THE HIGH GUIDE: CANNABIS & ENDOMETRIOSIS

Written by April Pride

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month so I’m here to break down the role that we now know cannabis can play in symptom management. Endometriosis is a painful disorder that affects 7% of Canadian women and 1 in 10 women worldwide. Perhaps you’ve heard about it thanks to women like Chrissy Tiegen, Gabrielle Union, Lena Dunham, Padma Lashki and Dolly Parton speaking publicly about their struggles with the symptoms, which can include debilitatingly painful periods, pain with sex, and infertility. The 2020 EndoAct Canada determined that “the main problems of endometriosis patients in Canada are the delay in the diagnosis, the difficulty to access to effective treatment and general ignorance of their symptoms.”

“Champ” by Zoë Buckman

Below are questions and answers to help women take managing the symptoms of Endo into their own hands – thanks to cannabis.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis? While many women with Endo have painful periods, symptoms vary and can include fatigue, leg pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, urinary issues, GI issues, painful urination, painful diarrhea, painful sex, bloating, nausea and infertility. Studies show that up to 50% of unexplained infertility may be due to Endo. Learn more at Know Your Endo.

How does cannabis address dysmenorrhea aka menstrual cramps? Menstrual cramps are caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that moderate contraction and relaxation of muscles, blood vessels, and inflammation. CBD can inhibit the enzyme that creates prostaglandins. Using CBD on someone who has menstrual cramps can often reduce their pain by reducing the root cause. Check out Everie teas and Apothecanna 1:1 Body Cream to address acute pain.

How can cannabis be used between cycles to reduce and prevent pelvic pain? Try a CBD oil tincture a few days before your period starts to prevent painful symptoms, and use it to replace Midol during your period. Hold it under your tongue for 30-60 seconds and expect relief in about 15 minutes. Try Tilray’s 2:100 CBD Oil medical-grade tincture.

How is endometriosis diagnosed? In Canada, women with endometriosis often experience a delay of more than five years to get diagnosed according to a large 2020 study. We’ve all gotten the pamphlet on preventing breast cancer at the OB/GYN’s office. Where is the Endo pamphlet? Ask your doctor, and if they don’t have one – ask them to create it for all their patients.

How does endometriosis impact a woman’s mental health? Dealing with a chronic monthly pain can have a huge impact on mental health, and women with Endo are at higher risk of developing anxiety and depression. The 2020 EndoAct Canada determined that the negligence of endometriosis patients causes significant mental health challenges, even thoughts of suicide.

High CBD strains to address symptoms of endometriosis:

Harlequin

A 2:1 CBD strain with low-intoxicating effects
Promotes feelings of happiness & relaxation
Helps with pain, inflammation & stress
Promotes feelings of happiness & relaxation

Cannatonic*

Almost 1:1 of CBD to THC
Quiet high that soothes body and mind
Prevents/reduces inflammation

Blackberry Kush*

Moderate high
Relaxes menstrual cramps
Helps with anxiety, stress and insomnia brought on by changing hormones

* In Canada, look for Cannatonic Blackberry flower by Maricann.

Recommended podcasts to better understand the causes and treatment of endometriosis:

The Heavy Flow Podcast, hosted by Amanda Laird. Heavy Flow began as a podcast in 2017, as a way to spark conversions about the things we’re not supposed to talk about like periods, fertility, pregnancy loss and abortion.

The Cycle Podcast, hosted by Melissa Boudreau. A podcast about sharing Endometriosis stories and creating a community to help others who are suffering.

Cannabis Voices, hosted by Mary Biles. Dr. Ethan Russo explains how a deficient endocannabinoid system may contribute to the development of Endometriosis.

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April Pride is co-creator and host of How to Do the Pot. A serial creative entrepreneur, in 2016 April launched Van der Pop, which continues to be recognized for its woman-focused, education-forward content. VdP was acquired in 2018, by Canopy Growth, the world’s largest cannabis company.