An Increasing Number of Women Turn to Cannabis for Relief from Menopause Symptoms.
Recent research identified chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and stress as the primary symptoms targeted for relief through cannabis usage.
According to a study presented at The Menopause Society Annual Meeting in 2023, there is a rising trend of cannabis use among women during or after menopause. This surge in cannabis consumption can be attributed to the rapid expansion of cannabis legalization and its increasing acceptance for both medical and recreational purposes across different age groups. In the past, cannabis use was predominantly associated with young adults; however, the age group of individuals aged 50 and above is currently experiencing the most significant growth in cannabis usage.
Although prior research has explored cannabis consumption patterns among men and younger adults, there exists a notable gap in data regarding the prevalence and characteristics of cannabis use among women undergoing the menopause transition. To bridge this information void, researchers conducted a comprehensive study involving over 5000 women in midlife.
“The study assessed the patterns, frequency, and motivations for cannabis consumption among postmenopausal women. The findings revealed a notable prevalence of cannabis use within this demographic, with more than 40% of participants indicating its use for either medical or recreational purposes.
Specifically, cannabis was employed by 28% of respondents to alleviate chronic pain, 24% for managing anxiety, 22% to address sleep issues, and 22% to alleviate stress. Approximately 6% of participants reported using cannabis to manage menopausal symptoms, with a primary focus on addressing mood and sleep disturbances associated with menopause.
Regarding recent usage, over 10% of participants disclosed using cannabis within the last 30 days. Among these users, smoking was the predominant method, cited by 56%, followed closely by the ingestion of edible cannabis products, reported by 52%. Additionally, 39% of users reported employing more than one form of cannabis consumption. Among those who had used cannabis in the past month, 31% reported daily or near-daily smoking, while 19% reported daily or near-daily consumption of edible cannabis products.”
Stephanie Faubion, MD, MBA, who serves as the medical director for The Menopause Society, emphasized, “These results underscore the importance of acknowledging and addressing cannabis utilization within the healthcare context. Further investigation is necessary to assess the possible drawbacks and advantages associated with its usage.”
