Rachel Payne held a ‘Women’s Health and Cannabis’ Forum last week which attracted over 100 registrations, with many notables from the cannabis industry and former MP, Fiona Patten. The event was held during World Menopause Month and the conversation explored use of cannabis for conditions as varied as endometriosis, menopause, anxiety, insomnia and more.

Many said they preferred cannabis to socialise over alcohol, due to “no hangovers”. Others talked about the positive impact cannabis had on their lives, health and that of their clients, friends and family. The most consistent feedback was “this worked when nothing else did” and “I prefer it to addictive and stronger medications”.

The Forum also canvassed the barriers to access, as medicinal cannabis remains unaffordable for many, whilst others included stigma and the ‘bro’ stereotype’ – both of which make being a woman and a cannabis consumer difficult. Mothers, in particular, come in for very harsh judgements around cannabis consumption, even though ‘wine o’clock’ is completely acceptable. The feedback from the Forum has been overwhelming! There is a real thirst for safe, respectful and evidence-based spaces to discuss cannabis and health.