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Cannabinoids: Potential Role in Inflammatory and Neoplastic Skin Diseases

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Abstract

The endocannabinoid system is a complex and nearly ubiquitous network of endogenous ligands, enzymes, and receptors that can also be stimulated by exogenous compounds such as those derived from the marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa. Recent data have shown that the endocannabinoid system is fully functional in the skin and is responsible for maintaining many aspects of skin homeostasis, such as proliferation, differentiation, and release of inflammatory mediators. Because of its role in regulating these key processes, the endocannabinoid system has been studied for its modulating effects on both inflammatory disorders of the skin and skin cancer. Although legal restrictions on marijuana as a Schedule I drug in the USA have made studying cannabinoid compounds unfavorable, an increasing number of studies and clinical trials have focused on the therapeutic uses of cannabinoids. This review seeks to summarize the current, and rapidly expanding field of research on the broad potential uses of cannabinoids in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the skin.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA

    Rose Milando & Adam Friedman

  2. Department of Dermatology, The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 2B-430, Washington, DC, 20037, USA

    Adam Friedman

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  1. Rose Milando
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Correspondence to Adam Friedman.

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Rose Milando and Adam Friedman have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this article.

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The George Washington Department of Dermatology received no funding in support of this manuscript.

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Milando, R., Friedman, A. Cannabinoids: Potential Role in Inflammatory and Neoplastic Skin Diseases. Am J Clin Dermatol 20, 167–180 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-018-0410-5

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