What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Mental Health, Pain, Anxiety.

Where was this research published?

Published in Journal of women's health (2002) on June 19, 2026.

Mental Health Pain Anxiety

Women are using cannabis to manage periods—but we need science to back it

Cannabis, Psychedelics, and Other Substance Use to Manage Premenstrual Symptoms: A Survey Study.

Journal of women's health (2002) • June 19, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

This pioneering survey is the first to examine how women use cannabis, psychedelics, and other substances to manage premenstrual symptoms across their menstrual cycle. Among 634 participants with recent menstrual cycles, 30% reported using cannabis to manage premenstrual mood symptoms, with use increasing to 51.5% among those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)—a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. The research found that both cannabis and psychedelics were used significantly more frequently during the luteal phase (the second half of the menstrual cycle when symptoms peak) compared to the follicular phase, suggesting deliberate symptom management rather than casual use.

The study reveals important patterns about self-medication practices: higher premenstrual symptom severity positively correlated with increased cannabis and nicotine use, indicating that those experiencing more intense symptoms turn to these substances for relief. Among the 45 participants experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, cannabis was the most frequently used substance to manage those symptoms as well. The research also identified that 16.2% of those with PMDD reported using psychedelics to manage premenstrual mood symptoms, marking the first time psychedelic use across the menstrual cycle has been documented in research.

While these findings highlight real-world usage patterns, the authors emphasize the critical need for rigorous clinical trials to determine whether cannabis and psychedelics actually work for these conditions and how they compare to established treatments like SSRIs. Currently, users are relying on self-reports of effectiveness without scientific evidence supporting safety or efficacy during different phases of the menstrual cycle.

📄 Original Abstract

Despite increasing interest in the medical use of substances such as cannabis and psychedelics, little is known about their use to manage premenstrual symptoms. This study assessed self-reported use of substances to manage premenstrual mood and physical symptoms, including among those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and in perimenopause. Inclusion criteria were age 18 and older with a menstrual cycle within the past year. Participants responded to an online survey querying the use of substances (alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, psychedelics, cocaine, stimulants, opiates, benzodiazepines) to manage premenstrual or perimenopausal symptoms, including frequency in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual symptoms were assessed via the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). Participants were categorized as PMDD if diagnosed by a health care provider via daily symptom tracking for two menstrual cycles. Seven hundred and three individuals responded; 634 reported a menstrual cycle in the past year (n = 167 PMDD). To manage premenstrual mood symptoms, participants most commonly used cannabis (30.0%), alcohol (16.1%), and psychedelics (5.9%), with higher percentages within the PMDD group (51.5% cannabis, 16.2% psychedelics). PSST score positively correlated with luteal frequency of cannabis and nicotine use (ps < 0.01). Cannabis (p < 0.01) and psychedelics (p < 0.005) were used more frequently in the luteal phase than the follicular. Among n = 45 who reported perimenopausal symptoms, cannabis was most frequently used to manage symptoms. This study was the first to assess psychedelic use across the menstrual cycle. These data underscore the need for research to assess the efficacy of these substances for premenstrual and perimenopausal symptoms.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Journal of women's health (2002)
Published: June 19, 2026
PMID: 42318639
DOI: 10.1177/15409996261459360

Authors (5)

Michelle Nazareth Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Reproductive Mental Health Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Victoria Paone Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Reproductive Mental Health Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Mary Elizabeth Yaden Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Angela Getachew Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Liisa Hantsoo Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Reproductive Mental Health Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.