Cannabinoids: The Next Big Therapy in Dermatology?

New survey findings indicate a growing enthusiasm among dermatology providers for exploring the potential benefits of cannabinoids as dermatologic therapies.¹

According to researchers from the George Washington University, 94% of 531 dermatologists who participated in their 20-question survey think it is “worthwhile” to conduct further research into potential dermatologic uses of cannabinoids, and 86% believe that the use of cannabinoids for medical purposes should be legal.

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Interest in this potential treatment option is growing among patients as well, the researchers said.

“Patients are enthusiastic about exploring the use of cannabinoids as part of their therapeutic armamentarium, and even initiate the conversation with their dermatologists,” said senior study author Adam Friedman, MD, professor of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, in a press release.²

In fact, survey data showed that 55% of dermatology providers reported at least 1 patient-initiated discussion about cannabinoids within the previous year.

Other notable findings from the survey included:

• 86% of respondents reported willingness to prescribe an FDA-approved cannabinoid as a topical treatment.
• 71% of respondents were willing to prescribe an FDA-approved cannabinoid as an oral treatment.
• 48% of respondents reported concerns about a negative stigma when suggesting cannabinoid therapies to their patients.
• 64% of respondents were unaware that cannabidiol is not psychoactive.
• 29% of respondents were unaware that tetrahydrocannabinol is psychoactive.

“The use of cannabis in medicine is a hot topic,” Dr Friedman said of the findings. “With the amount of mainstream coverage and the interest from patients, it’s important that dermatology providers are able to make the right call when it comes to education and recommending cannabinoids to their patients.”²

The growing interest in cannabinoids as potential therapies for conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and wound healing shows that further research on their benefits and risks are likely warranted, Dr Friedman and colleagues wrote.

—Christina Vogt

References:

1. Robinson ES, Murphy EC, Friedman AJ. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of cannabinoids in the dermatology community. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(12):1273-1278.

2. Providers show interest in prescribing therapeutic cannabinoids [press release]. Washington, DC. The George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences. December 10, 2018. https://smhs.gwu.edu/news/providers-show-interest-prescribing-therapeutic-cannabinoids. Accessed on December 13, 2018.