Exploring how medical marijuana can ease the discomfort of the change of life
Menopause, often described as the “change of life,” can usher in a series of physical and emotional challenges that deeply affect the daily lives of women in their 40s and 50s. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and even depression can feel overwhelming. But according to the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) at Florida A&M University, a natural remedy—cannabis—might offer much-needed relief.
Dr. Genester Wilson-King, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and experienced medical marijuana practitioner, emphasizes the potential of cannabis to alleviate menopause symptoms. Since 2017, she has advocated for cannabis use as a viable alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
How Cannabis works to soothe menopause symptoms
Menopause symptoms are primarily caused by a significant drop in the body’s production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormonal shifts can result in a wide range of discomforts. Dr. Wilson-King points out that cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, pain perception, and sleep—key areas affected during menopause.
“The stress of menopause is enormous,” she explains. “Cannabis can help, especially if you don’t want to take hormones.” Women using medical marijuana under qualified physician care have reported improvements in sleep quality, reduced anxiety levels, decreased body pain, and overall enhanced well-being.
Importantly, Dr. Wilson-King notes that medical marijuana doesn’t necessarily produce the psychoactive “high” often associated with cannabis. With proper dosing and strains tailored to therapeutic needs, patients can experience relief without euphoria or cognitive impairment.
Accessing medical marijuana in Florida
While menopause itself is not a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Florida, many of its symptoms align with other approved medical conditions such as PTSD, Crohn’s disease, and HIV/AIDS. This provides an opportunity for women to receive treatment under state law when working with a licensed provider.
To get started, women are encouraged to consult the Florida Department of Health's Office of Medical Marijuana Use via their website, knowthefactsmmj.com, for a list of qualified physicians and to understand how to apply for a medical marijuana ID card.
For deeper insights into this subject, viewers can watch MMERI’s “Cannabis and Menopause” virtual forum featuring Dr. Genester Wilson-King at bit.ly/MMERIApril2025.
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