New York: medical cannabis approved for painful periods

In New York State, women who suffer from menstrual pain and discomfort will soon be able to use medical cannabis. The proposals have been approved by the State Health Committee.

Cannabis for Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is more commonly known as «painful periods.» According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, 20% of women in New York State suffer from painful periods, which generally affect their daily lives, sleep, …

The bill Assembly 582, which proposed adding dysmenorrhea as a qualifying condition for access to medical cannabis, was overwhelmingly approved by the Assembly Health Committee by a vote of 21-2. The bill must now be approved by Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Senate.

If it is approved, the decision will follow Approval of medical cannabis for people with post-traumatic stress disorder, just like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease.

Linda Rosenthal, the Democratic member of the New York State Assembly who introduced the proposal, explained that «the reason menstrual cramps had not yet been considered for inclusion on the list of conditions eligible for medical cannabis was that it’s an issue men don’t think about on a daily basis. It’s a major health issue, and women have been suffering from it for years.»

In the United States, tampons and lubricants infused with medical cannabis rich in cannabidiol, in order to reduce pain caused by menstrual cramps have received positive reviews for their effectiveness in certain online journals. However, they have not yet been tested or even approved by the Food and Drug Administration. 

Mehdi Bautier