Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 2 state programs name endometriosis 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 endometriosis
It can cause severe period pain, pain during sex, chronic pelvic pain, fatigue and fertility problems, and many people wait years for a diagnosis. Treatment usually includes pain relievers, hormonal therapies that reduce or stop periods and, for some, surgery to remove endometriosis tissue.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Severe period pain and cramping
- Chronic pelvic pain between periods
- Pain with bowel movements or during sex
- Nausea and bloating during flares
- Poor sleep and fatigue from ongoing pain
- Anxiety and low mood linked to chronic pain
Does endometriosis 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 ConnecticutNot listed by name
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed
- 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 DakotaListed
- 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
Not enough research. Surveys report pain relief, but controlled trials are lacking.
- There is little research on medical cannabis specifically for endometriosis, and results from controlled clinical trials are not yet available.
- Patient surveys from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US report that many people with endometriosis use cannabis and rate it helpful for pain, sleep and nausea, but surveys cannot prove it works.
- Animal studies suggest the endocannabinoid system plays a role in endometriosis pain, though this has not been confirmed in people.
- Evidence that cannabis helps chronic pain in general comes mostly from nerve pain studies in other conditions.
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 endometriosis
Doctors often consider oral products or tinctures for pain that builds over several days around a period.
Vaporized cannabis is sometimes considered for sudden flares because it acts quickly.
A balanced CBD and THC product is a common starting point, with THC used mainly in the evening or on bad pain days.
Starting low, going slow and timing use to your cycle can help you learn what works while limiting side effects.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis is not recommended if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Cannabis does not treat the endometriosis tissue itself, so keep working with your gynecologist on hormonal or surgical options.
- Combining cannabis with opioid pain medicines or sleep aids can increase drowsiness.
- Heavy long-term use can rarely cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which can be confused with an endometriosis flare.
- New or very severe pelvic pain, fever or fainting needs prompt medical care rather than more cannabis.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A diagnosis from a gynecologist, ideally with surgical, laparoscopy or imaging reports.
A list of treatments you have tried, including pain relievers, hormonal therapies and surgery.
A pain diary showing how symptoms follow your cycle.
Notes on how pain affects work, school, relationships and sleep.
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 endometriosis
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.
Endometriosis: 9 common questions
Does endometriosis qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 2 state programs name endometriosis 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 endometriosis as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Illinois and North Dakota. 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 endometriosis online?
Yes, in 12 of those states — including Illinois, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana and 7 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 4 others, such as North Dakota, Alaska, Colorado and 1 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis help endometriosis pain?
Many people with endometriosis report that cannabis helps their pain, sleep and nausea in surveys. However, there are no completed clinical trials to confirm this. It is best used as one part of a broader pain plan with your gynecologist.
Is CBD or THC better for endometriosis?
There is no research comparing them for endometriosis. Survey respondents often report more relief from products containing THC, while CBD alone causes fewer side effects. A balanced product, used mainly in the evening at first, is a common starting point.
Can I use cannabis while trying to get pregnant?
Cannabis is not recommended while trying to conceive, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. THC passes to the baby and may affect development. Talk with your doctor about other ways to manage pain during this time.
Can cannabis interact with my hormonal treatment?
There is no well-established harmful interaction between cannabis and common hormonal treatments for endometriosis. CBD can affect liver enzymes that process many medicines, so it is worth checking with your pharmacist. Keep taking hormonal treatment as prescribed.
When should I take cannabis for period pain?
Some people start oral products a day or two before their period is due, when pain tends to build. Others use a fast-acting vaporized product during flares. Track your cycle and symptoms to find a pattern that works, and review it with your doctor.
Can cannabis help with endometriosis nausea and bowel symptoms?
Some people report less nausea and cramping with bowel movements. Cannabinoids have strong evidence for nausea from chemotherapy, but evidence for endometriosis is anecdotal. If nausea and vomiting get worse with regular use, stop and see your doctor.