Consumer Perspectives on and Utilization of Medical Cannabis to Treat Dermatologic Conditions.

Abstract

Access to medical cannabis products (MCPs) has rapidly increased though literature on consumer behaviors and attitudes with regards to dermatologic use is limited. We sought to address the gap of knowledge regarding consumer utilization and perspectives surrounding MCPs for dermatologic indications. A survey was emailed via SurveyMonkey’s platform to adult users of their rewards panel asking about usage patterns and beliefs regarding MCP use to treat dermatologic conditions. 504 of 700 survey invitations sent out were completed (72% response rate). 17.6% of respondents used an over-the-counter (OTC) cannabis product without dermatologist recommendation to treat a skin condition [most common indications: acne (28.4%) and psoriasis (26.1%)]. Of those who had seen a dermatologist, 15.3% used an OTC product [most common indications: psoriasis (32%) and rosacea (30%)] and 7.8% used an MCP which required a Department of Health-approved card per their dermatologist’s recommendations [most common indications: acne (68%) and psoriasis (28%)]. 11.8% of respondents were not comfortable seeing a dermatologist who recommended MCPs. Limitations include small sample size as well as selection bias. Consumers are interested in and are using MCPs for dermatologic indications, most commonly for inflammatory skin disorders. Targeted education for dermatologists is recommended. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(1):31-36. doi:10.36849/JDD.6540.