Insights: How Women are Using Cannabis at Astrid
Article Contributed By Lisa Nguyen
The stigma surrounding women's access to cannabis remains a significant challenge. This stigma is deeply rooted in the historical, political, and social landscape of cannabis use. Traditionally, cannabis has been perceived as a male-dominated domain - from consumers to growers, scientists, and businessmen. This perception persists despite the irony that it's the female cannabis plant that produces flowers.
Media portrayals have further perpetuated this stereotype, often depicting the typical cannabis user as a "male stoner." However, our experience at Astrid Dispensary reveals a vastly different reality. Our patients, prescribed cannabis for medical reasons, report that it enhances their daily functioning and improves their quality of life, addressing symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
Contrary to popular belief, we see almost equal representation in cannabis access between men and women. At Astrid, 43% of our patients are women. While we're proud of this progress in reducing the gender gap, we believe this percentage could be even higher if we could further alleviate the fear and shame some women feel about using cannabis. This article aims to provide more details about female patients and their needs.
The Numbers
At present, 36.5% of our patients are using cannabis for their anxiety, 17.3% for insomnia, and 18% for chronic pain.
Recent data from March to May 2024 provides insights into the primary conditions and symptoms that lead women to seek medical cannabis treatment at Atrid:
Top Three Conditions
Anxiety: 72%
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), anxiety affects about 13% of Australian women.
Insomnia: 52%
One study found that 41.5% of women reported chronic difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep along with daytime symptoms, compared to 35.3% of men.
Depression: 40%
Females were more likely than males to have depression - 12.3% compared to 7.8%
Other Conditions
Chronic non-cancer pain: 27%
Endometriosis or period pain: 20%
Headache/migraines: 19%
IBS/other bowel disorders: 17%
ADHD: 16%
Other neurological disorders: 8%
Cancer-related pain or other symptoms: 5%
These statistics highlight the diverse range of conditions for which women are seeking cannabis-based treatments. It's particularly noteworthy that anxiety and sleep disorders top the list, followed closely by mood disorders and chronic pain conditions.
Endometriosis (let’s explore)
Endometriosis, which affects approximately 14% of women aged 44-49, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), ranks fifth on our list. This complex and often debilitating condition presents unique challenges, and our endometriosis patients primarily use medicinal cannabis to manage pain, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.
Interestingly, our observations suggest that endometriosis patients tend to adjust their cannabis use according to their menstrual cycle. During more painful periods, such as menstruation or ovulation, patients often opt for stronger THC products. These may include inhalation methods (vaporizers or flower) or wafers for on-demand relief, combined with THC-dominant oils. Many switch to more CBD-dominant or balanced products for the remainder of their cycle.
Some patients have also reported success with endometriosis relief creams, although application can be challenging during menstruation. Some find relief by applying these topicals to the pelvic region during particularly painful days.
This adaptable approach underscores the importance of access to various treatment options. The ability to adjust treatment based on cycle and pain levels is crucial for managing such a variable condition effectively.
Female Run Benefits
One of the key benefits of seeking medical cannabis treatment is our strong female presence and our commitment to supporting women's unique needs. We understand that women using cannabis are not "stoners," but patients with diverse and often cyclical needs that require personalised care.
Therefore, creating a supportive environment requires time, consideration, and attentive listening. We witness firsthand how women can sometimes feel hesitant to discuss their cannabis use. By fostering an atmosphere that encourages open conversation, we're able to guide women in effectively utilising cannabis to address their complex needs. This approach builds trust and ensures patients receive personalised care tailored to their unique circumstances.
Lisa is an Australian-trained pharmacist and the founder and CEO of Astrid, Australia's first boutique female-led dispensary specializing in medicinal cannabis. As an early adopter in the Australian medicinal cannabis sector, Lisa gained extensive experience as a Clinical Pharmacist and Medical Science Liaison, working with early-prescribing doctors to navigate the complex regulatory prescribing process. In 2020, she founded Astrid with a vision that is completely people and patient-focused, aiming to remove the stigma associated with cannabis by subverting the clinical and cold perceptions of the traditional pharmacy model.
Disclaimer: This information is shared with a global readership for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or business advice. All patient-related information has been de-identified OR fictional to protect privacy. Nothing in this article is intended to promote the use or supply of medical cannabis to members of the public.
