How you can take part in a worldwide survey on cannabis and endometriosis

Do you have endometriosis and use cannabis to manage your symptoms? Here’s how you could take part in new research.

Researchers from Western Sydney University and the University of New South Wales are keen to find out more about the potential use of cannabis to manage endometriosis pain.

They are looking for participants from across the world, who have been told by their doctor they have the condition and who consume cannabis – either through a prescription or illegally –  to manage symptoms. 

Results of this survey will help design an upcoming clinical trial to explore the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis for endometriosis.

Endometriosis is the second most common gynecological condition in the UK, affecting around one in 10 UK women – although frequent misdiagnosis and a lack of understanding means this figure may be higher.

Despite its prevalence, according to Endometriosis UK, it takes an average of seven and a half years from onset of symptoms to get a diagnosis.

It happens when tissue similar to the lining of the womb starting to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, causing inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue. A wide range of debilitating symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen and back, nausea and intense fatigue.

There is currently no cure for the chronic condition and treatment is limited to painkillers, hormonal contraception, or surgery. 

However, there is a growing amount of anecdotal evidence for the efficacy of cannabis in managing some symptoms such as pain and nausea, with some early suggesting cannabinoids can help with stopping the endometrial cells from multiplying, regulate nerve growth and reduce inflammation. 

Researchers in Australia hope to continue to increase the information on cannabis use for endometriosis, and to plan a clinical trial to investigate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of a standardised and quality assured medicinal cannabis product for pain and associated symptoms.

This survey is open to patients worldwide who must fulfil the following criteria:

• Aged between 18-55 years of age
• Been told by your medical doctor that you have endometriosis 
• And you must have used cannabis or cannabinoid-based products (eg CBD, cannabis oils, dried bud (flower) with known levels of THC and/or CBD, or non-legal cannabis) in the past three months specifically for the purpose of managing your endometriosis pain or related symptoms.

The survey expires on 31 March 2021, find out more here

Click here to participate