Use of Cannabis Products for the Management of Pain Associated With Gynecologic Conditions

Publication Date: June 28, 2024
Last Updated: July 1, 2024

Summary of Consensus Recommendations

Cannabis and Gynecologic Pain: General Principles

Better-quality data on the use of cannabis products are needed. There are insufficient data to make a recommendation regarding the use of these products for management of pain associated with gynecologic conditions.

Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of patients' use of cannabis products for pain management and be prepared to counsel them about the theoretical benefits based on the endocannabinoid pathway, potential adverse effects, and the limitations of the data on the use of the cannabis products for the management of gynecologic pain.

Limited, low-quality survey data show that cannabis use may lead to decreased use of opioids. However, more data are needed before cannabis products can be substituted for other pain medications.
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Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)-Transpolydatin

There are limited randomized controlled trial data demonstrating the efficacy of PEA-transpolydatin for pain relief for primary dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, and chronic pelvic pain. However, more and stronger data are needed before making a definitive recommendation.
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Adolescents and Use of Cannabis

Adolescents using cannabis products are at increased risk of detrimental cognitive effects and psychotic disorders when compared with adults. Data on short-term and long-term effects on adolescent brain development are needed before medical cannabis products can be recommended for adolescents for the management of gynecologic pain.

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Recommendation Grading

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

Overview

Title

Use of Cannabis Products for the Management of Pain Associated With Gynecologic Conditions

Authoring Organization

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Publication Month/Year

June 28, 2024

Last Updated Month/Year

July 12, 2024

Document Type

Consensus

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

Patients with gynecologic pain may use cannabis to manage pain, especially when it is not effectively managed by traditional methods. There are insufficient data to make a recommendation regarding the use of cannabis products for management of pain associated with gynecologic conditions. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of patients' use of cannabis products for pain management and be prepared to counsel them about the theoretical benefits based on the endocannabinoid pathway, potential adverse effects, and the limitations of the data on the use of cannabis products for the management of gynecologic pain.

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Adult, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D059408 - Pain Management, D010146 - Pain, D002188 - Cannabis

Keywords

Pain Management, cannabis, marijuana, CBD, THC, Gynecologic Conditions

Source Citation

ACOG Clinical Consensus No. 7: The Use of Cannabis Products for the Management of Pain Associated With Gynecologic Conditions. Obstetrics & Gynecology 144(1):p e24-e34, July 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005606 

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Data Supplement, Evidence Tables

Methodology

Number of Source Documents
54
Literature Search Start Date
March 1, 2021
Literature Search End Date
January 1, 2024