One in Four Canadians Surveyed Had Used Cannabis Topically
A Canadian survey found 24.3% of respondents had used cannabis topically, most commonly as creams for joint stiffness, headaches, and skin conditions like eczema.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among survey respondents, 24.3% had used cannabis topically at least once. Creams were the most common form (26.2%). Top dermatologic uses included atopic dermatitis (25%), acne (19%), and anti-aging (16%). Top non-dermatologic uses were joint stiffness/tendonitis (30%) and headaches/migraines (27%). Users reported topical cannabis was most effective for joint stiffness, muscular soreness, headaches, eczema, and psoriasis.
Key Numbers
24.3% used topically; creams 26.2% of products; joint stiffness/tendonitis 30%; headaches/migraines 27%; atopic dermatitis 25%; acne 19%; anti-aging 16%
How They Did This
Cross-sectional anonymous electronic survey of Canadian adults assessing prevalence, purpose, and information sources for topical cannabis use following legalization.
Why This Research Matters
Topical cannabis use has expanded rapidly since legalization, but most applications lack clinical evidence. Understanding what consumers are using it for can guide research priorities.
The Bigger Picture
Consumers are using topical cannabis for a wide range of conditions based largely on dispensary advice rather than clinical evidence. This gap between use and evidence presents both opportunity and risk.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Voluntary online survey with potential self-selection bias. Effectiveness ratings are self-reported perceptions, not clinical measurements.
Questions This Raises
- ?Do topical cannabis products actually penetrate skin sufficiently to reach affected tissues?
- ?Which of the self-reported effective uses would hold up in controlled clinical trials?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 24.3% had used cannabis topically
- Evidence Grade:
- Cross-sectional voluntary survey with self-reported outcomes and potential selection bias.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022
- Original Title:
- A Survey of Topical Cannabis Use in Canada.
- Published In:
- Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 26(2), 156-161 (2022)
- Authors:
- Mahmood, Farhan, Lim, Megan M, Kirchhof, Mark G(3)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04027
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What do Canadians use topical cannabis for?
The most common uses were joint stiffness or tendonitis (30%), headaches and migraines (27%), atopic dermatitis/eczema (25%), acne (19%), and anti-aging (16%). Creams were the most popular product form.
Does topical cannabis work for skin conditions?
Users reported it was most effective for eczema, psoriasis, and muscular soreness, but these are self-reported perceptions. The study authors noted most dermatologic uses have limited clinical evidence.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04027APA
Mahmood, Farhan; Lim, Megan M; Kirchhof, Mark G. (2022). A Survey of Topical Cannabis Use in Canada.. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 26(2), 156-161. https://doi.org/10.1177/12034754211059025
MLA
Mahmood, Farhan, et al. "A Survey of Topical Cannabis Use in Canada.." Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1177/12034754211059025
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "A Survey of Topical Cannabis Use in Canada." RTHC-04027. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/mahmood-2022-a-survey-of-topical
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.