Dermatologists Need More Info About Cannabinoids

Dermatologists are interested in learning more about cannabinoids and recommending them to patients, according to a new survey in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

However, many are concerned about the associated societal stigmas,which may be limiting their pursuit of these active agents as potential treatments.

The survey included 531 participants who answered 19 multiple choice questions on demographics as well as perspectives on and knowledge of cannabinoids use in dermatology.

With the recent legalization of medical marijuana in 33 states across the country, as well as Washington, D.C., several specialties are weighing the possibilities of integrating cannabinoids into patient therapies, including dermatology.

Recent research has identified potential uses for cannabinoids, which are derived either from the resin of the cannabis plant or synthetically produced in the lab, in treatment for conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and wound healing.

 “The use of cannabis in medicine is a hot topic,” says Adam Friedman, MD, professor of dermatology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences and senior author on the study.Friedman said. “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.”