Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name chronic pelvic pain on the official list, and 14 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding chronic pelvic pain
This pain can come from endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pelvic floor muscle problems, nerve irritation or bowel conditions, and sometimes several causes overlap. It can affect sitting, work, intimacy and sleep, and treatment often combines medicines, hormone therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, nerve-focused pain medicines and sometimes surgery.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Deep aching or cramping pain in the lower belly
- Pain during or after sex
- Bladder pain and urgency
- Painful bowel movements or bloating
- Pelvic floor muscle tightness and spasms
- Poor sleep because of ongoing pain
Does chronic pelvic pain qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasNot listed by name
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutListed as “Vulvodynia and vulvar burning”
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisNot listed by name
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaDoctor's discretion
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganNot listed by name
- MN MinnesotaDoctor's discretion
- MS MississippiNot listed by name
- MO MissouriDoctor's discretion
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireNot listed by name
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoNot listed by name
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaNot listed by name
- OH OhioNot listed by name
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaNot listed by name
- RI Rhode IslandNot listed by name
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- UT UtahNot listed by name
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonNot listed by name
- DC Washington, D.C.Doctor's discretion
- WV West VirginiaNot listed by name
What the research says
Limited evidence. Pelvic-pain studies are few and mostly patient surveys; the broader chronic-pain evidence is stronger.
- The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence that cannabis can modestly ease chronic pain in adults, which is the main basis for its use in pelvic pain.
- Studies focused specifically on pelvic pain are mostly patient surveys, especially in endometriosis, where many people report less pain and less use of other pain medicines.
- Randomized trials specifically in chronic pelvic pain are few and small, so results for any one person can vary.
- There is no evidence that cannabis treats the underlying cause, such as endometriosis lesions or bladder inflammation.
Sources: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017); FDA approvals; published trials. General information, not medical advice.
How doctors approach chronic pelvic pain
Doctors often consider oral tinctures or capsules for steady background relief, sometimes with an inhaled form for sudden flares.
A balanced mix of THC and CBD is commonly discussed, since THC appears more important for pain relief and CBD may soften THC side effects.
Evening use is a common starting point when pain disrupts sleep.
Starting low and going slow, while continuing pelvic floor therapy and other treatments, is the usual approach.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis is not recommended if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, which is important for many people with endometriosis.
- Cannabis can add to the drowsiness from opioids, gabapentin, pregabalin, muscle relaxants and some antidepressants used for pelvic pain.
- Heavy or long-term use can cause cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, with severe vomiting and belly pain that can be confused with a pelvic pain flare.
- New, sudden or severe pelvic pain, fever or abnormal bleeding needs prompt medical evaluation rather than self-treatment.
- Tell your gynecologist or urologist that you use cannabis, since it may affect how your symptoms are assessed.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Notes from a gynecologist, urologist or pain specialist describing your diagnosis, such as endometriosis or interstitial cystitis.
Imaging, surgical or laparoscopy reports if you have them.
A list of treatments you have tried, including hormone therapy, pain medicines and pelvic floor therapy.
A pain diary showing how often pain occurs and how it affects work, sleep and intimacy.
A government photo ID and proof that you live in your state.
Don't have records handy? Many patients are evaluated on their history alone.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for chronic pelvic pain
Answer a few questions
Pick your state, tell us your symptoms and what you've already tried. Review your answers and contact you to schedule your video visit.Meet your doctor by video
Join from your phone or laptop. Have a photo ID ready. The doctor reviews your history and decides whether cannabis is right for you.Get certified and registered
Pay the evaluation fee, then submit your state registry form. The doctor files your certification. We walk you through the state form line by line.
Chronic pelvic pain: 9 common questions
Does chronic pelvic pain qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name chronic pelvic pain on the official list, and 14 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list chronic pelvic pain as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Connecticut. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more, which don't use a fixed list. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for chronic pelvic pain online?
Yes, in 12 of those states — including Connecticut, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana and 7 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 3 others, such as Alaska, Colorado and Florida, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Does cannabis help endometriosis pain?
Many people with endometriosis report in surveys that cannabis eases their pain and lets them use fewer other pain medicines. Controlled trials specifically in endometriosis are still limited. Cannabis does not shrink endometriosis lesions, so keep working with your gynecologist on treatment of the condition itself.
Does CBD or THC work better for pelvic pain?
Research on pain overall suggests THC plays a larger role in pain relief, while CBD alone has weaker evidence. Many doctors start with a balanced product to get some pain relief with fewer THC side effects. Your doctor can help you adjust the balance based on how you respond.
Can I use cannabis if I'm trying to get pregnant?
Cannabis is not recommended if you are trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding. THC can pass to a developing baby and into breast milk. If pregnancy is a possibility, talk with your doctor about other pain options.
Can cannabis help with pain during sex?
Some people report less pain and muscle tension with cannabis, and topical or vaginal products are sold for this purpose. Research on these products is very limited. Pelvic floor physical therapy and treatment of the underlying cause remain the most proven options.
Can cannabis interact with my pelvic pain medicines?
Cannabis can add to the drowsiness caused by opioids, gabapentin, pregabalin, muscle relaxants and some antidepressants used for nerve pain. CBD can also affect how the liver processes some drugs. Bring a full medicine list to your visit so your doctor can check for problems.
How long does it take for cannabis to ease pelvic pain?
Inhaled cannabis usually works within minutes, while tinctures and edibles can take 30 minutes to two hours and last longer. For ongoing pain, it may take a few weeks of careful adjustment to find what helps. Keep a pain diary so you and your doctor can judge the effect.