Rising Use of Medical Cannabis Among Women Faces Barriers Leading to Illegal Market Dependence

The utilization of medical cannabis by women is witnessing a significant increase both in New Zealand and globally. Women are turning to cannabis treatments primarily for common health issues such as pain, anxiety, inflammation, and nausea, along with gynecological conditions including endometriosis, pelvic floor disorders, and menopause. Despite this growing trend, research highlights that women’s experiences with medicinal cannabis remain underexplored, and both policy and regulation often overlook their specific needs.

In New Zealand, the introduction of a medicinal cannabis scheme five years ago aimed to provide safe, legal, and quality-controlled options for various health conditions. Since then, the number of dispensed medicinal cannabis products has surged over 14 times, with over 160,000 prescriptions issued during 2023/2024. Notably, women were the main recipients during the scheme’s early years, and prescriptions to women doubled between 2022 and 2023, reaching over 47,000.

However, despite women’s recognition of support from healthcare providers regarding medicinal cannabis, they are less likely than men to obtain prescriptions. Factors such as the high costs associated with medical consultations, unpaid caregiving duties, lower workforce participation, and pay disparities contribute to these barriers, preventing equitable access. Additionally, many women choose not to disclose their use of medicinal cannabis due to societal stigmatization linked to gender roles.

A concerning aspect of cannabis use is that some women resort to illegal markets because of perceived lower costs and accessibility issues. Research indicates that illegal sources are often chosen due to the high expense and limited funding of legal products through agencies like Pharmac. Accessing illegal cannabis carries health risks, including exposure to contaminated products and unsafe purchasing environments. Women often face gender-specific threats such as physical assault, intimidation, and sexual harassment, especially when buying from drug houses or male-dominated settings. To mitigate these risks, women increasingly rely on female suppliers, forming informal support networks via social media to ensure safer access.

Many women initiate their medicinal cannabis journeys online, guided by social media and digital platforms that direct them to clinics specializing in cannabis treatments. These clinics are perceived as more knowledgeable and supportive than general practitioners, encouraging women to explore cannabis options, particularly for gynecological conditions. Nonetheless, the financial burden posed by consultation fees and product costs remains a barrier, impacting their ability to access legal prescriptions. The nature of prior healthcare experiences, such as dismissing pain or misdiagnosis, influences women’s decision to pursue prescribed treatments.

Current scientific evidence on using medicinal cannabis for gynecological issues is still emerging, with ongoing trials in Australia exploring treatment options for conditions like endometriosis and period pain. The widespread use of online peer networks reflects both women’s agency and the challenge of misinformation, emphasizing the need for better public education and clear guidelines from healthcare providers.

Policy-wise, there’s a critical need to bridge gaps in knowledge, support, and systemic access. Improved official information about medicinal cannabis, increased support for clinical research, and non-stigmatizing discussions between doctors and female patients could enhance safe, equitable access. Addressing financial, social, and systemic barriers is vital for empowering women to make informed decisions and access effective treatments without resorting to illegal markets.