Cannabis and Endometriosis: When Is an Adverse Effect Not Adverse?

Cannabis and Endometriosis: When Is an Adverse Effect Not Adverse? Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work. ABSTRACT There is growing evidence that people with endometriosis are utilising cannabis, whether legally or illicitly procured, for management of pain and associated symptoms. As such, concerns over cannabis use as a medicine are foremost in clinicians' minds, particularly potential adverse effects. This study, a sub-set of a larger (n = 889) international survey investigating the self-reported effectiveness, safety and pharmaceutical de-prescribing trends of cannabis use in the endometriosis population, showed that 32% experienced side-effects associated with cannabis use, similar to published literature. However, some of these reported adverse effects have potential clinical utility and may require a more nuanced interpretation. Conflicts of Interest As a medical research institute, NICM Health Research Institute receives research grants and donations from foundations, universities, government agencies, individuals and industry. Sponsors and donors also provide untied funding for work to advance the vision and mission of the Institute. Justin Sinclair is the recipient of a Western Sydney University Postgraduate Research Scholarship, and is a current member of the scientific advisory board of United in Compassion (pro bono) and a board member of the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (pro bono). Justin Sinclair also sits on the steering committee for Cannabis Clinicians Australia (pro bono) and is employed by Australian Natural Therapeutics Group. Orit Holtzman is the current vice-president of the Australian and New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners (ANZCCP). Mike Armour is a member of the Endometriosis Australia Clinical Advisory Committee, has done consulting work for Evolv Therapeutics and Hazel outside the submitted work and undertakes clinical trials on medicinal cannabis for Endometriosis funded by the Victorian Government and philanthropic donors. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest. Data Availability Statement The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.