‘In the weeds’: navigating the complex concerns, challenges and choices associated with medicinal cannabis consumption for endometriosis

Survey participants reported that it is most common internationally for people using cannabis to manage endometriosis pain and associated symptoms to access this illegally, despite medical access being available in many countries. Many respondents also reported that cannabis was more effective and had a more tolerable side-effect profile than pharmaceutical medications they had used previously. However, over half of respondents were concerned about the negative impact of stigma associated with cannabis and how this might affect their day-to-day lives. Other concerns were potentially breaking the law where they live, possibly losing their driving licence due to drug-driving laws, or losing their job due to workplace drug-testing policies. Such concerns may be why more than 30% of participants reported not disclosing their cannabis consumption to their doctor. This is concerning because medical supervision is important to monitor for side effects and potential drug interactions, which people using cannabis may not know exist.