The use of medicinal cannabis among women is increasing both in New Zealand and internationally. Women seek cannabis treatments for a range of conditions, including pain, anxiety, inflammation, nausea, and gynecological issues such as endometriosis, pelvic floor disorders, and menopause.
However, research and policy have largely overlooked women’s unique experiences and challenges in accessing medicinal cannabis.
New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis scheme, launched five years ago, was designed to provide legal, safe, and quality-controlled cannabis products prescribed by doctors for suitable conditions.
Since 2020, the number of medicinal cannabis prescriptions dispensed has increased over fourteenfold, with more than 160,000 prescriptions issued in 2023-2024 alone. Women have been the primary recipients in the early years, with prescriptions to female patients doubling between 2022 and 2023 to nearly 48,000.
Despite this growth, a national survey reveals women are less likely than men to hold medicinal cannabis prescriptions, even though they generally view physicians as supportive.
This disparity mirrors findings from Australia and is attributed to factors such as the costs of medical visits, unpaid caregiving responsibilities, lower workforce participation, and wage gaps—all of which hinder women’s access to healthcare services.
Women also reported being more reluctant to disclose their medicinal cannabis use, fearing societal stigma linked to gender norms.
Financial barriers are a key reason many women turn to illegal cannabis markets, where prices are perceived as lower. New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis is not subsidized by Pharmac, the government’s drug-buying agency, making legal access costly.
Participants in recent studies described risks involved with illegal cannabis, including unknown potency and contamination, as well as unsafe and intimidating environments dominated by predatory male sellers. Some women reported experiences of physical assault, intimidation, and sexual harassment when purchasing cannabis in illicit settings.
To counter these risks, women increasingly rely on female suppliers, who are seen as safer and more trustworthy. Informal women-led support networks have emerged, using social media to share information, connect consumers to reliable suppliers, and warn against unsafe male sellers.
Legal access is also evolving, with more women turning to cannabis clinics renowned for their expertise and positive approach to treatment. Many begin their medicinal cannabis journey through online platforms and social media, where they find encouraging testimonials, especially related to gynecological conditions.
However, financial costs—including consultation fees and product prices—remain significant barriers. Trust and past experiences with general practitioners also shape women’s decisions; those who felt their pain was previously dismissed are more likely to seek prescriptions through specialized cannabis clinics.
Scientific evidence supporting medicinal cannabis for gynecological conditions is still developing, with clinical trials underway in Australia for endometriosis and period pain.
Women’s dependence on online sources and peer recommendations highlights gaps in public education and government outreach about the legal scheme. Additionally, many GPs remain hesitant to discuss or recommend cannabis, limiting patient access.
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