One in Four Canadians Surveyed Had Used Cannabis Topically | Research

The takeaway

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.

Dermatologists, people considering topical cannabis, cannabis retailers

24.3% had used cannabis topically

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

Cross-sectional anonymous electronic survey of Canadian adults assessing prevalence, purpose, and information sources for topical cannabis use following legalization.

What this study cannot tell us

Voluntary online survey with potential self-selection bias. Effectiveness ratings are self-reported perceptions, not clinical measurements.

How to read the evidence

Cross-sectional voluntary survey with self-reported outcomes and potential selection bias.

When this study was published

Published in 2022

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.

Questions still open

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?

Common 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.

Read the original research

A Survey of Topical Cannabis Use in Canada.

Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 26(2), 156-161

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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