INTRODUCTION
The continuing and widespread legalization of medical cannabis products (MCPs), which we define here as cannabis or cannabis-derived products which contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD), has led to unparalleled access for patients/consumers who are interested in its potential therapeutic benefits.1 The field of dermatology is no exception with regards to ongoing research in medical cannabis and its implications in treating inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases. For example, medical cannabinoids have been approved in several states for treating several dermatologic conditions such as cutaneous lupus, nail-patella syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and psoriasis.2
There are many misconceptions among consumers about MCP use in dermatology, however, likely due to unsubstantiated claims about MCP’s health benefits.3 Concerningly, a 2019 study found that 80% of Canadian medical marijuana dispensaries listed indications for dermatologic MCPs that were not medically proven.4 The authors also found that generalized, catch-all statements such as cannabis being an “immune system aid” were increasingly being used to attract a wide range of consumers. Specific and non-evidence-based claims such as MCPs having properties that were anti-aging, and as a treatment for hypersensitivity reactions were also used.4
Little data exists, however, on patient and consumer interests in MCPs for dermatologic indications. Thus, we aimed to investigate consumers’ patterns of use and beliefs as well as their fund of knowledge regarding medical cannabinoids via a multiple-choice survey. We also elucidated whether patients believe over the counter therapies have the same therapeutic value as physician referred MCPs.
There are many misconceptions among consumers about MCP use in dermatology, however, likely due to unsubstantiated claims about MCP’s health benefits.3 Concerningly, a 2019 study found that 80% of Canadian medical marijuana dispensaries listed indications for dermatologic MCPs that were not medically proven.4 The authors also found that generalized, catch-all statements such as cannabis being an “immune system aid” were increasingly being used to attract a wide range of consumers. Specific and non-evidence-based claims such as MCPs having properties that were anti-aging, and as a treatment for hypersensitivity reactions were also used.4
Little data exists, however, on patient and consumer interests in MCPs for dermatologic indications. Thus, we aimed to investigate consumers’ patterns of use and beliefs as well as their fund of knowledge regarding medical cannabinoids via a multiple-choice survey. We also elucidated whether patients believe over the counter therapies have the same therapeutic value as physician referred MCPs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A survey was disseminated, and data was collected securely and
anonymously through the online platform, SurveyMonkey, to
700 individuals aged 18 years and older through SurveyMonkey’s
rewards panel. The online platform awards users credits that
they can redeem for gift cards of small monetary value (typically
up to $1). Once the link was received, participants had the option
of opting out of the study by declining to fill out the survey or to
be included in the study by completing the questionnaire.
