# Roles of Cannabinoids in Melanoma: Evidence from In Vivo Studies > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-melanoma-in-vivo-studies/ > **Published:** 2021-09-14T15:37:26-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:16:58-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabinoids melanoma in vivo studies revealing promising therapeutic roles and evidence for melanoma treatment and tumor reduction. --- Melanoma is a highly metastatic skin cancer with increasing incidence and mortality rate worldwide. In 2018 alone, approximately 280,000 new cases and 61,000 deaths associated with melanoma were reported in 46 countries. Conventional therapies for this cancer include surgical resection, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. However, their efficacies were greatly limited by the high metastatic rate and multiple resistant mechanisms of melanoma, as well as their substantial undesirable [side effects](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-intoxication-memory-disruption/). Despite currently being illegal in many countries, cannabis and its derivative compounds have increasingly shown promising therapeutic effects and potential [medical applications](https://cedclinic.com/medicinal-cannabis-endometriosis-pain-relief/), substantiated by a growing body of research over the past decade. In the case of melanoma, studies on lab animals suggested that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD extracted from cannabis can individually promote cell death in melanoma cells and decrease tumor size. Synergy was also observed, with THC/CBD combination leading to more tumor reduction compared to individual compounds or to a chemotherapeutic drug, temozolomide. Furthermore, compared to mice treated with an equally effective dose of cisplatin – another chemotherapeutic drug for melanoma, CBD-treated mice had better movement in and out of the cage and less hostile interactions. This behavioral improvement could translate to less agitation and stress in human subjects. To sum up, extracts from cannabis have the potential to not only enhance survival rates but also improve the [quality of life](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-policy-enforcement-february-26-2026/) in melanoma patients. [More access here](https://cedclinic.com/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. 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[Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-breast-cancer-research/) [Cannabis Compounds Show Promise Against Cancer and Viral Disease—But the Evidence Is Still Largely Preclinical](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-compounds-medical-evidence-review-2024/) Review the latest preclinical evidence on [cannabis compounds](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-terpene-synergy-entourage-effect/) for cancer and viral diseases. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-compounds-medical-evidence-review-2024/) [Anti-invasion Effects of Cannabinoids Agonist and Antagonist on Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-breast-cancer-stem-cells-anti-invasion-effects/) Learn about cannabinoids' anti-invasion effects on [breast cancer stem cells](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-breast-cancer-stem-cells-anti-invasion-effects/) from recent research. [Discover More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-breast-cancer-stem-cells-anti-invasion-effects/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Roles%20of%20Cannabinoids%20in%20Melanoma%3A%20Evidence%20from%20In%20Vivo%20Studies&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoids-melanoma-in-vivo-studies%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoids-melanoma-in-vivo-studies%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Roles%20of%20Cannabinoids%20in%20Melanoma%3A%20Evidence%20from%20In%20Vivo%20Studies%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoids-melanoma-in-vivo-studies%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).