Cannim Group and the NICM Health Research Institute are calling for volunteers to take part in an observational study that will examine whether medicinal cannabis is safe and effective for treating period pain.
The Lumir Mission Medicinal Cannabis for Primary Dysmenorrhoea Study is co-led by NICM associate professor Mike Armour and Cannim chief scientific officer professor Kylie O'Brien. The six-month trial will evaluate how well the treatment reduces period pain.
Dysmenorrhoea is the leading cause of pelvic pain affecting 45-95% of menstruating women.
The study targets primary dysmenorrhoea — period pain with no structural cause — a widespread and debilitating condition that is typically managed through pain relief, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, and hormonal contraception. Roughly 10% of women do not respond to these existing options.
The condition involves cramping pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstruation, occurring without any underlying pelvic pathology such as endometriosis. Associated symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, headache, and lightheadedness.
NICM and Cannim are looking to recruit 65 participants in total, with 15 of those needing to be based in Sydney, New South Wales. Cannim's telehealth clinic will provide support to the broader national cohort throughout the duration of the study.
A social media campaign will reach out to potential participants directly, while healthcare practitioners are encouraged to refer eligible patients through the NICM Health Research or Natura Clinic websites.
Those interested in enrolling, or seeking further information, can also contact the study team directly by calling 1300 413 379.
