New Zealand Study Suggests Medicinal Cannabis Significantly Reduces Chronic Pain and Improves Quality of Life for Endometriosis Patients

University of Otago study shows medicinal cannabis reduces endometriosis pain and anxiety while improving sleep for patients in New Zealand.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 13, 2026, 4:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from [University of Otago]

Clinical Evaluation of Cannabinoids for Pelvic Distress

Medicinal cannabis is emerging as a potential new treatment pathway for individuals suffering from endometriosis, according to a recent study from the University of Otago. Led by Dr. Claire Henry of the Department of Surgery and Critical Care, the research followed 28 participants over a three-month period. These individuals were prescribed cannabidiol (CBD) oil either as a standalone treatment or in combination with dried cannabis flower to manage debilitating pelvic pain.

Measurable Reductions in Pain Intensity and Severity

The study utilized a numerical scale to track weekly pain scores, where a zero represented no pain and ten indicated the worst imaginable discomfort. The results showed a significant statistical decline in average symptoms: overall pelvic pain dropped from a level of 5.4 to 3.7, while "worst pain" scores fell from 7.6 to 5.3. These findings suggest that for many, the treatment provided a level of relief that standard medications had failed to deliver.

Impact on Quality of Life and Functional Recovery

Beyond simple pain management, participants reported substantial improvements in sleep quality and a reduction in anxiety levels. Dr. Henry noted that these secondary benefits had an almost equal impact on the participants' quality of life as the direct reduction in pain. The study documented profound personal milestones, including one participant preparing to re-enter the workforce after a three-year absence and another feeling healthy enough to attempt pregnancy.