A recent report “Hair Regrowth with Cannabidiol (CBD) – Rich Hemp Extract” published in a peer-reviewed journal, “Cannabis”, indicates that CBD contributes to increased hair growth. The following is a brief extract.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss. Several FDA-approved medications are available but offer limited results. Studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a key player in hair follicle cell growth.
A study was done of 35 subjects with AGA using a once-daily topical hemp oil formulation, averaging about 3-4 mg per day of CBD and minimal amounts of other cannabinoids for six months. A hair count of the greatest area of alopecia was carried out before treatment and again after six months.
The results revealed that men did slightly better than women, and the vertex area did better than the temporal areas. On average, there was a statistically significant 93.5% increase in hair after 6 months. All subjects had some regrowth.
There were no reported adverse effects. Since CBD works through novel mechanisms different from finasteride and minoxidil, it can be used in conjunction with these current drugs and would be expected to have synergistic effects.
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a very common condition, that occurs in both men and women, and increases in prevalence with age. It is by far the most common cause of baldness and hair thinning. It generally starts in the third and fourth decades of life and significantly increases in prevalence in women after menopause. It is estimated that 50% of Caucasian men and 19% of Caucasian women are affected by age 50 (Shankar et al., 2009). There is a lower prevalence and severity of the condition in Asian and black men.
AGA may adversely impact a person both psychologically and socially, especially in women (Levy & Emer, 2013). The condition is characterized by follicular miniaturization in a specific pattern due to the effects of systemic androgens and genetic factors (Salman et al., 2017). In the male pattern phenotype, the hairline at the bi-temporal regions and at the vertex. In the female pattern then is a diffuse thinning with preservation of the frontal hairline. However, the pathogenesis is the same (Levy & Emer, 2013). AGA develops due to a disturbance in the cyclic transformation of hair follicles from active hair shaft growth and pigment production (anagen) to apoptosis-driven (cell death) hair follicle involution (catagen).
“Cannabis” is an open-access peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the scientific study of marijuana/cannabis from a multidisciplinary perspective. Consistent with the mission of the Research Society on Marijuana (RSMj), the journal publishes empirical research of the determinants, correlates, consequences, contexts, and assessment of marijuana use.
Re-published with permission from Chris Webb, editor of The Hair Authority. Chris has been a leading figure in the hair replacement and restoration industry for 20 years. While working on Madison Avenue collaborated with Sy Sperling to create the marketing materials that helped build Hair Club for Men. He later launched The National Hair Journal to share information and insights with other business owners to help them enjoy the same business success.
“Cannabis Increases Hair Growth”, first appeared in “Cannabis” an open-access peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the scientific study of marijuana/cannabis, and was subsequently published by International Hair Authority in its 2021 Spring issue. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. International Hair Authority is a publication that provides top-level hair care information, opinions and insights from industry leaders and researchers.
