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Cannabis for Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the cells that control the pigment of your skin (melanocytes). One of the most common signs of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. Melanomas usually have an irregular shape and can be pink, purple, brown, red and black in color. Melanomas usually become dangerous and start spreading when they penetrate the first few layers of skin. Early removal is recommended. Melanomas can sometimes bleed.

So far, there is some good quality evidence and some anecdotal reports showing that topical application of cannabinoid-based medications may effectively treat melanoma. There are certainly cannabinoid receptors on the skin, and it seems that phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids) can potentially cause apoptosis of cancerous skin cells and return the skin back to normal.

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Research Overview

Animal Study

12

Clinical Trial

2

Laboratory Study

22

Meta-analysis

24

Total studies

Melanoma

60

Positive

51 studies

85%

Negative

5 studies

8%

Inconclusive

4 studies

7%

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