RenewLog in

Get your medical card online in minutes!

Get started

Explore A-Z conditions

Cannabis for Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma) and Medical Cannabis

calendar-icon

Last updated on Oct 7, 2024

A non-melanoma skin cancer is a type of skin cancer that usually begins as a lump or discolored patch on the skin, persisting after a few weeks and slowly progressing over months and years. The two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which starts in the cells lining the bottom of the epidermis; and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which starts in the cells lining the top of the epidermis.

There is some evidence based on animal experiments that cannabinoids can be useful in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers, with selective CB2 receptor agonists such as THC and beta-caryophyllene potentially being particularly effective. There are CB1 and CB2 receptors present on tumors, and local cannabinoid receptor activation may induce regression of skin tumors and apoptosis of cancerous cells. However, more clinical trials are needed and most studies on cannabis as a treatment for various cancer types have been in lab studies or animals.

Get your medical marijuana card

Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.

  • Larger purchase limits
  • Access to higher potency strains
  • Save up to 40% on product taxes
  • Enhanced legal protection

Research Overview

Animal Study

5

Laboratory Study

8

Meta-analysis

19

Total studies

Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma) and Medical Cannabis

32

Positive

29 studies

91%

Inconclusive

2 studies

6%

Negative

1 studies

3%

Do I qualify?

Select your state from the drop down and we’ll let you know.

Relevant studies

The information in our comprehensive A to Z encyclopedia comes from real scientific studies.

Uncover the detailed results of these studies and find out how effective medical marijuana is for dozens of conditions.