Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it has a variety of different treatment options.
Skin cancer can form anywhere on the body, but it’s most commonly found in places that are typically exposed to the sun, such as the neck, arms, and face. Skin cancer can be difficult to identify, as it can be challenging to know which skin markings are cause for concern.
There are multiple types of skin cancer, including basal and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common types, and melanoma, the most severe type. Below, we’ll discuss skin cancer further and review some key facts about this condition.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Many different things can lead to someone having a higher risk of developing skin cancer, but most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV rays. Possible risk factors include:
- Old age
- Lighter skin color
- Blonde or red hair
- Blue or green eyes
- Numerous moles
- Skin that quickly burns, freckles, or reddens in the sun
- Family history of skin cancers
Just because you have some risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll develop skin cancer. However, you should consider taking extra precautions to prevent the development of this condition in the future. Shielding your skin from the sun and avoiding the use of tanning beds is a great place to start when it comes to prevention.
Skin Cancer Signs & Symptoms
If you are experiencing skin cancer, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Unusual freckles or moles
- Lesions
- Pink or red nodules
- Blotches or patches on the arms, legs, or face
- Lumps on the eyelids
The symptoms of skin cancer greatly depend on the specific type an individual has. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, consider speaking with a medical professional about your concerns.
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Skin Cancer?
Patients have many different treatment options depending on the type of skin cancer. Some people find that cannabis oil for skin cancer can effectively manage symptoms, with some even making claims that cannabis cured their skin cancers.
Popularized by Rick Simpson due to the effects on his skin cancer, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) has been commonly recommended to patients with various cancer types. However, the research on cannabis as a treatment for skin cancer is minimal and also conflicting depending on the skin cancer type.
A 2020 study done in melanoma cell lines found that the use of THC and CBD inhibited tumor growth and reduced the size of tumors.1 A later 2022 review found that although preclinical data pointed to cannabinoids such as CBD having a potent effect on the growth of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma cells, more research is needed.2
Overall, the effects of cannabis on skin cancer are unknown, and while the limited research available shows promise, more research is needed.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers skin cancer to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes skin cancer or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in over half the nation. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Skin Cancer
Can I use cannabis oil for skin cancer?
While it may be possible that cannabis oil could play a role in skin cancer prevention, more research needs to be done to answer that question definitively.
Could cannabis use cause skin cancer?
There are no studies linking cannabis to skin cancer.
Is it possible to use CBD for skin cancer?
Like THC, research into the effects of CBD on skin cancer is limited, and more research is needed.
Resources
- Bachari A, Piva TJ, Salami SA, Jamshidi N, Mantri N. Roles of Cannabinoids in Melanoma: Evidence from In Vivo Studies. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(17):6040. Published 2020 Aug 21. doi:10.3390/ijms21176040
- Ramer R, Wendt F, Wittig F, Schäfer M, Boeckmann L, Emmert S, Hinz B. Impact of Cannabinoid Compounds on Skin Cancer. Cancers. 2022; 14(7):1769. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14071769
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
