Global Survey Examines Cannabis Use over Pharmaceuticals for Endometriosis Symptom Relief

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Recently published survey data from individuals with endometriosis revealed how they viewed and used cannabis for symptom relief. Endometriosis is a condition characterized by endometrial tissue present outside the uterus, the study’s introduction explained, and many report a lack of effectiveness of standard pharmaceutical treatment options. Researchers aimed to investigate the challenges and motivations for cannabis use globally for endometriosis symptom management and the potential effect of factors such as stigma have on communications with medical professionals. The study (1), “‘In the weeds’: navigating the complex concerns, challenges and choices associated with medicinal cannabis consumption for endometriosis,” was published in Reproduction and Fertility in June 2025.

The anonymous, cross-sectional online survey was distributed in 2021 through social media by endometriosis organizations around the world and collected 899 responses from 28 countries. The survey contained seven sections and 78 questions. Questions that were asked included reasons for starting and continuing cannabis consumption, concerns over its use, reasons for stopping, and communications with healthcare providers on cannabis consumption. Participants were eligible to complete the survey if they were 18-55 years old, were diagnosed with endometriosis, and consumed medical cannabis or phytocannabinoid-based products within the past three months for pain or symptom management.

Overall, cannabis was reported to be more effective than pharmaceuticals at managing symptoms and to have fewer side effects.

Highlighted results include:

• 56.7% of participants reported they accessed cannabis obtained illegally
• 99% of participants reported they planned to continue their cannabis use to manage symptoms
• 90% stated they would recommend cannabis to a friend or relative with endometriosis
• Inadequate pain control (68.6%) and difficult side effects from medications (56.3%) were the two most common motivations for choosing to consume cannabis
• Concerns over dependence/addiction on pharmaceutical medications was reported by 43.9% of participants as reasons for continuing cannabis consumption

Individuals obtaining cannabis illegally were significantly less likely to discuss cannabis consumption with medical professionals, with more than 30% reporting they did not disclose their use. Participants also reported they were concerned about cost, legal repercussions, stigma, drug-driving laws, and drug testing at work, due to their cannabis use.

Limitations to the study listed recall bias, response bias, and sampling bias, with a respondent population associated with endometriosis organizations rather than the general population. The locations represented by the respondents were also Western-centric, which may influence the barriers reported.

The results from the survey raise concerns over medical oversight, potential drug interactions, and withdrawal effects, the researchers stated. “This is especially important for endometriosis, given that care is often both challenging and inadequate before the complexity of MC is added,” the conclusion stated. “More research is urgently needed, including clinical trials and real-world data to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of quality-assured medicinal cannabis products in the endometriosis population.”

Reference

1. Sinclair, J.; Eathorne, A.; Adler, H.; Mardon, A.; Holtzman, O.; Abbott, J.; Sarris, J.; Armour, M. ‘In the weeds’: navigating the complex concerns, challenges and choices associated with medicinal cannabis consumption for endometriosis. 2025. 6(2). DOI: 10.1530/RAF-24-0098.