Dispensaries in Canada, the US, and Europe advertise cannabis for numerous skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, and melanoma, with most claims lacking scientific evidence.
Dermatologists, patients considering cannabis for skin conditions, and cannabis regulators.
12+ unsubstantiated skin claims
What the researchers found
Dispensary websites claimed cannabis treats acne, aging, dermatitis, psoriasis, lupus, epidermolysis bullosa, and even melanoma. Psoriasis, dermatitis, and chronic pain were the most commonly cited dermatologic indications. Most of these claims are not supported by clinical evidence.
Why it matters
Patients increasingly arrive at dermatology appointments having seen cannabis marketed for their conditions. Clinicians need to know what claims are being made so they can have informed conversations.
The numbers in context
Dispensary claims covered at least 12 dermatologic conditions. US state-approved dermatologic indications include psoriasis, lupus, nail-patella syndrome, and severe pain. Health Canada lists psoriasis, dermatitis, and pruritus as potential uses.
How the study worked
Survey of dispensary websites in Canada, the US, and Europe, tabulating dermatologic claims. Comparison with approved indications in the US (by state) and Health Canada's listed potential uses.
What this study cannot tell us
Website survey captures a snapshot of marketing claims, which change over time. Did not assess whether patients actually use cannabis for these conditions or their outcomes.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: systematic survey of marketing claims with regulatory comparison.
When this study was published
Published in 2019.
The bigger picture
The gap between marketing claims and scientific evidence for cannabis in dermatology mirrors broader concerns about the cannabis industry outpacing the science, leaving patients and clinicians navigating largely unvalidated territory.
Questions still open
- Are any of these dermatologic claims supported by emerging evidence? Should dispensaries be held to advertising standards similar to pharmaceutical companies?
Common questions
Can cannabis treat skin conditions?
What dermatologic conditions do dispensaries claim cannabis treats?
Read the original research
Dermatology-Related Uses of Medical Cannabis Promoted by Dispensaries in Canada, Europe, and the United States.
Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 23(2), 178-184
Citation
Lim, Megan; Kirchhof, Mark G. (2019). Dermatology-Related Uses of Medical Cannabis Promoted by Dispensaries in Canada, Europe, and the United States.. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 23(2), 178-184. https://doi.org/10.1177/1203475418808761
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