Debilitating pain for people with uteruses has for too long been regarded as a natural consequence of being a woman. And while a doctor may prescribe pain medication and therapeutic care, the source of suffering is rarely diagnosed at the onset as endometriosis, a severe illness where cells similar to the uterine cells grow outside of the uterus and can cause pelvic pain and spasms, excessive bleeding, systemic inflammation, migraines, muscular aches, ovarian cysts, and bloating and gastrointestinal issues. 

According to the 2016 documentary film, Endo What?, it takes an average of 8 to 10 years for endometriosis to be diagnosed. It also currently has no known cure. And despite the lack of awareness, gender bias, and fragmented care, nearly 200 million people suffer from endometriosis today. Furthermore, those who have to live with this illness, can also suffer from psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression due to the fact that they and their pain are seldom heard or treated effectively. 

Georgia Stuart is here to change that narrative. Stuart, who is based in Australia, lives with endometriosis and chronic illness and has built a beautiful community of endo warriors and supporters through The Endo Journal, where she candidly shares her decade+ long journey, from experiencing pain as a teen, to living with the illness and going through multiple rounds of potential solutions, to more recently becoming a medical cannabis patient to treat her pain and symptoms.

Stuart, like more than 62% medical cannabis users, is leaning on cannabis to support chronic pain. We were thrilled to connect with her because while her story may the same as many endo warriors, she has regained control of her health plan and has been able to find natural solutions to regain her livelihood. Her full-spectrum journey towards relief with the plant is inspiring and hopeful as cannabis becomes more accessible across the globe. 

Read on to learn more about Georgia and how everyone can become more aware of this movement. 

Tell me your cannabis story. How did you discover cannabis for endometriosis/chronic pain?
I first discovered cannabis for my endometriosis / chronic illnesses when I was in America in 2017/2018. I purchased some CBD gummies and some edibles. It was life-changing for me and my pain! I never thought I’d be able to access medicinal cannabis products here in Australia but in 2019 I was approved for THC oil, THC flower, CBD oil, and CBD flower… it’s been a complete game changer!

How did you manage your chronic pain from endometriosis before using cannabis?
I used to use regular pharmaceutical drugs which worked for a duration of time… however I soon began to experience horrific side effects such as reflux, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and mild allergic reactions. I also accessed excision surgery, massages, pelvic physiotherapy, acupuncture, psychology sessions, Chinese medicine, swimming, yoga and Pilates.

How do you manage it with cannabis now?
I still access all of the above-allied health, but I no longer have to take any pharmaceutical painkillers! Which is a huge improvement for me! I take daily CBD oil and vape CBD flower when pain is increased. When I’m having severe pain, I vape THC flower and take THC oil along with the CBD products. In the future, I’m hoping to make some pessaries and suppositories as I’ve read some research that these are incredible ways to relieve pelvic pain.

Endometriosis awareness is still so underrepresented. How can we all do our part to becoming more aware and more educated?
I think we all need to work towards removing the stigma surrounding periods and sex. I think if people spoke more openly about their experience with their period it could open up the conversation surrounding period pain. Obviously, you can have endometriosis without having painful periods, but painful periods are so so normalized! It’s NOT normal to have painful periods! Also, painful sex!!! There is toxic mentality of just dealing with pain during sex. Both of these symptoms are signs of endometriosis and for far too long they have been normalized.

Do you have any favorite resources?
Yes! On Instagram @endogram, @centerforendocare, @endometriosissummit, @qendoau, @endogirlsblog, @extrapelvicnotrare and on Facebook, Nancys Nook and Extrapelvic groups! They are both very informative.

How can someone with endometriosis better cope and feel more supported?
I think it’s so important to educate yourself with accurate information in order to get a thorough understanding of how to best support yourself. I think accessing the online community is so important too! Whether that means following Instagram accounts or joining Facebook support groups. It’s a constant reminder that you’re not alone in this journey.

What change or growth would you like to see with medicinal cannabis for pelvic health and chronic pain?
Again, I would like to see the stigma surrounding cannabis removed. I think a lot of people access medicinal cannabis but feel shame around it. I would also like people to know that you don’t need to be terminally ill to use/be approved medicinal cannabis here in Australia. Your pain is real and valid. You deserve potential relief.

What does living in high vibration mean to you?
It means my pain is in the background of my life not overtaking my life. It means I can find joy in simple things when I’m having a bad pain day.