prevalence of chronic inflammatory skin diseases worldwide, new and effective treatments are constantly being considered and tested. The use of ​Cannabis sativa ​ L., also known as cannabis or marijuana, for pharmacological purposes has been controversial for decades due to its designation as a Schedule I drug. However, with a growing movement towards decriminalization, opportunities to understand the plant’s rich history, chemical complexity, and interactions with the human body have significantly increased. From this growth, the endocannabinoid system, a modulatory system that regulates a number of physiological and neurological functions, has been discovered in mammalian bodies. As will be reviewed, there is a fully functioning endocannabinoid system that modulates the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of skin cells, regulates skin accessory organs such as hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and maintains overall immunity in the skin. An imbalance in the skin’s endocannabinoid system is related to multiple inflammatory skin disorders, including acne vulgaris and psoriasis. This thesis investigates the modulation of inflammatory responses in the skin via the endocannabinoid system and the potential for using phytocannabinoids to treat inflammatory skin disorders. Experimental evidence supports that endogenous cannabinoids play a large role in skin immunity and the hypothesis that inflammatory skin disorders can be treated with phytocannabinoids. Regardless of promising results, multiple formulation considerations must be expanded upon before implementing phytocannabinoids in dermatological treatments.

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