# Cannabis Balms for AIMSS: Clinical Trial 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-cannabis-balms-aromatase-inhibitor-joint-pain/ > **Published:** 2026-04-25T14:05:15-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:57:45-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore clinical evidence on topical cannabis balms for aromatase inhibitor joint pain in breast cancer patients. Safe, feasible, and promising treatment option. --- #### Clinical Takeaway A small clinical trial found that topical cannabis balms were safe and feasible for women with breast cancer experiencing joint and bone pain from aromatase inhibitor medications. The study demonstrates that cannabinoid products can be tolerated by this patient population, though larger trials are needed to establish whether they actually reduce pain compared to placebo. This research addresses a significant clinical problem, as two-thirds of women on these cancer medications develop musculoskeletal symptoms that often lead them to stop treatment. ### #20 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](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cannabinoids-therapeutic-applications-review/) 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. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence Topical Cannabis for AIMSS: Clinical Trial Evidence Review clinical trial data on topical cannabis use for aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS) and its potential benefits. Read More [Topical Cannabis Balms for AIMSS: Clinical Trial Data](https://cedclinic.com/topical-cannabis-balms-aimss-clinical-trial/) Explore detailed [clinical trial results](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-liver-enzyme-elevation-healthy-adults/) on the use of topical cannabis balms for managing AIMSS symptoms in breast cancer patients. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/topical-cannabis-balms-aimss-clinical-trial/) [Cannabis Dosing and Tolerability in AIMSS Treatment](https://cedclinic.com/aromatase-inhibitor-joint-pain-relief-cannabis-balms/) Learn about dosing strategies and tolerability of cannabis balms for aromatase inhibitor joint pain relief in clinical settings. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/aromatase-inhibitor-joint-pain-relief-cannabis-balms/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Cannabis%20Balms%20for%20AIMSS%3A%20Clinical%20Trial%20Evidence&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Ftopical-cannabis-balms-aromatase-inhibitor-joint-pain%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Ftopical-cannabis-balms-aromatase-inhibitor-joint-pain%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Cannabis%20Balms%20for%20AIMSS%3A%20Clinical%20Trial%20Evidence%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Ftopical-cannabis-balms-aromatase-inhibitor-joint-pain%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), 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).