Cannabis and cannabinoids in dermatology: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative outcomes

Abstract

Following the discovery of various effects on skin function by modifying endocannabinoid systems, multiple preclinical studies have revealed the promise of cannabis and cannabinoids in the treatment of a variety of skin diseases. However, its clinical efficacy is still debated. This systematic review aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of cannabis and cannabinoids in dermatological conditions and diseases. The protocol has been prepared using the Preferred Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines and has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023397189). PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science will be used for the systemic search. The outcomes will be an improvement in dermatological characteristics, including disease-specific composite scores and objective and subjective outcomes of skin conditions. This systematic review will provide valuable information on dermatological therapy of cannabis and cannabinoids and could be the start of future research and medicinal applications.