{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/endometriosis/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2674-markdown","title":"How CBD Can Help Relieve Endometriosis Pain","slug":"how-cbd-can-help-relieve-endometriosis-pain","content":"In endometriosis, the cells that form the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) occur outside of the organ, in places like the ovaries or Fallopian tubes. When a woman has her monthly menstrual cycle, the uterus sheds this endometrial lining—and the improperly growing cells along with it. Once shed, this tissue has nowhere to go and in some cases, it can cause pain that’s so severe that it can lead to hospitalization. \n\nWorldwide, 6–15% of women who are of reproductive age have endometriosis. Typical treatments for endometriosis usually involve painkillers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal birth control and surgery. However, these options can come up short for many women. \n\nJessica Peters, a cannabis clinician and founder of Moxie Meds, thinks that cannabidiol (CBD), one of cannabis’s many active compounds, can help women find relief from endometriosis—a condition she’s personally acquainted with.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### CBD Reduces Jessica’s Endometriosis Pain\n\nJessica first encountered CBD in 2010 when she was working at Market Street Cooperative, a now defunct dispensary that served a large portion of the San Francisco HIV/AIDS community. She took the position instead of pursuing work on a ship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—a move she says she made partly because of how severe her endometriosis symptoms were. \n\n“All I could think about was: If I have an endometriosis attack while I’m out at sea on a ship filled with 90% men and not at a hospital, I’m not going to make it through this. When I was younger, I can't recall any month in which I didn't miss school or work for at least one day [due to the pain caused by endometriosis],” she says. \n\nWhen she first tried CBD during her menstrual cycle, she could tell something was different: “I really noticed a reduction of cramps; I really noticed this pain relief, and I thought, ‘Wow, what might be going on here?’” she says. \n\nHer interest piqued, Jessica went on to work at Harborside Health Center, a medical cannabis dispensary in Oakland, CA, in hopes of further exploring CBD’s properties. At the time, CBD’s effects were largely unknown. She became the dispensary’s CBD specialist and began creating in-house products for them.  \n\n“At this point in time, my endometriosis [symptoms] had substantially changed. I could tell [CBD] was affecting it,” she says. “I would even withdraw it to see if my endo symptoms would come back, and in fact, they did—because that's what you do when you're science-minded: You torture your own body to see what might happen.” \n\n### The Endocannabinoid System Is Out of Whack When Endometriosis Is Present \n\nWhy did Jessica see such dramatic results from CBD, especially when nothing else she did—like conventional pharmaceuticals and alternative medicines—had much effect on her pain?  \n\nIn recent years, research has indicated that the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—the network of receptors located throughout the body that’s responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive and therapeutic effects—could have a role to play in the development of treatments for endometriosis.  \n\nRELATED: [HOW THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM AFFECTS WOMEN’S HEALTH](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a271593100a820006562eb8/how-the-endocannabinoid-system-affects-womens-health)\n\nThere are currently three receptors associated with the ECS: CB1, CB2 and TRPV1. Your body makes molecules called endocannabinoids that attach to these receptors; the most well-studied of these are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), though there are others as well. \n\nResearch indicates that [women with endometriosis have various imbalances in their ECS](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26887427). They tend to have lower levels of CB1 receptors in their endometrial tissue and higher levels of endocannabinoids, like AEA, in their blood. CB1 and AEA play a role in how our body perceives pain. Thus, the imbalance of these components is likely influencing how they work to manage pain. \n\nThe cannabis plant makes molecules called phytocannabinoids that can also attach to ECS receptors. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD are two of the most well-studied of these phytocannabinoids. THC is remarkably similar in structure to AEA, so it can attach to the same receptor in your body to elicit various therapeutic effects. \n\nWe still don’t fully understand how CBD influences the ECS. In some cases, it attaches directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors. In other instances, CBD slows the breakdown of your body’s endocannabinoids; it may even influence how other substances attach to ECS receptors. \n\n### The Terpene Beta-Caryophyllene Increases CBD’s Efficacy\n\nWorking at Harborside, Jessica had more access to CBD-rich extracts, as well as the resources to study CBD’s properties. She eventually stumbled on a paper that mentioned the terpene beta-caryophyllene as the first “dietary cannabinoid.” \n\nBeta-caryophyllene is [one of the many terpenes found in the cannabis plant](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99e9f4f24d1300077ccb6f/cannabis-terpenes-pack-a-therapeutic-punch). Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are found in many different foods. They are what gives lemons their characteristic citrusy smell, for instance. \n\nTerpenes aren’t notable just for their aromas: It’s now thought that terpenes can affect the nature of the high you experience when consuming cannabis. Knowing this, Jessica set out to explore beta-caryophyllene’s properties. \n\nShe looked for food-based sources of beta-caryophyllene and created a handout to give to her patients at Harborside. She noticed that those who consumed more foods rich in beta-caryophyllene seemed to have more success in using cannabis for whatever their particular condition was. \n\nWhen Jessica was eventually approached by some investors to create cannabis products for the now-defunct Moxie Meds, she immediately knew she wanted to develop something for women. Her previous work led her to ask, \"Could you put beta-caryophyllene in the medication, and if you did, would that change it?\"\n\nTrue to her background in the sciences, Jessica found folks who were willing to serve as guinea pigs. As she was already familiar with their cannabis dosing regimen, she added safe levels of beta-caryophyllene into their medication and observed the effects. \n\nUltimately, she discovered that if beta-caryophyllene was added to a patient’s cannabis medication, they usually needed less CBD and THC to get the same—or in some cases, better—effect. \n\nRELATED: [KNOW YOUR TERPENES: BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ae15d2d049b4f000a64e8e7/know-your-terpenes-beta-caryophyllene)\n\nThis discovery also had an impact on Jessica’s own dosing regimen for her endometriosis. Prior to this revelation, Jessica was taking 40–50 mg of CBD and THC in a 1:1 ratio, three times a day. Since adding beta-caryophyllene, she takes about 7.5 mg of CBD in a 4:1 CBD to THC ratio and only uses the 1:1 CBD to THC ratio for pain relief, if needed. At this point, she hasn’t had an endometriosis attack in about five years; she now considers her endometriosis asymptomatic. \n\n“We don't have the science yet to prove this, but it’s strongly my belief that [CBD with the addition of beta-caryophyllene has] regulated my hormonal functioning,” she says. “If I’m doing my protocol correctly, I don't need a lot of pain relief. I don't need to bring out that 1:1 very often.”\n\n### Women With Endometriosis Have a Lot More CB2 Receptors \n\nWe don’t yet have the science to fully explain why Jessica and her patients saw such positive results, but there are some clues that may point us in the right direction. As previously mentioned, women with endometriosis tend to have fewer CB1 receptors in their endometrium. However, the opposite is true for CB2: Studies suggest that [women with endometriosis have a higher expression of this receptor](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18419603), perhaps as part of the body’s inflammatory response. \n\nCannabinoids that attach to CB2 receptors can control the release of cytokines, small proteins that can control the actions of cells. These cytokines are in turn responsible for a variety of immune responses, including the release of pro-inflammatory compounds. It’s thought that compounds that attach to CB2 can have therapeutic applications to many diseases.\n\nScientists are still working on [identifying compounds that bind to CB2](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27215781)—we know that THC can bind to this receptor, but it often doesn’t. However, research does indicate that [beta-caryophyllene selectively activates CB2](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18574142/). \n\nJessica acknowledges that there’s still a lot we don’t know about CBD’s relationship with the CB2 receptor, but based on what’s she’s witnessed, she’s made a few inferences. \n\n“The presence of beta-caryophyllene seems to allow CBD to either bind to those [CB2] receptors more efficiently, or more preferentially. It's doing something that’s allowing CBD to increase its efficacy,” she says.   \n\n### CBD Can Help With Endometriosis, But More Research & Education Are Needed\n\nUnfortunately, Jessica’s company, Moxie Meds, was forced to shut down after the 2017 fires in northern California. As a result, that magical formula of CBD and beta-caryophyllene is currently unavailable. It’s “brutal” to watch this happen, says Jessica. She has since referred patients back to her Harborside handout as a way for them to add more beta-caryophyllene into their diet. \n\nThough her next steps are unclear, it’s apparent that cannabis education as it relates to women’s health is of great importance to her, and she’ll likely continue to work in this context. \n\n“Women's health in a Western context is quite ignored. Other countries have endometriosis-specific medications pharmaceutical-wise; we don't even have that,”  she says. “We're not looking for this disease; we're not talking about it.”\n\n“I spent much of my life thinking I just had a really bad [menstrual] cycle,” she adds. “Now with just a combination of cannabinoids, terpenes and phytonutrients, [my endometriosis] isn’t present in any way. It’s shocking and amazing, and it should be of great scientific curiosity to medical practitioners. And it’s incredibly frustrating that it’s not.” \n\nJessica continues to consult with physicians in other states, educating them on cannabis’s effects on the body. Meanwhile, awareness of endometriosis is on the rise, with celebrities like Lena Dunham and Padma Lakshmi speaking out about their experiences. \n\nWhile women in the United States still don’t have access to medications specifically intended to treat the symptoms of endometriosis, cannabis and its constituents can provide hope for the many women whose lives are deeply impacted by this condition. \n\nPhoto credit: [Jasper Graetsch](https://unsplash.com/search/photos/jasper-graetsch)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/14b42/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/f836f/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.jpg 200w,\n/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/2244e/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.jpg 400w,\n/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/14b42/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.jpg 800w,\n/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/47498/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/0e329/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.jpg 1600w,\n/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/77d93/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.jpg 3600w","srcWebp":"/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/58556/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/61e93/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.webp 200w,\n/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/1f5c5/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.webp 400w,\n/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/58556/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.webp 800w,\n/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/99238/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.webp 1200w,\n/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/7c22d/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.webp 1600w,\n/static/cdebddb2948d23f581767ba7be27007b/d4378/7b71fd3e294b46a95f862cda3a7981e1.webp 3600w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2671-markdown","title":"Can Cannabis Help Defend Against Endometrial Cancer?","slug":"can-cannabis-help-defend-against-endometrial-cancer","content":"Endometrial cancer (EC), the most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S., is on the rise. This year, the American Cancer Society estimates 63,280 women will be diagnosed with EC, and 11,350 will die from the disease. \n\nExposure to too much estrogen is believed to play a major role in the development of EC, because it can stimulate endometrial cells to grow and potentially become malignant. Women who have an increased risk of EC are those who:\n\n* Use certain hormone replacement therapies (to treat menopause)\n* Have started menstruating at an early age\n* Never had children\n* Are overweight or obese particularly after menopause\n\nAll of these factors increase a woman’s overall lifetime exposure to estrogen. Women with endometriosis—a pro-inflammatory disease in which tissues normally found in the uterine lining grow outside the uterus—are also at an increased risk of EC. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What Role Do Cannabinoids Play When it Comes to Cancer?\n\nBesides the well-known painkilling and anti-emetic effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in cancer patients, there’s mounting evidence that these cannabinoids may inhibit in-vitro growth of various types of tumor cells. Animal studies also show that THC and CBD may impair the ability of certain types of cancer cells to invade tissues and metastasize to other parts of the body.\n\nHowever, the scales tip more toward CBD in the growing number of preliminary studies showing its potential to stop the growth and expansion of cancer cells.\n\nRELATED: [CAN CANNABIS SWITCH OFF CANCER?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a1362a0eea891000897e26a/can-cannabis-switch-off-cancer)\n\n### CBD Shows Therapeutic Promise With Hard-to-Treat Tumors\n\nIn a recent study, investigators from the University of Porto in Portugal tested the anti-cancer effects of THC and CBD in two endometrial cancer cell lines called Ishikawa and Hec50co. While Ishikawa is an estrogen-dependent EC cell line—meaning, it needs estrogen to continue to survive, Hec50co is able to develop other means of surviving without estrogen. ECs that don’t rely on estrogen to survive are more difficult to treat.\n\nResearchers also treated the EC cells with the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). AEA and 2-AG are compounds chemically akin to CBD and THC in cannabis. \n\nWhat researchers found was that the cannabinoids worked in various ways to kill EC cells. In estrogen-dependent EC, AEA and CBD induced apoptosis—a process of programmed cell death—by activating a receptor called transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1(TRPV1). TRPV1 is involved in the transmission and modulation of pain. Previous studies have shown that CBD’s action to reduce sensitivity to pain is through this receptor.\n\nThey also found that when estrogen-independent EC cells were treated with AEA and CBD, it resulted in a drastic cytotoxic—toxic to cells—effect, independent of TRPV1. Meanwhile, THC treatment didn’t have any effect on either EC cell line, and none of the cannabinoids had any effect on normal, non-cancerous cells.\n\nThe University of Porto researchers concluded that CBD and CBD-rich extracts may be more promising than THC for the potential treatment of endometrial tumors. These findings show that CBD is effective in inhibiting tumor cell growth regardless of whether the tumor needs estrogen to grow.\n\nOf course, more studies are needed to test these findings. However, this outcome suggests that CBD could have potential as a therapeutic agent for these hard-to-treat tumors.\n\nRELATED: [CBD: THE MEDICINE OF THE FUTURE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56c52e887c6109000800009a/cbd-cannabidiol-the-medicine-of-the-future)\n\n### Can CBD Be Used to Treat Endometrial Cancer?\n\nClinical studies are needed to determine the potential efficacy and dose of CBD as a therapy for EC in humans. It may be that CBD could be used in combination with current EC therapies to enhance their tumor-killing actions. It should be noted that at this point, there’s absolutely no evidence in humans to support women solely using CBD to treat their EC.\n\n### Should Women Use Cannabis to Reduce the Risk of Endometrial Cancer?\n\nCannabis may help protect against EC and perhaps other cancers by lowering inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation of tissues may lead to cellular DNA damage that could ultimately transform into cancer. This may be particularly relevant for women with endometriosis, which is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects endometrial tissues. Although THC wasn’t shown to inhibit the growth of EC cells in the University of Porto study, both CBD and THC are potent anti-inflammatory agents that can help reduce inflammation.\n\nLowering circulating estrogen levels may also reduce risk of EC. Early studies in rats have found that acute administration of THC or AEA resulted in lower circulating estrogen levels. So, daily consumption of tinctures containing CBD and THC may help lower EC risk by reducing inflammation and circulating estrogen levels.\n\n### Other Ways Women Can Guard Against Endometrial Cancer\n\nKeep a healthy weight. Consuming an anti-inflammatory, anti-estrogenic diet can further protect against EC. Foods to avoid include:\n\n* Sugar\n* Red meat\n* Alcohol\n* Highly estrogenic foods such as soy and flaxseed\n\nFoods to eat more of include:\n\n* Green and other colored vegetables\n* Cruciferous vegetables\n* Foods containing anti-inflammatory and anti-estrogenic flavonoids such as green tea, apples and onions\n\nWomen may also want to add a specific type of seaweed to their daily diets. In animal, human and cell studies, which I conducted, an edible brown seaweed from the Maine coast called Fucus vesiculosus (aka bladderwrack) was found to have anti-estrogenic action and tumor-killing properties that can fight against endometrial, breast and ovarian cancer cells. It was also found that bladderwrack can effectively reduce pain and heavy menstrual bleeding in women with endometriosis. \n\nBesides regulating circadian rhythms and reproduction, melatonin has shown promising results as an anti-inflammatory, anti-estrogen and anti-cancer agent. Studies have also shown that it reduces inflammation and may help slow the spread of endometriosis. Because of its popularity as a sleep aid, a number of melatonin supplements are now currently on the market. \n\nIncorporating cannabis along with other dietary and lifestyle measures may help reduce a woman’s risk of EC, as well as provide other healthful benefits. That said, women experiencing any abnormal uterine bleeding or changes to their menstrual cycles should immediately consult with a physician.\n\nPhoto credit: [Ant rozetsky](https://unsplash.com/search/photos/ant-rozetsky)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/14b42/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/f836f/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.jpg 200w,\n/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/2244e/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.jpg 400w,\n/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/14b42/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.jpg 800w,\n/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/47498/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/0e329/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/b56c7/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.jpg 3640w","srcWebp":"/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/58556/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/61e93/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.webp 200w,\n/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/1f5c5/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.webp 400w,\n/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/58556/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.webp 800w,\n/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/99238/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.webp 1200w,\n/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/7c22d/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.webp 1600w,\n/static/b686a007604f77b0e88189a5e82e2fcb/fe53a/597ce06999ab95f7da1d6d9be8251edc.webp 3640w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2553-markdown","title":"Can Marijuana Help With Endometriosis?","slug":"can-marijuana-help-with-endometriosis","content":"Endometriosis is a disorder where tissue that normally lines the endometrium—the mucous membrane lining of the uterus—grows in other places, like the ovaries or Fallopian tubes. When this tissue is shed during a woman’s menstrual cycle, the abnormally growing tissue outside of the uterus is shed as well. Oftentimes, this tissue has nowhere to go and becomes trapped in the body, causing pain that can be extreme enough to lead to hospitalization. \r\n\r\nEndometriosis is common: It occurs in about 10–15% of the female population. And yet, not much is known about it—there’s no cure, and pain management options are limited. A number of women have anecdotally reported that cannabis eases the pain associated with endometriosis. Given the lack of treatment options for this condition, exploring these claims and how the endocannabinoid system is involved in this disorder’s pathology could stand to benefit millions of women. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nTo review, the endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors located throughout the body. Your body makes endocannabinoids, compounds that attach to these receptors. These endocannabinoids are similar in structure to compounds found in cannabis, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). This means is that THC and other phytocannabinoids found in marijuana can act on this receptor system to bring about certain therapeutic effects. \r\n\r\nA 2016 study in _Act Histochemica_  attempted to look into [the endocannabinoid system’s role in endometriosis](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0065128116303154?via%3Dihub). According to the study, the uterus contains endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Patients with endometriosis have the same amount of receptors as women without the disease. However, patients suffering from endometriosis lack the endocannabinoids to interact with their receptors. It would seem then that an increase in cannabinoids—such as when using cannabis—might help those with endometriosis.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [HOW THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM AFFECTS WOMEN’S HEALTH](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a271593100a820006562eb8/how-the-endocannabinoid-system-affects-womens-health)\r\n\r\nTo explore this logic, the researchers first showed that the endometrial cells of patients with the disorder produced fewer endocannabinoids—but they also noticed that these cells proliferated more easily. Interestingly, endocannabinoids are known to assist in apoptosis—a type of programmed cell death. And cannabinoids in general have anti-proliferative actions on some cells, as well as analgesic effects for patients. \r\n\r\nUsing a cell culture, researchers added compounds that attach to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endometrial cells. They found that this led to anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects. What they concluded was that, if you were to add endocannabinoids, which also attach to these receptors, you might be able to get similar outcomes. \r\n\r\nThese findings could have applications to the endometrial cells that grow outside of the uterus in women who have this disorder. However, this has yet to be studied. Though the development of a cannabis-based medicine to treat endometriosis is being researched and attempted, studies like this lay the groundwork for such goals. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Asdrubal Luna](https://unsplash.com/@infectedluna)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  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