Few things have undergone quite the kind of rebrand that cannabis has of late.

It is shedding its stoner image thanks to a host of clinical studies showing cannabinol or CBD, one of its key compounds, might be useful at treating many conditions from epilepsy to chronic pain.

As a result, CBD oil may soon become a staple of bathroom cabinets across Britain and with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency now classifying it as medicine, and Holland & Barrett making it accessible on the high street, sales are soaring.

The Cannabis Trades Association estimates the number of people using it in the UK has doubled in the past year to 250,000.

Why is CBD good for the skin?

CBD is found in both marijuana and hemp plants and, unlike another compound found in both called THC, it isn’t psychoactive (so don’t expect to have a fit of the giggles or an attack of the munchies).

It is, however, a potent anti-inflammatory, with a study by the University of Colorado School Of Medicine showing it may well help with the treatment of skin concerns like as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. There’s even evidence to suggest it can tackle acne.

What’s more, CBD penetrates the skin easily and is thought to dovetail with our own endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors throughout the body which works with self-produced cannabinoids to regulate all kinds of bodily functions including skin health. Hence it’s caught the attention of the beauty world.

And what’s it in?

Hemp-infused beauty products have been around for years, but the latest wave of CBD products take things to a whole new level in terms of potency (1% CBD should be your minimum) and you can now buy everything from CBD-infused mouthwashes and moisturisers to aftershave balms and shampoos.

I even have a friend who pimps up her regular moisturiser with a couple of drops of high strength CBD oil though how effective this I’m not sure (it reminds me of an addict merely guessing at the correct dose).

But she, like an increasing number of people, absolutely swears by it.

So if your skin’s not quite as good as it used to be (oh OK, then; if it’s gone to pot…) maybe it’s high time you gave CBD a go.

6 CBD beauty products to trial the trend

1. Love CBD Balm, £13.99 for 10g

2.Pharma Hemp CBD Lip Balm 3%, £7.99 for 4.5g, Leaf And Oil

3. MGC Derma CBD Moisturizing Day Cream, €91.50 for 50ml incl VAT

4. Carun Active Hemp Soap 1% CBD £4.99 for 100g 

5. CBD Oil 10% £70 for 10ml, Kiki Health

6. Perricone CBx For Men Soothing Post Shave Treatment, £39 for 118ml