Cannabinoids in the management of refractory juvenile dermatomyositis: a patient’s perspective

Cannabinoid agonists, particularly those binding to cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), offer promising results for patients with inflammatory skin diseases such as dermatomyositis, as they can modulate inflammatory cytokines without the unwanted psychoactive adverse effects associated with cannabinoid compounds. Phase II clinical trials of selective CB2 agonists have shown good safety and efficacy data compared with placebo, although further data remain to be seen in current phase III trials. We highlight the benefits of complex treatment-resistant dermatomyositis in a patient who benefited greatly from an equivalent cannabinoid agonist.