Cannabis-based medicinal products are associated with sustained improvements in pain, health-related quality of life, sleep, and anxiety in patients with endometriosis at 24 months
In a 2-year prospective observational study of 101 patients with endometriosis, cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) were associated with significant improvements in pain severity, pain interference, quality of life, sleep, and anxiety at all follow-up points (1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months; p<0.001). Mean prescribed oral morphine equivalents decreased from 19.9 mg/day at baseline to 14.8 mg/day at 24 months. Adverse events were mostly mild, with fatigue (15.8%), lethargy (14.9%), and headache (12.9%) being most common.
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Cannabis-based medicinal products are associated with sustained improvements in pain, health-related quality of life, sleep, and anxiety in patients with endometriosis at 24 months The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Cannabis-based medicinal products are associated with sustained improvements in pain, health-related quality of life, sleep, and anxiety in patients with endometriosis at 24 months
This conclusion is most relevant to: Biological females (≥18 years) with a primary diagnosis of endometriosis, enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry for at least 2 years.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products for Endometriosis: A 2-Year Prospective Analysis From the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸CBMPs interact with the endocannabinoid system, modulating pain signaling
- ▸Cannabinoids may reduce inflammation and neuropathic pain associated with endometriosis
- ▸Improved pain and sleep may lead to reduced anxiety and better quality of life
- ▸Result: Sustained improvements in pain, sleep, anxiety, and quality of life
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Biological females (≥18 years) with a primary diagnosis of endometriosis, enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry for at least 2 years
Recommended Dose
N/A (not specified in abstract)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Observational study design without a control group, limiting causal inference
- ▸Potential selection bias and confounding by indication
- ▸No placebo comparison, so improvements may be partly due to placebo effects or regression to the mean
- ▸Adverse events may be underreported due to self-reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common side effects of cannabis-based medicinal products for endometriosis?▼
The most frequent adverse events reported were fatigue (15.8%), lethargy (14.9%), and headache (12.9%). Most adverse events (50.9%) were mild.
How long do the benefits of cannabis-based medicinal products last for endometriosis pain?▼
Improvements in pain, quality of life, sleep, and anxiety were sustained at all follow-up points up to 24 months, with statistically significant changes from baseline at each time point.
Can cannabis-based medicinal products reduce opioid use in endometriosis patients?▼
Yes, the study found a reduction in prescribed oral morphine equivalents from a mean of 19.9 mg/day at baseline to 14.8 mg/day at 24 months, suggesting a potential opioid-sparing effect.
Are cannabis-based medicinal products safe for long-term use in endometriosis?▼
The study reported a favorable adverse event profile over 24 months, with most events being mild. However, the observational nature and lack of control group mean that long-term safety requires further investigation.
References
- 1.Ahmed T, Erridge S, Clarke E, McLachlan K, Coomber R, Barnes S, Medniuk AD, Guru R, Holden W, Sajad M, Searle R, Usmani A, Rucker JJ, Platt M, Sodergren MH. “Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products for Endometriosis: A 2-Year Prospective Analysis From the UK Medical Cannabis Registry..” The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology, 2026. PMID: 42576801 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.70173