Cannabis and Endometriosis: Let’s Talk About It
If you live with endometriosis, you’ve probably tried or at least considered a long list of things to manage the pain. For many people, that list includes cannabis. Whether it’s for pelvic pain, nausea, sleep, or simply getting through a flare, cannabis-based products come up often in endo conversations.
And yet, it’s still a topic surrounded by stigma. Despite this, medical cannabis is legally prescribed in several countries for pain management, including for chronic conditions like endometriosis.
So what does the research actually say? And how might cannabis interact with the body when it comes to pain and inflammation?
Let’s break it down.
The Endocannabinoid System (Yes, Your Body Has One)
Your body has various built-in systems designed to help regulate pain, inflammation, mood, stress, and immune responses. One of such systems is called the endocannabinoid system.
Your body naturally produces compounds called endocannabinoids, including anandamide (often nicknamed the “bliss molecule”) and 2-AG. These compounds bind to cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, which are located throughout the body.
CB1 receptors are mostly found in the nervous system and play a role in pain perception and mood. CB2 receptors are more active in the immune system and are closely linked to inflammation. Both types are also found in reproductive tissues, which is particularly relevant for people with endometriosis.
When these receptors are activated, they help regulate pain and inflammation. This system is also thought to explain why exercise can sometimes ease pain and boost mood.
So What Exactly Is Cannabis?
Cannabis products come from the cannabis plant and include the dried flowers, leaves, stems, or seeds. While it’s often associated with recreational use, it’s also used medically, particularly for chronic pain.
People consume cannabis in different ways. Some inhale it by smoking or vaping, while others use oils, capsules, or edibles. The effects can vary depending on how it’s used, the dose, and the individual.
THC, CBD, and What They Do
Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids. The two most talked about are THC and CBD.
THC is the compound responsible for the “high” and can affect pain, mood, and perception. CBD, on the other hand, does not cause intoxication and is the focus of most pain-related research.
Both THC and CBD interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors and other systems involved in pain and inflammation. While CBD gets most of the spotlight in research, THC also influences pain pathways and muscle relaxation.
CBD and Endometriosis Pain
There isn’t a large body of research specifically on CBD and endometriosis yet, which is important to be honest about. That said, existing studies suggest CBD may affect several processes involved in endometriosis-related pain.
Inflammation is a major part of endometriosis, and CBD has been shown in animal studies to reduce inflammatory signalling by acting on CB2 receptors in immune cells. It may also lower the production of prostaglandins, chemicals linked to menstrual pain and cramping.
CBD may also influence pain-sensing receptors and serotonin receptors, which can affect pain sensitivity, anxiety, and mood. For some people, this combination may help take the edge off both physical pain and the emotional toll that comes with it.
What About THC?
Some studies suggest that THC, alone or alongside CBD, may help reduce muscle tension and cramping. In animal models, cannabinoids have also been linked to slower lesion growth, although this doesn’t always translate to humans.
More human-based research is needed before drawing strong conclusions, but these early findings help explain why some people find symptom relief while others do not.
Risks, Side Effects, and Real Talk
Cannabis isn’t risk-free, and it doesn’t work the same way for everyone. Some people find relief, while others experience side effects or no benefit at all.
Possible side effects include:
Feeling drowsy or dizzy
Nausea
Changes in focus or memory
Increased anxiety or, in rare cases, psychosis
Dependence or addiction
Because cannabis can interact with other medications and affect people differently, it’s worth having a conversation with a healthcare provider if you’re considering it, especially if you’re managing multiple symptoms or treatments.
Honouring Choice and Curiosity
When it comes to cannabis and endometriosis, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For some people, it can be a helpful part of their pain management toolkit. For others, it may not help or may cause unwanted effects.
Both experiences are valid.
The research is still evolving, and better studies are needed to guide safe, informed care. Until then, honest conversations, informed choices, and listening to your own body matter just as much as the science.
References
Armour, M., Sinclair, J., Seaman, C., Mardon, M., Farooqi, T., Holtzman, O., & Leonardi, M. (2025). Should cannabis be used in the management of endometriosis? Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, 20(6), 497–512. https://doi.org/10.1080/17446651.2025.2572339
Calleson Cummings, S., Ennis, N., Kloss, K., & Rosasco, R. (2024). Evaluating the current evidence for the efficacy of cannabis in symptom management of endometriosis-associated pain. Integrative Medicine Reports, 3(1), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.1089/imr.2024.0017
Lu, H.-C., & Mackie, K. (2021). Review of the endocannabinoid system. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 6(6), 607–615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.07.016
Whitaker, L. H. R., Page, C., Morgan, C., Horne, A. W., & Saunders, P. T. K. (2024). Endometriosis: Cannabidiol therapy for symptom relief. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 45(12), 1150–1161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2024.10.014