Tetrahydrocannabinol and Skin Cancer: Analysis of YouTube Videos

• DOI: 10.2196/26564
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04T13:16:12Z
• Authors: Andrina Mamo; Mindy D Szeto; Roya Mirhossaini; Andrew Fortugno; Robert P Dellavalle
• Keywords: Original Paper; 03 medical and health sciences; Skin Neoplasms; 0302 clinical medicine; Video Recording; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Dronabinol; Social Media; 3. Good health

Background Cannabis oil is being used topically by patients with skin cancer as a homeopathic remedy, and has been promoted popularized on social media, including YouTube. Although topical cannabinoids, especially tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may have antitumor effects, results from sparse number of clinical trials peer-reviewed studies detailing safety efficacy are still under investigation. Objective We sought to assess the accuracy, quality, reliability THC information available Methods The 10 most-viewed videos were analyzed Global Quality Scale (GQS), DISCERN score, useful/misleading criteria based presentation erroneous scientifically unproven information. also inspected for source, length, audience likes/dislikes. Top comments additionally examined whether they favorable, unfavorable, or neutral regarding video content. Results All (10/10, 100%) received GQS score 1, corresponding poor quality content, 9/10 (90%) 0, indicating presented. found be misleading not useful according established criteria. largely either favorable (13/27, 48%) toward content videos, compared unfavorable (1/27, 4%). Conclusions Dermatologists should aware that spread inaccurate treatment currently exists popular media platforms lead detrimental consequences interested in pursuing alternative approaches.