Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting an estimated 6–10% of reproductive-age women, often causing pelvic pain, painful menstruation, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and reduced quality of life. This scoping systematic review evaluated available clinical and observational studies examining how cannabis and cannabinoid products are being used by people with endometriosis and what effects have been reported. Researchers analyzed human studies to better understand symptom outcomes, safety considerations, and patterns of use.

Across the studies reviewed, pain relief was the most commonly reported reason for cannabis use, with many participants describing reductions in endometriosis-related pelvic pain. Individuals also reported improvements in related symptoms such as sleep problems, gastrointestinal discomfort, and mood challenges. Observational data suggested some patients used cannabis when traditional treatments provided incomplete relief, and a portion reported decreased reliance on other pain medications. However, most of the evidence came from surveys and self-reported outcomes rather than controlled clinical trials.

The authors concluded that cannabis shows potential as a supportive option for managing endometriosis symptoms, particularly pain and quality-of-life concerns, but emphasized that stronger clinical evidence is still needed. The review highlights an important research gap, noting that randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine optimal dosing, long-term safety, and true effectiveness before clear medical recommendations can be made.

Source

McLaren K, Erridge S, Sodergren MH. A Scoping Systematic Review of Cannabis Use in Endometriosis. National Library of Medicine (NIH): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12920050/