Cannabis in Dermatology

Abstract

Expansion of legal Cannabis sativa has been accompanied by increased patient exposure to the plant material and its derivatives. Dermatologic diseases and conditions have been noted to result or be worsened by this exposure. Scientific investigation into possible medical uses of cannabinoids in dermatology, although in its infancy, shows potentially promising results. However, this work has been generally limited to in vitro and nonhuman in vivo models. Currently, human clinical trials are scant, and most studies to date include small numbers of subjects; few are double-blind or cohort-controlled clinical trials. Unreliable, adulterated, and misbranded cannabis products are encountered by patients from both legal, state-sanctioned retail shops and Internet or black market sources. These products have been found to exhibit content and potency discrepancies, along with instances of contamination with toxic chemicals and/or infectious agents. While there is potential for the discovery and development of effective dermatological treatments using quality-controlled cannabis products, more research is required before medical recommendations can be responsibly forwarded.