Despite the lack of evidence to validate the effectiveness and safety of marijuana, it is approved to treat a variety of dermatologic conditions in the United States. Health Canada has listed psoriasis, dermatitis, and pruritus as potential therapeutic uses for cannabis. Furthermore, medical cannabis dispensaries have been making unsubstantiated claims about medical cannabis. It is important for dermatologists to know about the purported uses of medical cannabis to help patients navigate this new treatment option, particularly as cannabis is legal in Canada.

On this episode, Dr Mark Kirchoff speaks with JCMS editor-in-chief Dr Kirk Barber about the second part of a three-part series looking at dermatology-related cannabis use and how the changed legal landscape around the drug presents important challenges to dermatologists. Part one in this series is the very first episode of this podcast. Scroll down to our first episode to listen.

Dr Mark Kirchoff is Head of Division of Dermatology at the University of Ottawa.