# Topical Cannabis for AIMSS: Medical Cannabis Evidence > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/topical-cannabinoid-application-feasibility-aimss-treatment/ > **Published:** 2026-03-25T21:44:20-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:57:34-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore topical cannabinoid application feasibility for AIMSS in breast cancer patients, highlighting tolerability and potential benefits. --- #### Clinical Takeaway In this [randomized trial](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cannabinoids-therapeutic-applications-review/), [topical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-wound-healing-bone-regeneration-insights/) balms were evaluated for feasibility and tolerability in postmenopausal breast cancer patients experiencing joint pain and stiffness from aromatase inhibitor therapy. The study found that topical cannabinoid application was a practical and well-tolerated intervention in this population. These findings support further investigation into topical cannabis as a potential option for managing AIMSS and improving adherence to aromatase inhibitor treatment. ### #18 A Randomized, Open-Label Trial to Assess Feasibility and Tolerability of Topical Cannabis Balms for the Treatment of Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Syndrome (AIMSS). **Citation:** Zylla Dylan et al. *A Randomized, Open-Label Trial to Assess Feasibility and Tolerability of Topical Cannabis Balms for the Treatment of Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Syndrome (AIMSS).* Cannabis and [cannabinoid research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-in-reward-processing-pain-perception/). 2026. PMID: 41467893. **Study type:** Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial  |  **Topic area:** Cannabidiol  |  **CED Score:** 10 Design: 5 Journal: 1 N: 0 Recency: 3 Pop: 2 Human: 1 Risk: -2 **Quality Gate Alerts:** - Preclinical only **Methodological Considerations:** - Open-label design — placebo effect not excluded **Abstract:** INTRODUCTION: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are commonly used for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Nearly two-thirds of women on AIs have arthralgias, joint stiffness, and/or bone pains referred to as aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS), leading to poor adherence. Preclinical and [clinical data](https://cedclinic.com/uk-germany-medical-cannabis-markets-double-2025/) suggest topical cannabinoids can reduce inflammation in arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized trial assessing feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of topical cannabis for women with stage 1-3 breast cancer experiencing AIMSS. Women were randomized 1:1 to cannabidiol (CBD) vs. delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) balms. The balm was applied three times daily to hands for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week extension with the balm of their choice. Modified Score for the Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatoid Affectations of the Hands (M-SACRAH), brief pain inventory, and skin toxicity measures were captured weekly. RESULTS: A total of 21 women completed the study over 14 months. The mean age was 54, 86% White, 43% received adjuvant chemotherapy, and 48% reported no lifetime [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/). Compliance was high, with 71% continuing an additional 2 weeks and 86% of weekly surveys completed. We found 86% of participants reported improvement in M-SACRAH from baseline to week 2 with a higher percentage of the THC balm group reporting a >50% improvement (50% vs. 18%). Minor skin irritation was reported by 24%, and one patient discontinued balm due to “greasy” texture. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting a randomized trial of topical cannabis using state-approved dispensaries is feasible. Both THC and CBD balms are well tolerated. Placebo-controlled trials are needed to determine if balms can reduce AIMSS severity in breast cancer survivors.  |  [View on PubMed ↗](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41467893/)[DOI ↗](https://doi.org/10.1177/25785125251398286) [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/topical-cannabinoids-for-aimss-evidence-based-care/) [A Randomized, Open-Label Trial to Assess Feasibility and Tolerability of Topical Cannabis Balms for the Treatment of Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Syndrome (AIMSS).](https://cedclinic.com/topical-cannabis-balms-aimss-clinical-trial/) Explore the randomized trial assessing topical cannabis balm feasibility and tolerability for AIMSS treatment. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/topical-cannabis-balms-aimss-clinical-trial/) Topical Cannabis for AIMSS: Clinical Trial Evidence Review clinical trial evidence supporting topical cannabis use for managing AIMSS symptoms. Learn More Have thoughts on this? 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