A study conducted by Australian researchers examined the attitudes and behaviors of endometriosis sufferers who use cannabis as a treatment.
It is a common condition in which tissue that looks like the lining around the womb begins to grow outside of it. This condition is often painful and debilitating, and can even cause infertility.
Patients with endometriosis who have not been satisfied by conventional treatments are increasingly turning to marijuana for relief of symptoms.
An online survey, open to all who use cannabis in order to treat symptoms related to endometriosis, was sent out by organisations that deal with the condition. Women in 28 different countries responded to the online survey.
Some of the conclusions:
- Cannabis illicite was the main access route (56.7%).
- Only 17.2% of cannabis users had a valid prescription.
- 100% of the respondents continue to use marijuana to treat their symptoms.
- 90% of respondents said that they would use it to treat a relative or friend with endometriosis.
- Cannabis consumption is primarily due to inadequate pain relief (68.6%), and side effects of conventional medication (56.3%).
Researchers expressed concerns that illicit marijuana users were less likely than others to disclose their consumption of cannabis to doctors.
According to the abstract of this study, “Cannabis has been regarded as better than pharmaceuticals when it comes to effectiveness and side effects.” Despite the positive results, some concerns were raised regarding cost, breaking of laws, judgment due to stigma and drug driving laws. The illegal use of marijuana and the lack of medical supervision raises questions about possible drug interactions.
Only 1 percent of the respondents said they stopped smoking cannabis. These reasons include:
- The Side Effects (44%)
- Stigma (44%)
- Culture/religion judgement (44%).
- Cannabis adulteration is a potential problem (44%).
Other reasons include legal concerns, employer drug tests, difficulty accessing products and finding cannabis ineffective.
Researchers concluded:
The endometriosis community urgently needs more research including real-world evidence and clinical trials to determine the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of high-quality medicinal cannabis.
Study has been published in the journal Reproduction & Fertility.
A study from last year showed that cannabis may be used to treat endometriosis.