Cosmeceuticals – The Emerging Role of Cannabis

Cannabis sativa is a plant with a rich yet highly controversial history. It has been used medicinally and recreationally for over 6000 years in various cultures across the globe (1,2). In the 19th century, the investigation into the pharmacokinetics of the active constituents of Cannabis, the cannabinoids, began to shed light on their potential application in modern medicine. First-pass hepatic metabolism of cannabinoids through the oral route of drug administration and the abundance of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in skin unlocked multiple research avenues. In recent years, there has been an increase in both pre-clinical and clinical studies exploring the utility of cannabinoids to treat dermatologic conditions. The combined global sales of cannabidiol medical and adult-use recreational cannabis topped USD 27.4 billion in 2021 and are postulated to rise to USD 102 billion by 2026 (3). This article introduces the reader to the world of Cannabis, endocannabinoid systems, and the essential compounds dominating the multi-billion cosmeceutical and beauty industry.