A survey of cost, access and outcomes for cannabinoid-based medicinal product use by Australians with endometriosis

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2024 Aug;64(4):411-415. doi: 10.1111/ajo.13804. Epub 2024 Feb 28.

Abstract

People with endometriosis use cannabis to manage their symptoms. This study aimed to identify costs, modes of administration, product composition, and self-reported effectiveness for those accessing medicinal cannabis in Australia. There were 192 survey responses analysed. Most (63.5%) used a 'cannabis clinic' doctor, incurring an initial consultation cost of $100-$200+ (10.2% Medicare bulk-billed) and median cannabinoid medicine costs of $300AUD per month. Cost was a major barrier to access, necessitating reducing dosage (76.1%) and/or consuming illicit cannabis (42.9%), despite a prescription. Most (77%) medical consumers used two or more cannabis products, with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol predominant oil and flower products most frequently prescribed.

Keywords: CBMP; administration method; cannabis; chronic pain; dose; endometriosis; insurance.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australasian People
  • Australia
  • Cannabinoids* / economics
  • Cannabinoids* / therapeutic use
  • Dronabinol / therapeutic use
  • Endometriosis* / drug therapy
  • Endometriosis* / economics
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Medical Marijuana* / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Medical Marijuana
  • Cannabinoids
  • Dronabinol

Supplementary concepts

  • Australians